Is the screen of your touchscreen device full of smudges? Maybe it's completely covered in fingerprints after the last game session with your favorite app? Regularly cleaning the touch screen of smartphones, tablets, MP3 players or any tactile device is essential to preserve its life and correct functioning. Find out how to clean a touchscreen perfectly and easily to keep it always perfect and how to avoid making mistakes that could damage it.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Use a Microfiber Cloth
Step 1. Choose a microfiber cloth
It is the ideal fabric for cleaning any touchscreen. Some devices also come with a small microfiber cloth, but you can also use that to clean your sunglasses.
The cost of microfiber cloths varies. For example, the cleaning products recommended directly by the manufacturers of the devices usually have a very high cost, but simply because they are sponsored products. Search and choose the cheapest product or opt for a less expensive cloth, but one that is still microfiber
Step 2. Turn off the device completely before starting the cleaning phase
It is usually much easier to spot stains and areas to clean when the screen is off.
Step 3. Clean the screen with the microfiber cloth using small circular motions
This step is to remove most of the impurities.
Step 4. Only if it is really necessary, moisten a cotton cloth or at least the edge of a cotton t-shirt and clean the screen again again with small circular movements
It may be enough to breathe on the screen and use the moisture from your breath to do the cleaning.
- Read how to use the cloth you purchased. Some of these cleaning tools need to be slightly moistened before they are used. In that case, skip this step and follow the instructions on the package.
- If you need to dampen the cloth, it is best to use distilled water or a product specifically designed for cleaning touchscreens.
Step 5. Clean the screen once more using the microfiber cloth
Do not rub excessively. If there is any residual moisture on the screen, simply allow it to evaporate into the air.
Do not clean the screen with excessive pressure
Step 6. Wash the microfiber cloth
Soak it in a solution consisting of warm water and a little soap. Hot water will cause the fibers of the cloth to expand so that accumulated dirt can be removed easily. Rub the cloth gently while it is immersed in hot water (without being too aggressive or you risk damaging it). After cleaning it in the water, do not wring it out but simply let it air dry. If you don't have much time, you can choose to dry it to speed up the process. Until the cloth is completely dry, do not use it to clean the screen of any device.
Method 2 of 2: Disinfect the Screen with a Disinfectant Gel
This method is ideal as the sanitizing gel will eliminate any germs. However, this procedure should be used in moderation.
Step 1. Purchase a disinfectant gel
It is a sanitizing gel product that is used to clean your hands when you are in an area where it is not possible to use simple soap and water.
Step 2. Get a piece of paper towels
Step 3. Place a small amount of disinfectant gel on the absorbent paper
Step 4. Swipe the card on the device screen
Step 5. Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to remove any dirt or residue (although there shouldn't be any)
Advice
- If you don't have a microfiber cloth and your device's screen needs immediate cleaning, you can use a cotton fabric or t-shirt flap that you no longer use.
- Make sure the device is completely powered off before starting the screen cleaning procedure.
- If possible, purchase a protective case for your device to protect it from drops, scratches and natural skin grease.
- If you want you can buy a kit for cleaning the screen of your device. They often include an antistatic cloth. However, it may come at a cost that isn't worth it, so do your research before making your purchase.
- If you want to further protect your device, purchase a screen protector. It is a thin layer of plastic that protects the device screen from scratches and dirt that can result from normal daily use.
- Always keep the cloth you usually use to clean the touchscreen of your device clean and in perfect condition. Wash it regularly to remove any dirt it has caught and removed from the screen.
- Isopropyl alcohol is the ideal product for cleaning screens, including those on televisions, computers and mobile devices, as it leaves no residue or traces. You can easily buy it at the supermarket and it is the product that is used by computer manufacturers to clean their devices before shipping.
Warnings
- Never clean your device's touchscreen using saliva and wiping. It will simply create a residue of dirt that you will then have to remove with a thorough cleaning.
- Do not exert too much pressure while cleaning the screen or you will run the risk of damaging it.
- Never use any ammonia-based products to clean a touchscreen (unless the device manufacturer specifies otherwise). Ammonia is capable of dissolving some types of plastics, so it could damage the screen.
- When cleaning a touchscreen, never use any abrasive products or materials.
- Never use paper towels or tissue paper. They consist of a material that contains wood fibers which, being very abrasive, could scratch the plastic surface of the screen. Scratches may be very small and therefore invisible to the naked eye, but over time the screen will take on a dull and worn appearance.
- Avoid spraying any liquid product (or just water) directly on the screen to be cleaned. You run the risk of seriously damaging the device as the liquid could seep inside and come into contact with the delicate electronic components. The correct procedure to follow is to spray water or the cleaning product directly on the microfiber cloth and use it only after removing any excess liquid.
