This post comes from our social media manager, who had to learn firsthand how to clean the sticky side of a screen protector for her new iPhone without any complex cleaning tools.
A few weeks ago, I got my hands on the new iPhone. It was brilliant, beautiful, and lightning-fast compared to my previous model. I immediately went to Best Buy for a tempered glass screen protector.
While checking out, the woman at the register told me that I could have my screen protector installed by a member of the Geek Squad (Best Buy’s go-to people for problems/questions related to tech).
I almost said yes but didn’t want to pay the $8.00 screen protector installation fee. Of course, I soon came to regret my decision.
Botched Phone Screen Protector Installation
Once I got home, I carefully placed the screen protector along the edges and waited for the sticky side to fully attach to my iPhone screen. But then, I saw something I simply couldn’t bear. There was a bubble with a dust particle underneath it.
My type-A personality couldn’t handle this, so I took it off and tried to remove that small piece of dust. As I did so, more annoying dust particles entered the screen. I was getting more irritated by the second and instantly regretted not paying the $8.00 at Best Buy.
This headache left with me a solid five seconds of wallowing, but then I knew what to do.
I quickly Googled, “how to clean a screen protector” and found all sorts of solutions. Now, most of them didn’t work. However, I eventually found a surefire method that I’ll try again if I ever have the same issue.
In the end, it all worked out! The only cleaning tools you need are a packaging tap, a mild cleaning solution, and a lint-free cloth.
Enjoy a Clean Screen Protector How-to Guide: Seven Easy Steps
Instead of throwing out a screen protector with fingerprints, dust particles, or other blemishes, I highly recommend getting all your cleaning tools below and taking the following cleaning steps:
Materials Needed:
- Dish soap or other mild cleaning solution to wash with (follow manufacturer’s instructions on use)
- Packaging tape
- Clean cloth (Microfiber cloth is ideal)
Cleaning Steps
Step 1:
Place the sticky side of the screen protector under cool running water.
Step 2:
Use dish soap to lightly clean the sticky side, then rinse. This step will help remove any stuck fingerprint stains and dust particles.
Step 3:
Use a hair dryer to quickly dry your screen protector. Be sure to dry both the sticky and non-sticky surfaces.
Step 4:
If you’re in a very dusty room, dust particles will likely land on your screen while drying. That’s okay, however; simply turn a strip of packaging tape into a loop shape.
You can use regular tape, but packing tape works best.
Step 5:
Use the looped tape and begin lightly sticking and dabbing it against the sticky side of the screen protector where the dust particles are. The tape should begin removing the dust particles.
Step 6:
Once all the particles are removed, make sure your phone screen is free of dust particles. If dust has already been collected, you can clean the screen with a microfiber cloth. Take a dry cloth and the screen protector, gently wipe it, and eliminate the dust particles.
Step 7:
Now, place your dust-free/fingerprint-free screen protector (sticky side) onto your phone’s dust-free/oil-free screen.
Voila!
I hope these steps helped you out as much as they helped me. While you’re enjoying your new phone, don’t forget to trade in your old device and make some extra money!
Selling Your Old Device with Gazelle
If you’re not ready to sell your old device yet, there are more options available. For instance, you can sign up for our email list to receive offers on extra-money bonuses or deals on our certified refurbished devices.
Whatever approach you choose to take, Gazelle is the company to trust with recycling your old phones and buying refurbished ones. We make buying and selling used phones seamless and rewarding with a simple mail-in process,
FAQs
What is the best thing to clean a screen protector with?
The best way to clean a screen protector is by using a lint-free or microfiber cloth with a small amount of distilled water or a gentle cleaning solution. If your tempered glass screen protector has fingerprint stains or smudges, use a soft cloth and wipe it in a circular motion to avoid streaks. For plastic screen protectors, a mixture of dish soap and water applied with a soft brush can help remove dirt without damaging the surface.
Can I use alcohol wipes on a screen protector?
Using isopropyl alcohol on a tempered glass screen protector is generally safe, but it should be used sparingly to prevent damage to the oleophobic coating that repels fingerprints and smudges. For plastic screen protectors, alcohol can weaken the adhesive side and cause it to peel. Instead, use a clean microfiber cloth with a small amount of distilled water or a mild cleaning solution for regular cleaning without harming the protector.
Can you clean and reuse a screen protector?
Most screen protectors are not designed to be reused, especially if the adhesive side has collected dust particles, dirt, or debris. However, if you must clean the sticky side, you can gently rinse it with distilled water, shake off excess moisture, and let it completely dry before carefully applying it back onto your device’s screen. Compressed air can help remove visible dust, but avoid using paper towels or abrasive materials, as they can cause scratches.
Can I use Windex on my screen protector?
Using Windex or other harsh chemicals on a screen protector is not recommended, as they can damage the oleophobic coating and affect clarity. If you need to remove stubborn marks, use a soft cloth with distilled water or a gentle cleaning solution for mobile phones. Avoid applying excessive pressure when wiping, as this could cause peeling or scratches on the protector’s surface.