If you’re like me, your sticky fingers are all over your smartphone screen when multitasking eating a burrito and browsing YouTube (after a long hard day being on YouTube 😂).
In true TGCS spirit I researched what natural ingredients can be used to effectively clean your phone screen to avoid harsh chemicals and any potential damage. Here are a few methods I found – and have used myself to get my Pixel fingerprint-free 👇
What NOT to do when cleaning your phone screen
If you don’t have the appropriate tools on hand, it may be tempting to use other cleaning products and items to clean your phone. Even if you have a screen protector, using these cleaners can cause irreversible damage if the liquid seeps inside. Here are a few things you should steer clear of:
- Window cleaners or household cleaners
- Compressed air (for the speakers and ports)
- Aerosol spray cleaners
- Harsh solvents such as acetone, lighter fluid, and gasoline
- Dish soap
- Bleach
- Ammonia
- Undiluted alcohol-based cleaning liquids
- Abrasive powders
- Hydrogen peroxide
Cleaning your smartphone screen using these 3 natural methods
Microfiber cloth: A microfiber cloth is a gentle and effective way to clean your phone screen without any additional chemical cleaning solutions. Simply wipe the screen with the cloth in a circular motion to remove dirt and smudges. You can buy these pretty cheaply at your local Home Depot or Walmart.
Distilled water and white vinegar solution: This is a personal favorite given how all the necessary bits and pieces are often hiding in my kitchen cupboards. Mix equal parts of distilled water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto a microfiber cloth and gently wipe the phone screen in a circular motion. This solution is effective at removing both nasty bacteria and grime from your phone screen. It’s recommended to use distilled water rather than standard tap water as the latter may contain impurities and minerals that could cause scratches.
Lemon juice: Lemon juice is a natural disinfectant and can also be used to effectively clean your phone screen. Mix equal parts of lemon juice and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto a microfiber cloth and gently wipe the phone screen in a circular motion.
When using any of these methods, be sure to avoid getting liquid into the phone’s charging port or speakers. Also, it’s always a good idea to check your phone manufacturer’s instructions before attempting to clean your phone screen with any type of liquid. Doing anything they warn against may invalidate your phone warranty or insurance.
Pro Tip: If you want to keep your phone, tablet, and other digital gizmos as clean as a whistle, the secret is simple – wash your hands! Yup, that’s right. Give those paws a good scrubbing before you lay your mitts on your precious devices. Trust me, it’ll keep those pesky germs at bay. So let’s make it a habit, shall we? Clean hands, clean devices, happy life!