How to Clean Screen Protectors: Keep Your Tempered Glass Phone Screen Looking Like New
Our phones are among the most-used items we own. These devices are exposed to all sorts of dirt and dust. From fingerprints to crumbs, our smartphone displays have to fend off a wide variety of grime. Using a tempered glass or plastic screen protector can provide a shield between your device and these threats, but screen protectors are far from foolproof, even if they are among the most popular smartphone accessories on the market today.
If your screen protector is covered in dust particles and fingerprint stains, you have options. Cleaning your screen protector is quick and easy, and it can significantly improve the appearance of your phone’s display. Knowing how to clean your screen protector can restore it to its original shine, and all it takes is a mild cleaning solution and a lint-free cloth.
What You Need to Clean a Plastic or Tempered Glass Screen Protector
You won’t require any specialized tools or harsh chemicals to clean a device’s screen protector. In fact, “the gentler, the better” is the general rule of thumb for cleaning any part of your smartphone, as harsh cleaning products can cause more damage than they fix.
It all starts with a clean microfiber cloth — NOT a paper towel. A microfiber cloth is a soft cloth that doesn’t leave any lint or dust behind, and it’s the perfect choice for cleaning a screen protector. You’ll also need distilled water (for light stains), dish soap (for medium stains), or isopropyl alcohol (for deep cleaning). Finally, you can use either dust removal stickers or canned air to remove dust particles from the protector.
How to Clean Your Screen Protector with a Microfiber Cloth
The first step is always to turn off your phone. Make sure it’s fully powered down before you start cleaning, as this decreases the risk of damage. Also, a black screen makes it easier to see tiny particles of dust and dirt.
Next, you’ll want to remove the surface dust from the device. You can start by using a soft brush or compressed air to remove any loose dirt from the screen protector. By doing so, you can help prevent scratching the screen when you start using your microfiber cloth.
You’ll also need to prepare your cleaning solution. Both isopropyl alcohol (also known as rubbing alcohol) and dish soap are too strong for this job, so make sure you dilute them with equal parts water before use. No matter which of these solutions you use, never spray your cleaning solution directly onto your screen, as this can cause significant damage. Only spray it onto your cloth.
Now that you have a damp cloth coated in cleaning products, you can start to gently wipe the screen. Don’t force the cloth in a side-to-side motion — instead, use a circular motion to smoothly wipe the screen protector clean. Also, don’t push too hard, as breaking the screen protector can be an even worse result than using abrasive cleaners or linty cloths. Make sure you clean the edges of the display carefully, as dirt and dust can build up in these areas.
How to Clean Under the Screen Protector
Unfortunately, there are times when dust can sneak in underneath your screen protector. Or, perhaps there are small air bubbles forming between the screen protector and the display itself. One option here is to simply swap out the screen protector with a new one. However, if it’s still in good condition, you can try these methods.
Dust Removal Stickers
Lift up the edge of your screen protector and slide a dust removal sticker under the protector, sticky side down. Once you have the dust particle on your sticker, remove it and press your screen protector back into place, smoothing out any bubbles as you reapply it.
Clean and Reapply
This is only an option if you have a removable screen protector! If you do, start by peeling the protector off of your device. Clean both the device’s screen and the screen protector using a microfibre cloth and gentle cleaning solutions. Then, reapply the screen protector. Press on the center of the screen first, then smooth it out toward the edges to prevent bubbles from forming.
When Should You Replace a Screen Protector?
Unfortunately, screen protectors don’t last forever. If your screen protector is showing any of the following signs of wear, you should replace it with a fresh one.
- Chips or cracks in the tempered glass or plastic
- A cloudy or muddy appearance
- Air bubbles or peeling edges
- Decreased touchscreen functionality
- Smudges or scratches that persist even after cleaning
Screen protectors aren’t too expensive, especially when you compare the costs to replacing or repairing the screen itself. You can get a screen protector for as little as just two to three dollars each, so if there’s ever any doubt, you should just replace it.
How to Keep Your Display Clean
The best type of cleaning is the kind you do proactively. If you treat your screen protector with gentle care, you may never need to use the cleaning methods outlined earlier in this article. Here are some tips to keep your screen protector clean and fresh.
- Don’t use your phone when eating or drinking. If you must handle your phone, make sure to at least wipe off your hands first.
- Wash your hands frequently. This is good advice for general health and wellness, in addition to keeping your display clean!
- Keep extra clean cloths in your purse, desk, car, backpack, etc. You never know when your screen will need a quick cleaning.
- Store your phone in a different pocket from your keys, nail files, and other sharp objects. These can scratch and dent your screen if you keep them in the same pocket.
- Exercise extra caution when in harsh environments, like a sandy beach or dirty job site.
How to Dispose of Old Screen Protectors
Unfortunately, screen protectors can be difficult to recycle. Even though screen protectors may be manufactured with recyclable materials, their specific composition may make them unsuitable for traditional glass recycling from your municipal waste collector.
Check with the screen protector’s manufacturer to see if they offer an in-house recycling program. You can also ask your municipal waste collector, although many local recycling facilities may not accept them. If you do have to throw it in the trash, wrap your used screen protector in a paper bag to reduce the chances of glass shards becoming embedded in someone’s hands while handling it.
Final Thoughts on Screen Protectors
A clean screen protector can be a lifesaver for your smartphone. It can protect your device from catastrophic events like a shattered display. When you consider that screen protectors often only cost a few dollars each, using one is a true no-brainer.
If your used phone already has screen damage, even the best protector in the world won’t help. In this situation, you can bring your device to an ecoATM kiosk to sell it for cash that you can use toward your next phone.
We typically offer more money for devices that are in perfect working order, but we still often offer cash payments for damaged smartphones. To get a quote for your device, use the pricing tool on our website or simply visit your nearest ecoATM kiosk.
ecoATM makes it easy to exchange your used phone for quick cash while doing your part for the environment. When you sell or recycle used electronics with ecoATM, you help keep unnecessary e-waste out of landfills and keep fully functional devices in use. In addition, you help cut down on the over-manufacturing of new devices (and the over-mining of raw materials to create them).
Recycling your old electronic devices with ecoATM is always advisable, whether your device has a functioning display or not. Help us reach our goal of recycling 100 million smartphones and tablets today by selling us your old phone!
