How to Clean Your Phone and Laptop Screen Safely

Last updated November 6, 2026

To clean your phone and laptop screens safely, turn off the device and unplug it. Wipe the screen gently with a dry microfiber cloth. For smudges, lightly dampen the cloth with water or a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe.

Screens collect fingerprints, dust and germs fast. A quick, gentle clean keeps them clear without damage.

Key Takeaways

• Power off and unplug before cleaning.
• Microfiber cloths are the safest choice.
• Never spray liquid straight onto a screen.
• Avoid paper towels, glass cleaner and bleach.
• Clean phones often, since they collect germs.

On This Page

• What You Need
• How to Clean a Phone Screen
• How to Clean a Laptop Screen and Keyboard
• What Not to Use
• How Often to Clean
• Why Gadgets Get So Dirty
• Screen Types Need Different Care
• Clean Your Charging Cables and Ports
• Clean Your Computer Mouse
• Clean Headphones and Earbuds Safely
• Clean Smart Home Devices
• Clean Shared Devices More Often
• Protect Devices While You Clean
• Use Screen Protectors and Cases
• Clean Devices After Travel or Illness

What You Need

Grab a soft microfiber cloth and a little distilled water. Seventy percent isopropyl alcohol wipes work for disinfecting.

A soft brush or cotton swab helps with ports and keyboard gaps.

How to Clean a Phone Screen

Apple Support explains how to clean Apple products safely.

1. Turn It Off

Power down your phone and remove the case.

2. Wipe Dry First

Use a dry microfiber cloth to remove dust and smudges.

3. Disinfect Gently

Lightly wipe with a 70 percent alcohol wipe. Avoid ports and openings.

4. Clean the Case

Wash plastic or silicone cases with mild soap and water. Let them dry fully.

How to Clean a Laptop Screen and Keyboard

1. Shut Down and Unplug

Turn off the laptop and disconnect the charger.

2. Wipe the Screen

Use a dry microfiber cloth in gentle circles. Add a little water to the cloth for tough smudges.

3. Clean the Keyboard

Tilt the laptop and gently tap out crumbs. Wipe keys with a lightly damp cloth.

How to Clean Other Gadgets

Tablets clean just like phones. Use a dry microfiber cloth first, then a light alcohol wipe.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains why clean hands keep gadgets cleaner.

For earbuds, use a dry cotton swab on the mesh and a soft brush for wax. Never get the speaker holes wet.

You can usually wash smartwatch bands with mild soap and water. Check the label for leather or fabric bands.

Wipe your television (TV) remote and game controllers with an alcohol wipe. Remove batteries first if the remote is very dirty.

What Not to Use

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains how to clean and disinfect at home.

Use this calculator to set a cleaning routine.

• Microfiber cloth
• 70 percent alcohol wipes
• Distilled water
• Soft brush or cotton swab
• Device turned off
• Case removed

How Often to Clean

Wipe your phone daily or every few days. Clean your laptop screen and keyboard once a week.

Wash your hands often too. Clean hands mean cleaner devices. Check your device maker’s support page for specific advice.

Why Gadgets Get So Dirty

Phones and laptops go everywhere with us. They pick up oils, sweat, makeup and germs throughout the day.

Many people use their phones while eating, commuting or even in the bathroom. All of that adds up.

Dirty screens are also harder to read. Smudges scatter light and can make you strain to see.

Screen Types Need Different Care

Not all screens handle cleaning the same way. Check your device type before you start.

When in doubt, follow the maker’s cleaning instructions. They know what coatings the screen uses.

Clean Your Charging Cables and Ports

Cables and chargers get handled every day. They need cleaning too.

Unplug cables and wipe them with a slightly damp cloth or alcohol wipe. Let them dry fully before plugging them in.

For charging ports, use a soft, dry brush or a wooden toothpick very gently. Never use metal objects, which can damage pins.

Avoid blowing into ports with your mouth. Moisture from your breath can cause problems.

Clean Your Computer Mouse

A mouse picks up a lot of grime from your hand. Clean it along with your keyboard.

• Turn off or unplug the mouse.
• Wipe the top and sides with an alcohol wipe.
• Clean the bottom sensor gently with a dry cotton swab.
• Remove gunk from the scroll wheel with a soft brush.

