Plus the tools you'll need to do the job
If your iPad looks worse for wear, it may be time to clean it properly. With everyday use, dust and grime build up on the screen over time, leaving you with an ugly dirt layer that requires attention. Fortunately, there are easy steps you can take to clean your iPad screen without damaging delicate components in the process, and we’re here to help.
Why Is It Important to Clean the iPad the Right Way?
Cleaning an iPad roughly and with the wrong tools can damage it. Since an iPad is expensive, you want to avoid damaging it. Clean it the right way, and don’t risk irreparable damage. Ports can be clogged with fibers, and if liquids end up in the iPad’s speakers, they are done. Also, different chemicals in simple household cleaners can remove the oleophobic coating easily, and you don’t want that. Finally, an improper cleaning cloth or a paper towel can even scratch the display, ruining it forever. Avoid using cloths made of abrasive materials.
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If you want your iPad to have a long life, clean it as soon as it gets dirty. You must immediately remove any ink, makeup, lotion, soap, or food residue. Follow the simple tips, and you’ll prolong its life.
Tools You’ll Need to Clean Your iPad the Right Way
The smartest way to go about it is by listening to what Apple has to say. After all, they’re the manufacturers and should know what’s best for their devices. You can use the company’s tips on cleaning for all of their products: iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or Macbook.
Apple recommends using a lint-free cloth on your iPad screen. This smooth cloth is typical for cleaning camera lenses and anything made of glass. It’ll wipe away all fingerprint smudges and won’t leave tiny fibers on your screen. Consider using it daily without any liquids. Lint-free cloth, such as a dry microfiber cloth, is a must.
Considering liquids, Apple suggests using only clean water for cleaning the iPad. You should never soak your lint-free cloth in water but only dampen it. That should be enough to clean most smudges and grime.
Apple warns that cleaning fluids such as alcohol or household cleaning products can damage the iPads’ oleophobic coating. Avoid using bleach, hydrogen peroxide, window cleaners, or chemical cleaners on your iPad.
However, some dirt can be stubborn, and even a microfiber cloth dampened with water might not be able to remove it. Only then you should consider using cleaning tools designed for touchscreen displays and camera lenses. Their special formulas should be safe for screen coatings of any kind.
What if You Need to Disinfect the iPad Screen?
If you’re dealing with a filthy iPad screen or just want to keep germs away, you might wonder how to disinfect your device without damaging it.
You can use 99% or 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes or liquid. This is not the same as rubbing alcohol! Isopropyl alcohol evaporates so fast that it won’t have time to damage the iPad screen. However, it may influence the screen coating over time if you use too much of it, so use it sparingly on grime that you can’t remove with anything else.
Clorox disinfecting wipes are the only household cleaning product safe for cleaning Apple products. Apple cites them as safe. No other harsh chemicals are to be used.
How to Clean the iPad Screen Without Damaging It
Before you start cleaning your iPad, make sure it’s turned off. Power it off by holding the Sleep/ Wake button and either of the volume buttons. Disconnect it from all cables, docks, and accessories. Also, remove it from the case if you’re using one.
- Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe any excess dust on the iPad. Small circular motions are the most effective for cleaning glass.
- Dampen the cloth with clean water and gently wipe the screen to remove any stubborn marks. Make sure your cloth is not saturated with water. Avoid liquid getting into any of the iPad’s ports.
- Repeat the process until the iPad screen is clean to your liking.
- Once the cleaning with a damp cloth is done, give your iPad one final wipe with a dry lint-free cloth.
Note: if your iPad has a screen protector, you don’t have to remove it to clean the screen. The screen beneath is clean; you should clean the protector instead. Use the same method described above to clean the iPad screen protector.
iPad Screen protectors can be cleaned with different screen cleaners, but again — you should avoid using them directly on the screen. But check what are the manufacturer’s recommendations before applying any of them. Even if you damage the screen protector, remember that it’s cheaper to replace it than to have your iPad repaired.
Cleaning your iPad screen properly can prevent future damage to the screen. If you have found a new cleaning product that works wonders without damaging the screen, share it here!
