1. Power down or block input first
A black, unresponsive screen makes smudges far easier to see and stops you from opening apps while you wipe. You can switch the device off — or just open Screen Cleaner, which blacks out the display and ignores every touch until you press and hold to exit. Either way, you’ll clean more thoroughly when the screen isn’t reacting to your cloth.
2. Use a microfiber cloth — nothing else
The single most important tool is a clean, dry microfiber cloth, the same kind that comes with glasses and camera lenses. Its fibers lift oil and dust instead of pushing them around. Avoid paper towels, tissues, napkins and old t-shirts: they’re abrasive at a microscopic level and can leave fine scratches and lint behind.
3. Start dry
Most fingerprints and dust come off with a dry cloth and gentle, circular wipes. Always try dry first — you’ll be surprised how much it removes — and only reach for liquid if marks remain.
4. If you need liquid, dampen the cloth — never the screen
For stubborn grime, lightly dampen a corner of the microfiber cloth with distilled water, or a 50/50 mix of distilled water and isopropyl alcohol. Never spray liquid directly onto the screen — it can seep into the edges, speakers and ports. The cloth should be barely damp, not wet.
5. Skip the harsh chemicals
Window cleaners, kitchen sprays, and anything containing ammonia, bleach or strong solvents can strip the oleophobic (oil-repelling) coating that keeps fingerprints from sticking. Once that coating wears off, your screen smudges far more easily. Stick to water or diluted isopropyl alcohol.
6. Wipe gently and dry off
Use light pressure and wipe in one direction or small circles. Finish with the dry part of the cloth to remove any streaks. Don’t forget to wipe down your case too — that’s where a lot of the grime your screen picks up actually comes from.
How often should you do this?
A quick dry wipe once a day keeps fingerprints in check. A more thorough damp clean once or twice a week is plenty for most people — more often if you’re getting over an illness or share the device.
The golden rule: liquid goes on the cloth, never on the glass, and microfiber is the only material that should touch your screen.
Want a foolproof way to wipe without tapping anything by accident?
Open Screen Cleaner