How to Keep Your Touchscreens Looking Like New

Touchscreens have become ubiquitous in our technology driven society.  If you own a smartphone, it is likely that you use a touchscreen daily. It is inevitable that such frequent use will cause your touchscreen to become dirty.  A touchscreen may lose sensitivity if it is not kept clean enough to accurately translate your movements.  Unfortunately, attempts to clean your touchscreen can worsen the problem, with resulting surface scratches and scrapes.  It’s important to take the time to learn how to clean your screen.

Most experts recommend using a microfiber cloth.  Occasionally, the company that created your device will provide or recommend a specific cleaning cloth.  Perhaps a less expensive, but still effective, possibility could be to search for a good price on a cheaper cloth.  However, it is recommended to use a microfiber cloth, rather than another type of fabric that could ultimately damage your screen.

Follow the directions included with your purchased cloth.  Or, if directions are not included, you can clean your screen by lightly rubbing the cloth over the screen, in small circles, until all of the imperfections have been removed.  If the type of cloth you purchased instructs that you dampen it before use, it is recommended that distilled water be used.

It is best to turn off your device before cleaning, in order that you may see all of the imperfections more clearly.  Also, take care not to press too hard on your touchscreen when cleaning, as you may damage your device in doing so.

Invest in a screen protector in order to reduce the amount of cleaning necessary to maintain your touchscreen.  Although touchscreens are designed to withstand normal use, a screen protector can still be a worthwhile investment.  Available in many designs and styles, a good screen protector will serve to keep your touchscreen looking clean and new, and with less effort on your part.

[Images via donthatethegeek & macfixit]