How to Clean an iPad Screen

Co-authored by Marcus Shields

Last Updated: February 16, 2021 References

Cleaning your iPad screen is a simple process. For fingerprint smudges, a dry, lint-free cloth is sufficient. If a dry cloth doesn’t clean your screen to your satisfaction, you can dampen the cloth slightly with water. Only clean your iPad screen when it’s necessary, for example if it comes in contact with dirt.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Wiping Your Screen

1
Turn off your iPad. Disconnect any cable you may have plugged into your iPad. Press and hold down the button for Sleep/Wake. Swipe the onscreen slider to turn the iPad off.^{[1]
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- Your iPad shouldn’t be connected to any external cable, power source or device during cleaning.^{[2]
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2
Wipe the screen with a dry, lint-free cloth. Choose a soft, lint-free cloth, such as a lens cloth.^{[3]
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Research source} Wipe the screen in a circular motion.^{[4]
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- This technique works for smudges and fingerprints.^{[5]
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  Research source} The screen coating repels oil, so only a dry cloth is needed to wipe away skin oil.^{[6]
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3
Wipe the screen with a damp, lint-free cloth. Dampen a soft cloth, such as an old t-shirt, with water.^{[7]
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Research source} Alternately, you can use a cleaning solution made specifically for iPad screens, at your own risk. In a pinch, you can breathe onto the screen to create humidity. Wipe the screen with circular motions.^{[8]
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- This technique is for any staining that is more difficult to remove than simple fingerprint smudges.
- There are products made specifically for iPad screens, however Apple advises against using cleaning products on your iPad. If you choose to use one, spray it onto the cloth, not directly onto your screen.^{[9]
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- Don’t get any moisture into the openings of your iPad.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Maintaining Your Screen

1
Clean your screen only when necessary. Wipe down your screen when smudges are obstructing your view of the content on the screen.^{[10]
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Research source} Clean your iPad right away if it comes in contact with anything that can damage it.^{[11]
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- For example, clean your iPad if it touches dirt, ink, sand, soap, makeup, detergent, lotion, or anything acidic.
- The fingerprint-resistant coating on the screen weakens from friction over time, thus rubbing your screen can wear on its coating.
2
Keep abrasives away from your device. Don’t use a rough cloth to clean your iPad. Don’t let any abrasives, such as sand, come in contact with your iPad.^{[12]
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- Abrasive materials can scratch your screen, as well as rub off the screen’s coating much faster than normal wear.
3
Keep your device away from liquids. Never allow moisture or liquids to get into the openings of your device. Don’t use harsh chemicals on or near your iPad.^{[13]
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- For instance, don’t use solvents, aerosol sprays, window cleaner, hydrogen peroxide, ammonia or bleach on or near your iPad.^{[14]
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4
Act immediately if your iPad accidentally gets wet. Disconnect any cables and turn your iPad off. Wipe your device with a lint-free towel. Let it air dry completely before turning it back on.^{[15]
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- Don’t use compressed air on your device. Never use any heat source such as a hair dryer or microwave to dry your iPad!
- If you suspect your device may have been damaged by liquid, place it in a sealable bag with a few silica gel packets. Seal the bag and leave it alone for 72 hours before turning your device back on.^{[16]
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- Putting your device in a bag of uncooked rice is not a reliable method to dry the device.^{[17]
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Expert Q&A
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Question

What is the best thing to use to clean an iPad screen?

Marcus Shields
House Cleaning Professional
Marcus is the owner of Maid Easy, a local residential cleaning company in Phoenix, Arizona. His cleaning roots date back to his grandmother who cleaned homes for valley residents in the 60’s through the 70’s. After working in tech for over a decade, he came back to the cleaning industry and opened Maid Easy to pass his family’s tried and true methods to home dwellers across the Phoenix Metro Area.

Marcus Shields

House Cleaning Professional

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