How to Clean, Disinfect, and Care for Your Touch Screen

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Keep your phone, tablet, and other touchscreen devices dust and dirt-free with these easy tips

Co-authored by Mobile Kangaroo and Megaera Lorenz, PhD

Last Updated: October 25, 2024 Fact Checked

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Cleaning a Touch Screen

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Disinfecting a Touch Screen

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Things to Avoid

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Expert Q&A

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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.

Section 1 of 3:

Cleaning a Touch Screen

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Before you clean your screen, it’s best to power down your device completely and unplug any cables, dongles, or other accessories. This will reduce the risk of shocks or damage to your device, especially if you plan to use any liquid cleaners.
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Wipe your screen with a dry microfiber cloth. A dry, lint-free microfiber cloth is all you need for most simple screen cleaning jobs. You can use the kind of cleaning cloth you’d use to clean a pair of glasses, or get one specially made for screens or electronics.
- Apply light pressure and use small, circular movements to wipe away dust and smudges.
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Dampen the cloth lightly with water for stubborn gunk. If a dry cloth isn’t doing the trick, you can dampen the cloth. Just be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture. Your cloth should be slightly damp, not wet. Gently wipe any problem areas with the damp cloth, then wipe your screen dry with a dry part of the cloth or let it air dry.
- You can also add a couple drops of mild soap, such as liquid dish soap, if necessary.^{[1]
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  Independent U.S. government agency responsible for regulating radio, television, and satellite, and phone communications
  
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Try specialized screen wipes or sprays. If your screen is extra grimy or you like the convenience of a ready-made cleaning wipe or spray, there are lots of products on the market that are designed to be safe for touchscreens.
- According to computer repair specialist Joseph Alexander, pre-moistened lens wipes, like the kind you’d use for glasses, are generally safe for touch screens as well. ^{[2]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Mobile Kangaroo
  Computer & Phone Repair Specialists
  
  Expert Interview. 11 September 2019.} You can also get cleaning wipes that are made just for screens and electronics.
- If you use a screen cleaning spray, apply the spray to a microfiber cleaning cloth and not directly to your screen. Many of these sprays come in a kit with a cleaning cloth.

Section 2 of 3:

Disinfecting a Touch Screen

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Disinfecting your screen is different from just cleaning it. If you’re concerned about killing bacteria and viruses, and not just getting rid of smudges and dust, disinfecting is the way to go. Before you begin, turn your device off completely and unplug any cords or accessories.
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Wipe your screen with a screen-safe disinfecting wipe. Some wipes that are safe for most delicate touch screens include 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes, 75% ethyl alcohol wipes, and Clorox Disinfecting Wipes.^{[3]
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Research source} Be careful not to get liquid from the wipe into any openings on your device.
- You can also buy disinfecting wipes that are made just for screens, such as Weiman Electronic & Screen Disinfecting Wipes or Wipex 70% Isopropyl Alcohol Wipes for Electronics.
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Make a mild disinfecting solution if you don’t have wipes. You can use rubbing alcohol and distilled water to make a disinfecting spray for your touch screen in a pinch. Mix equal parts 70% isopropyl alcohol and distilled water in a spray bottle. Shake the bottle to mix the ingredients, then mist the solution onto a lint-free cleaning cloth and wipe you’re your screen.^{[4]
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Research source}
- Avoid using pure alcohol on your screen, since it could eventually damage the screen’s delicate surface.

Section 3 of 3:

Things to Avoid

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Don’t use too much liquid. Even if your touch screen device is water resistant, liquids and electronics don’t mix. Never soak your tablet, phone, or other touch screen device in a cleaning solution, and don’t spray liquids directly on the screen.^{[5]
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- If you’re using a damp cloth, squeeze out excess liquid first.
- Be extra careful when cleaning around speakers, ports, and other openings.
Cleansers that contain bleach, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, or high concentrations of alcohol (above 70% isopropyl alcohol or 75% ethyl alcohol) can damage your screen. For cleaning, stick to gentle cleansers like plain water or mild soap. If you have to disinfect your phone, always use screen-safe disinfectant wipes.
Pushing too hard on your phone when you’re wiping it can crack the screen. Always wipe gently, and use a mild cleanser if you need a bit of extra cleaning power.
Always use a soft, microfiber cloth or a pre-moistened lens or electronics wipe to clean your touch screen. Never use scrubby or abrasive cloths or sponges. Paper towels can also scratch up the surface of your touch screen.

Expert Q&A

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How can I clean a cell phone screen without damaging it?

Mobile Kangaroo
Computer & Phone Repair Specialists
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.

Mobile Kangaroo

Computer & Phone Repair Specialists

Expert Answer

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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Could a microfiber cloth damage the screen?

Community Answer

No, microfibre cloths are designed to not leave marks or scratches on surfaces such as glass or plastic.

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I 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 Answer

If 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.

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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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