How to Safely Clean Your Smartphone Without Damaging the Screen

Your smartphone likely sees more use than almost any other object in your life, transitioning from the bedroom to the office and various public spaces. Given that bacteria levels on these devices can exceed those found on toilet seats by a factor of ten, maintaining hygiene is crucial. However, the cleaning process requires care to avoid damaging the hardware.

Although modern phones resemble glass sandwiches, they should never be cleaned with aggressive products such as bleach, hydrogen peroxide, compressed air, or window cleaners like Windex. These substances can permanently strip the oleophobic coating from your display. This protective layer is responsible for repelling oils and fingerprints, and once it is removed, the screen will feel rough and attract smudges more easily.

To clean your device safely, you only need a lint-free microfiber cloth, mild soapy water, or a wipe containing 70 percent isopropyl alcohol. Start by powering off the phone and removing its case. Dampen the cloth with your chosen cleaner—it should be moist, not dripping—and gently wipe the screen and back. Pay attention to areas around the camera lenses and side buttons, but exercise caution around openings like the USB-C port to prevent moisture intrusion.

Phone cases also require regular cleaning, as they can harbor as much dirt as the device itself. For silicone and plastic cases, you can use the same soapy water or alcohol solutions used on the phone. Leather cases are an exception; alcohol can dry out leather and cause cracking, so these should only be wiped with a damp cloth and mild soap.

Avoid several common mistakes during the cleaning process. Never spray liquid directly onto the phone, as it can seep into internal components and cause water damage, even on waterproof models. Additionally, do not clean your device while it is plugged in, as combining moisture and electricity poses a safety risk. Finally, resist the urge to overuse alcohol wipes or switch to rough paper towels, both of which can degrade the screen’s coating or cause microscopic scratches over time.