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Keep your phone, tablet, and other touchscreen devices dust and dirt-free with these easy tips
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Is the touch screen on your mobile phone, tablet, or computer starting to look a little grimy? Fortunately, touch screens are very easy to clean. You just need to choose your cleaning products carefully to avoid damaging your screen’s delicate surface. In this article, we’ll explain the best ways to safely and easily clean or disinfect your touch screen—as well as what to avoid.
How to Clean and Maintain Your Touch Screen
- For most basic cleaning jobs, use a dry or lightly damp microfiber cleaning cloth.
- Pre-moistened electronic wipes or lens wipes are also a great choice for cleaning your touch screen.
- Use a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe to disinfect your screen.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow can I clean a cell phone screen without damaging it?Mobile Kangaroo is a full service repair shop and Apple Authorized Service Provider headquartered in Mountain View, CA. Mobile Kangaroo has been repairing electronic devices such as computers, phones, and tablets, for over 19 years, with locations in over 20 cities.I'd use a disposable lens-cleaning wipe. If you don't have one of those, pour a few drops of isopropyl alcohol in a microfiber cloth. Wipe the screen gently, and then dry it off with a clean cloth.
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QuestionCould a microfiber cloth damage the screen?Community AnswerNo, microfibre cloths are designed to not leave marks or scratches on surfaces such as glass or plastic.
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QuestionI can't use a microfiber cloth because I don't have any and my mom already went to the store, so what's another technique I can use without having to go to the store?Community AnswerIf you do not have a microfiber cloth and the cleaning can't wait, a cotton cloth or corner of a shirt will do.
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Tips
- Your device’s manufacturer may have special cleaning instructions or recommendations. Check your user manual or the manufacturer’s website for more information.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- Avoid putting alcohol directly on your device's screen because even a little bit can be damaging. Just using a moist microfiber cloth often works as well as most screen-cleaning liquids.
- To prevent scratches or just minor damage, use a screen protector to keep the main screen safe.
- When you're in a pinch, rub your phone screen with a clean piece of a cotton shirt.
- To keep the screen clean, I suggest using a stylus instead of your fingers.
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References
- ↑ https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/how-sanitize-your-phone-and-other-devices
- ↑ Mobile Kangaroo. Computer & Phone Repair Specialists. Expert Interview. 11 September 2019.
- ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/108765
- ↑ https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/make-your-own-screen-cleaning-spray-on-the-cheap/
- ↑ https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/how-sanitize-your-phone-and-other-devices
About This Article
Article Summary
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The best way to clean a touchscreen is with a dry microfiber cloth. Rub the screen in small circles with the cloth to remove any smudges and marks. If a dry cloth really isn't cutting it, you can try slightly moistening the cloth with distilled water or a screen cleaner. To sanitize your touchscreen, apply a little hand sanitizer to a paper towel, then carefully wipe down the screen with it. For more tips, like how to clean a microfiber cloth, keep reading!
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Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 968,150 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "The cloth worked perfectly. I plan on trying this trick on our sensor panels on our money counters at work. They get all that green gooey ink from the money. Thanks for the tip!" ..." more
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"The cloth worked perfectly. I plan on trying this trick on our sensor panels on our money counters at work. They get all that green gooey ink from the money. Thanks for the tip!"
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"I have a new laptop and it has a touch screen. I want to keep it clean, and want to make sure I don't ruin the screen. This was very helpful."
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"The micro fiber cloth usage is a really good idea. Was worried about my mobile's screen. Thank you for such a wonderful article."
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"I used the micro-fiber cloth with a hand sanitizer/ disinfectant (alcohol-based), and it worked out pretty well."
"I haven't actually tried #2, but I have high hopes, I have never been let down by wikiHow before."
