Phone screens smudge and get grimy. It’s what they do best. It’s gross, but most of us have learned to live with the grease because keeping phone screens clean is hard. Maybe you’ll give it a cursory wipe on your jeans or the hem of your shift, but that won’t really get the screen clean. The best approach isn’t hard, and will only cost you a few bucks.
On the flipside, there are the cleaning agents and techniques that you never want to use, because — although you might initially see good results — they can be too harsh and damage the screen you’re working so hard to protect.
We’re going to tell you which products to avoid, and the best ways to clean off fingerprint smudges, sand and lint from the ports, tenacious makeup off the screen (hint: never with makeup remover) and even disinfect your phone from contact with raw meat while you’re cooking. We also tell you how to care for phones rated for water-resistance.
9 things you should never use to clean your phone
We’re not here to shame you, but drop that bottle of Windex, stat. This is how not to clean your screen.
Window cleaner
You clean your mirrors and windows with window cleaner, and they’re squeaky clean, so it must be OK to use on your phone? Wrong! Some newer phones, like the iPhone XR ($750 at Amazon), have a protective coating that resists water and oil, which can wear out over time.
Using harsh cleaners can strip the coating and could leave your phone more vulnerable to scratches. James LeBeau, an associate professor of materials science and engineering at MIT, told us that any cleanser with an abrasive agent will likely scratch the surface, so those should be avoided entirely.
Kitchen cleaners
A screen’s scratch-resistant properties won’t get ground down by cleaning agents, but stripping that protective coating is still a problem. That’s why Apple also suggests not using household cleaning products to clean your iPhone. Bar Keepers Friend, for example, states that its abrasive formula may harm the protective layer. Bon Ami states not to use on glass with coatings.
Paper towels
They may be the go-to for cleaning your desk, but keep them away from your phone. The paper can shred, making the debris on your phone much worse. Paper towels can even end up leaving scratches on your screen.
Rubbing alcohol
Since many newer phones have a protective coating, rubbing alcohol can wear it away quicker over time, causing your phone to be more prone to scratches. Make sure to check for alcohol in product ingredients on any “safe to use” phone screen cleaners. Apple says to avoid alcohol when cleaning its devices.
Makeup remover
Some makeup removers may have chemicals that can be harsh to an electronic screen. LeBeau suggests avoiding makeup remover and instead use a soft cloth with a little bit of water.
Compressed air
Your phone is delicate, so blowing an intense amount of air into its portals can cause some damage, specifically to your mic. Tech companies, like Apple, specifically warn not to use compressed air.
Dish soap and hand soap
While your dish and hand soaps may be gentle, the only way to use them is to combine them with water. Most phone companies suggest to keep water away from your phone, so again, stick to a damp cloth.
Vinegar
This is a no-no. Vinegar will strip the screen’s coating. You could, as Lifehacker suggests, use a very diluted vinegar to cleanse other parts of your phone. Android Central suggests a 50/50 mix with distilled water for cleaning the sides and back.
Disinfectant wipes
The warning label on these reminds you to wash your hands after each use, so using them to clean something that touches your face often isn’t a great idea. According to MIT’s LeBeau, these wipes typically contain alcohol that will strip off the oleophobic (oil-repellant) and hydrophobic (water-repellent) coatings.
How to clean fingerprint smudges from your screen
Fingerprint smudges are hard to prevent because your skin constantly produces oils. That means that every time you pick up your phone, it’s bound to get fingerprints all over it.
The safest and most effective way to clear your screen is with a microfiber cloth. If the screen is in desperate need of cleaning, use distilled water to dampen the microfiber cloth and then wipe down your screen — avoid squirting the water directly on the screen. This method can be used on the back and sides of your phone, too.
You can also try Swipe Wipes, which you stick to the back of your phone and can pop off when you need to give it a wipe-down.
via CNET