Your phone is probably the thing you touch most every day. It picks up fingerprints, makeup, skin oils and grime, and most of us clean it with whatever is nearby: a shirt sleeve, a paper towel, even window cleaner. Some of those can slowly damage your screen. Here's how to clean it properly in under two minutes.
What You'll Need
- A clean, dry microfiber cloth
- A screen-safe cleaner made for electronics
- That's it. Skip paper towels, tissues and household sprays.
Step 1: Power Off and Unplug
Turn your phone off and remove the charging cable. A dark screen also makes smudges easier to see. If your phone has a case, take it off so you can clean the edges too.
Step 2: Dry Wipe First
Use your microfiber cloth to gently wipe away dust and loose debris. This stops grit from scratching the glass when you add cleaner.
Step 3: Spray the Cloth or the Phone
Lightly mist your microfiber cloth with screen cleaner. If spray directly on phone the 6-inches to 12-inches away, will allow the must to stick to the device without seeping into the speaker, microphone and charging port.
Step 4: Wipe Gently
Wipe the screen with light pressure, using small circles or side-to-side strokes. Don't press hard or scrub.
Step 5: Buff Dry
Flip to a dry side of the cloth and buff away any streaks. Clean the back of the phone and the camera lens the same way.
Step 6: Clean Your Case
Your case collects as much grime as your phone. Wipe it inside and out, and let it dry completely before putting it back on.
What NOT to Use on Your Phone Screen
- Paper towels or tissues. Their wood fibers can leave micro-scratches and lint.
- Window or glass cleaner. Harsh chemicals like ammonia can wear down your screen's protective coating over time.
- Bleach or abrasive powders. These are far too harsh for electronics.
- Soaking wet cloths. Too much moisture can get into openings.
Always check your phone maker's care guidelines as well.
How Often Should You Clean Your Phone?
A quick wipe once a day keeps smudges under control. Do a full clean like the one above at least once a week, and more often during cold and flu season or after travel.
The Easy Way to Keep It Clean
A dedicated screen cleaning kit makes this a two-minute habit. Shop phone cleaning → https://tech2clean.com/pages/shop