How to Clean Your Phone Screen

Are you dealing with smudges on your device's touchscreen? Those fingerprints that keep appearing, probably due to the latest game you've become addicted to, can be a nuisance. Regularly cleaning your phone, tablet, MP3 player screen, or any other touch-screen device is essential for maintenance and increasing their lifespan. Learn how to easily remove those stains and avoid actions that might harm your touchscreen.

Choose a microfiber cloth. This fabric is perfect for cleaning touchscreen screens. Some devices come with one, or you can borrow one from a friend who wears glasses.

• The price of such fabric can vary. For branded fabrics recommended by companies for their products, the price may be significantly higher due to their endorsements. Look for a deal that works for you, or replace it with a less expensive microfiber cloth that's still effective.

Power off your device before starting the cleaning process. It will be easier to spot the areas that need cleaning when the phone is turned off.

Clean the entire screen at once by gently wiping with a microfiber cloth in small circular motions. This step will help remove most of the dust and dirt with ease.

If necessary, dampen a cotton cloth with alcohol and repeat the small circular motions. In fact, you can simply breathe onto the screen to create moisture and use the humidity for cleaning.

• Read the instructions that come with the cloth you are using. Some fabrics need to be moistened before use. In that case, simply skip this step and follow the fabric's guidelines instead.
• If you moisten the cloth, it's best to use distilled water or a screen cleaner designed for touchscreen devices.

Wipe again with the microfiber cloth. Don't rub too hard. If the screen is still wet, let it air dry naturally.

Wash the cloth. To clean a microfiber cloth, soak it in warm water with a little soap. The warm water will help loosen the fibers and remove dirt. Gently rub the cloth while soaking (don't scrub too hard, as it could damage the cloth). After soaking, avoid wringing it out; let it dry naturally. If you're in a hurry, you can use a fan to speed up the drying process. Don't use the cloth on your phone screen until it's completely dry or only slightly damp.

Purchase alcohol gel. Hand sanitizer gel works too.

• If you don’t have a microfiber cloth and need a quick clean, you can use cotton fabric or even the sleeve of your shirt.
• Make sure your device is turned off before you start cleaning the screen.
• Consider purchasing a screen cleaning kit. They typically come with anti-static cloths. However, they can be expensive, so think carefully before buying.
• If you want to protect your mobile device, buy a screen protector. It’s a protective layer that shields the screen from scratches.
• Always keep your screen cleaning cloth in a clean condition. Wash it regularly to remove dirt and dust.
• Isopropyl alcohol is very useful for cleaning both computer and mobile screens. It doesn’t leave fingerprints or smudges. You can find it in most chemical stores, and it’s often used for cleaning new computers.

• Do not use saliva and avoid rubbing too hard. This will only attract more dust.
• Do not press too hard while cleaning the screen, as this could damage it.
• Never use any ammonia-based products to clean a touchscreen, unless specifically directed by the manufacturer. Ammonia can damage the screen.
• Avoid using anything abrasive when cleaning a touchscreen.
• Never use paper towels or tissues. They contain wood fibers that can scratch the screen. Although the scratches may not be visible, over time, your screen will look cloudy, as if scrubbed with a metal scouring pad.
• Avoid spraying liquids or water directly on the screen; the liquid may seep into the device and cause damage. Instead, spray onto a microfiber cloth, wring it out lightly to remove excess moisture, and then clean.

• A microfiber cloth or similar, soft and lint-free.
• Distilled water or a cleaner specifically designed for touchscreens.