Let it dry for a minute before using it again.

Clean Headphones and Earbuds Safely

Headphones and earbuds touch your skin and ears. Clean them often to keep them fresh.

Over-Ear Headphones

Wipe the band and outer shell with a damp cloth. Clean ear cushions with a lightly damp cloth and mild soap if the maker allows.

Earbud Tips

Remove silicone tips if possible. Wash them in mild soapy water, rinse and let them dry completely.

Charging Case

Use a dry cotton swab to clean inside the case. Keep moisture away from the charging contacts.

Clean Smart Home Devices

Smart speakers, thermostats and doorbells collect dust and fingerprints. They need gentle care too.

• Wipe smart speakers with a dry microfiber cloth.
• Use a soft brush to clear dust from speaker grilles.
• Clean thermostat screens with a barely damp cloth.
• Wipe video doorbell lenses with a dry cloth for a clear picture.

Avoid sprays and harsh cleaners on these devices. Check the maker’s guide for any special steps.

Clean Shared Devices More Often

Family tablets, remotes and game controllers pass through many hands. They spread germs easily.

Wipe shared devices daily during cold and flu season. Wash your hands before and after using them.

Ask kids to wash their hands before using tablets. It keeps the screens cleaner for longer.

Protect Devices While You Clean

A careless wipe can damage expensive gadgets. Follow these safety tips.

• Never spray liquid directly onto a device.
• Do not soak cloths so much that they drip.
• Keep moisture out of ports, speakers and vents.
• Avoid paper towels, which can scratch some screens.
• Let devices dry fully before turning them back on.

If liquid gets inside a device, turn it off right away. Let it dry for at least a day before testing it.

Use Screen Protectors and Cases

Protective gear makes cleaning easier and protects your devices.

A screen protector takes the scratches and smudges instead of your screen. Replace it when it gets cracked or cloudy.

A case protects your phone from drops. Choose one you can remove and wash easily.

Clean Devices After Travel or Illness

Phones and laptops travel through airports, hotels and offices. They pick up extra germs on the way.

Give devices a full wipe when you get home from a trip. Clean cases, cables and chargers too.

After someone in your home has been sick, clean shared devices right away. Wash your hands afterward.

Screen Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

Some cleaning habits can damage your devices. Watch out for these common mistakes.

• Spraying liquid directly onto the screen
• Using paper towels that can scratch
• Cleaning while the device is turned on
• Using harsh cleaners like window spray

Spray a small amount of cleaner onto a soft cloth instead. Then wipe the screen gently.

Make Device Cleaning a Habit

Regular cleaning keeps devices looking good and working well. A simple schedule helps.

Wipe your phone screen every day with a soft, dry cloth. Clean your laptop keyboard and screen once a week.

Do a deeper clean of cases, cables and accessories each month. Set a phone reminder so you do not forget.

Wash Your Hands Often

Clean hands mean cleaner devices. Wash your hands before using shared tablets or keyboards.

Clean shared devices more often during cold and flu season.

Test Yourself

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use alcohol on my phone screen?

Yes, 70 percent isopropyl wipes are fine for most phones. Wipe gently.

Is glass cleaner safe for laptop screens?

No. It can damage screen coatings.

How do I clean between keyboard keys?

Use a soft brush or compressed air.

How often should I clean my phone?

Every day or every few days is ideal.

How do I clean a charging port?

Use a soft, dry brush or a wooden toothpick very gently. Never use metal objects.

Can I wash earbud tips?

Yes. Remove silicone tips, wash them in mild soapy water and let them dry fully.

How often should I clean shared devices?

Wipe them daily during cold and flu season.

What if liquid gets inside my device?

Turn it off right away and let it dry for at least a day before testing it.

Wrapping Up

Grab a microfiber cloth and give your devices a quick clean today. Your screens will look sharp and stay safe.

Get a new computer ready with our guide to set up a new laptop. Keep your phone fast with tips to speed up a slow phone.

Editor’s Note

This guide is accurate as of November 6, 2026. Follow your device maker’s care instructions.

Spot an error in this article? Please contact us at support@digieh.com or read our Corrections Policy.

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