10 Best Screen Cleaners to Keep Your Devices Looking Like New

The more you use an electronic device, the dirtier it'll get over time. Given that smartphones, laptops, tablets, and TVs are a major part of our lives, you're probably curious about how to clean their screens. When it comes time to give your device a good wipe-down, you may be confused about where to start, especially given the sensitive nature of this cleaning task. Even though most smartphones are waterproof, you definitely shouldn't scrub one like you would a dirty dish in the sink.

Below, you'll find our favorite screen cleaners, as well as some tips on how to clean your smartphone. And hopefully, we will also help ease your concerns about catching or spreading COVID-19 via your smartphone.

The Best Screen Cleaners

• The One Apple Uses in Its Stores: WHOOSH! Screen Cleaner Kit
• Best Value: EVEO Screen Cleaner Spray
• Kills COVID-19: SANITECH Screen Cleaner
• Best Bundle: Tech Armor Complete Cleaning Kit
• Microfiber Cloths on the Cheap: AmazonBasics Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
• The Organic Option: Screen Mom 16-Ounce Screen Cleaner Kit
• The Travel-Friendly Pick: iKlear Cleaning Kit for Apple Displays
• Best Microfiber Cloths: MagicFiber Cleaning Cloths
• Individually Packaged: ZEISS Mobile Screen Wipes
• A Nifty Machine-Washable Cloth: Moshi TeraGlove

How to Clean Your Phone or Laptop

Apple says you should use a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth to clean your iPhone. On the other hand, Google says you can use ordinary household soap on a damp cloth to remove stains. Both agree that cleaning wipes — those that have 70% isopropyl alcohol — are fine, too. That is, just as long as you don't get moisture into any of your smartphone's openings. Apple also says 75% ethyl alcohol wipes and Clorox Disinfecting Wipes are safe to use: Just make sure you don't use products containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide!

It's also important to turn off your device before you clean its screen, and you should never apply the cleaner directly to the screen, either. Spray the cleaner on a lint-free cloth instead, and avoid using rougher materials like paper towels. Consider keeping your smartphone in a sealed case, too, so it's easier and safer to wipe down with disinfectant wipes.

If you're cleaning your computer, Dell and Apple have both posted comprehensive guides on how to clean them safely.

How Often Should You Clean Your Devices?

The CDC recommends cleaning high-touch surfaces regularly — including our phones. Both the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal have reported that there is no need to compulsively clean your phone, but it's still a good idea to give it a quick wipe down every now and then.

Dr. Donald W. Schaffner, an extension specialist in food science and a distinguished professor at Rutgers University says if you've been near anybody who has been coughing or sneezing, you should most definitely clean your phone. However, if you're diligent about washing your hands, there's no reason to clean your phone more than once a day ... unless it's potentially been exposed to the virus.

Do Screen Cleaners Kill COVID-19?

Unless you're using a disinfecting wipe to clean your devices, chances are that whichever screen cleaner you buy will not kill the COVID-19 virus. Most screen cleaners aren't disinfectants. If you're shopping for a disinfectant, make sure you check to see if it's an EPA-registered disinfectant that can kill the COVID-19 virus.

Even though most screen cleaners don't kill viruses, experts say that the chance of catching a virus like COVID-19 from your smartphone is minimal when compared to the risk of being near someone who is infected with the disease.

There are steps you can take to minimize your mobile device's exposure to germs and viruses, however. The Federal Communications Commission recommends the following:

• Keep your phone in your pocket, purse, or car when you leave the house
• When shopping, use a written shopping list as opposed to one on your smartphone
• Use a credit card for payment — preferably a contactless one — and not the mobile payment option on your smartphone
• After being in public places, only touch your phone after you have washed or sanitized your hands, or removed gloves you have worn
• Use earbuds or headphones when making calls so that your phone is not pressed against your face

Now that you know how to clean your devices, find the best screen cleaner for your needs among these thoroughly evaluated picks. We've recommended cleaners that come in large-sized bottles that'll last for months at home, some smaller travel-friendly cleaners for keeping your screens looking flawless on the go, and even some hypoallergenic screen cleaners for folks who are sensitive to chemicals. Trust us, whether you're sick of the smudges or just want to keep germs and bacteria at bay, you'll find the best screen cleaners for every kind of device below.