Because of the nature in which they work — by detecting touch commands — touchscreen devices are a haven for germs. Each time you use your touchscreen device, you’ll transfer germs from your fingers onto the display interface. Over time, the accumulation of germs can lead to a particularly dirty display interface. While it’s impossible to keep your touchscreen device completely germ free, there are ways to clean it. If you’re worried about germs on your touchscreen device, consider the following tips to disinfect it.
Wipe With a Microfiber Cloth
You can typically clean touchscreen devices by gently wiping them with a microfiber cloth. If you notice your touchscreen device is dirty, take a lint-free microfiber cloth and gently wipe down the display interface with the power turned off.
Avoid Rubbing Alcohol
While rubbing alcohol is a powerful disinfecting agent, it’s not suitable for touchscreen devices. The problem with rubbing alcohol is that it dissolves the oleophobic coating on touchscreen devices. Although there are exceptions, most touchscreen devices have a layer of an oil-repelling liquid covering the display interface. Known as an oleophobic coating, it’s designed to protect against fingerprints and smudges. If you use rubbing alcohol or other solvents to clean your touchscreen device, you’ll inadvertently remove this protective layer, thereby leaving your touchscreen device vulnerable to fingerprints and smudges.
Use a Screen Protector
Another way to keep your touchscreen device clean is to use a screen protector. Screen protectors consist of a flat sheet of transparent material, such as plastic, that fits over a touchscreen device’s existing display interface. Once installed, it creates a barrier between your device’s display interface and its surrounding environment, thereby protecting your touchscreen device from germs and debris.
Use a Touchscreen Cleaning Product
There are cleaning products available that are designed specifically for touchscreen devices. They contain gentle ingredients that are both safe and effective for touchscreen devices. These touchscreen cleaning products typically come in handheld spray bottles, allowing you to easily clean your touchscreen device.
Control With a Stylus
If your touchscreen device supports a stylus, consider using it rather than your fingers. Resistive touchscreens, for instance, can be controlled using either a bare finger, a gloved finger or a stylus. By controlling it with a stylus, you won’t actually touch it. As a result, your touchscreen device will stay a little cleaner.
