Did you drop your iPad on the ground or did crumbs from your movie snack smudge all over the screen? It’s time to learn how to clean an iPad screen before the dirt and debris cause bigger issues. You’ll want to get it done quickly since it is an expensive device, after all.
However, you shouldn’t dive in with rubbing alcohol and the first piece of cloth you find. You might not clean it right. You even run the risk of damaging your iPad!
Don’t panic, however, because we’ve got a guide right here to show you how to clean your iPad screen. Read on below to learn how to do it right, step by step:
When Is It Time to Clean an iPad?
When should you clean your iPad screen? How often should you give it a proper wipe down?
You should clean your iPad screen at least once a week. This will prevent oil, dust, and debris build-up from damaging the screen. If you leave your screen dirty for too long, the little bits of dust and oil could cause permanent damage.
You’ll start to see scratches and dents that won’t come off. You could also see thumbprints or uneven spots on the screen. Prevent these by cleaning your screen at least once a month – give it a basic wipe down at least once a week too.
Tools Needed for Cleaning an iPad
Learning how to clean an iPad screen starts with getting the right tools for the job. You’ll want to start by getting lint-free cloth. These are fabrics that don’t leave tiny pieces of fabric after wiping.
Tissue, some towels, and paper don’t qualify. Even paper towels don’t work well. After wiping your screen a bit, these materials will leave bits and pieces behind.
Microfiber wipers are the most common types of lint-free fabric. People working at the Apple store or other repair shops use these when wiping down screens and other delicate surfaces.
Don’t use any alcohol or traditional screen cleaner fluids. Unlike the screen for your laptop or TV screen, an iPad features an oleophobic covering. Most cleaner fluids will ruin this covering, so instead use plain water to clean your iPad screen.
Oleophobic Screen Precautions
What is an oleophobic screen covering? It’s a thin layer on top of the screen that makes the iPad oil resistant. This is the reason you can simply wipe off fingerprints with a dry cloth.
Unfortunately, the coating doesn’t last forever. It will wear down over time and you’ll notice liquids won’t simply roll off the screen anymore. To keep the coating on as long as possible, avoid using traditional cleaning fluids.
Water is still the best cleaning solution for an iPad and iPhone.
You may find a few cleaning solutions that work specifically for devices with oleophobic coating. Be careful with these, however, and make sure to test them with older devices before using them on your iPad.
How to Clean an iPad Screen
Got everything you need? Now it’s time to start cleaning an iPad! The process is simple, and we’ve even broken it down into four easy-to-follow steps:
Unplug and Power Down
Start by turning off your iPad – power it down and then unplug it. This requires a hard shut down and not simply putting the device to sleep. This is important because you don’t want the device to short-circuit.
Remember that you’ll be using water to clean the screen. If even a tiny bit of water sprays into a plugged charger or into the device’s ports while it’s running, you risk blowing something inside. You’ll need professional aid if your iPad or iPhone charging port stops working.
Dry Cloth Wipe-Down
Once you’ve shut down the iPad and disconnected all the cables, get a microfiber cloth and wipe the screen down. Don’t get it wet yet! Give the screen a quick wipe down to push off dust and debris.
Afterward, grab the cloth and start wiping the iPad in slow, small circular motions.
When done, give the screen another wipe down. Look for areas where dirt and debris or scratches are still visible. If you can still spot a few, it’s time to move on to the next important step.
Dampen and Clean
Take your microfiber and dampen it with plain water. Don’t use hot or ice-cold water – use room-temperature water.
Again, wipe the screen using soft, circular motions. This will help wipe off the remaining dirt without damaging the oleophobic coating or the screen surface underneath. Be gentle with your motions because pressing down too hard could damage your iPad screen.
Dry Wipe-Down
The final step is to dry your iPad screen. Get a dry portion of your microfiber – or get a different cloth entirely – and give your screen one final dry wipe down. Make sure to soak up all the moisture from the previous wipe down.
However, there’s still a possibility you’ll find scratches or other issues with your screen even after a proper cleaning session. The next step isn’t to dump all sorts of questionable cleaning fluids! Instead, you should bring your iPad screen to a professional.
Bring It to a Professional
One of the purposes of cleaning your iPad is to make it look brand new. However, cleaning also ensures you don’t end up with dead pixels on the screen. It also helps you find deep scratches, non-responsive touchpoints, and other potential cracks or signs of damage.
Bringing it to a professional can also help determine if the screen needs replacement or other repairs. We’ve got you covered on that end!
Get All Your iPad Maintenance and Repairs Done Here!
If you don’t know how to clean an iPad screen, this basic tutorial should help you get it done without further hiccups. However, if you want professional cleaning, maintenance, or repairs, don’t hesitate to approach us!
Whether you need iPad repairs or maintenance for other devices, don’t hesitate to get in touch! We’re your one-stop shop for all your gadgets, from iPads to video game consoles.
