Never wipe your smartphone screen with these things - Here's why
Never wipe your smartphone screen with these things (photo: Freepik)
The screen is an integral part of a smartphone that the user interacts with constantly. In this regard, it quickly becomes dirty, requiring regular care and cleaning.
RBC-Ukraine tells you what things you shouldn't use to wipe your phone screen, as this can negatively affect the display itself.
The following sources were used in the preparation of the material: Medium, Nairaland, GoEasyRepair.
Paper towels
Paper towels are handy for wiping down kitchen tables or drying your hands, but you shouldn't use them to clean your smartphone screen. Similar to napkins, they leave fibers on the device's display, which can negatively affect its appearance. In addition, paper can even scratch the screen, so it is better to choose softer materials for this purpose.
Window cleaning liquid
Although your smartphone screen is made of glass, this does not mean that it can be safely cleaned with window cleaner. Many gadgets are equipped with a special protective coating that can be damaged by harsh chemicals. Using a liquid with abrasive particles can cause unwanted scratches on the screen.
Other household chemicals
The use of liquids for cleaning toilets, kitchens, or tiles is not recommended for smartphones. These household products can destroy the screen's oleophobic coating, as even Apple warns in its iPhone care instructions.
Makeup removers
Many makeup removers contain harsh chemicals, such as alcohol, that will damage the screen.
Jeans and T-shirts
The materials used for clothing often have a rough texture, especially denim. Wiping your smartphone screen against pants made of this material can easily cause scratches.
Although this method is often used, it is not recommended because the fabric of jeans or thick T-shirts can damage the oleophobic coating of the screen.
Alcohol
Alcohol dissolves the protective coating of the display, increasing the vulnerability of your smartphone to scratches. Therefore, before purchasing wipes or gadget cleaners, it is important to make sure that they do not contain alcohol.
Compressed air
Your cell phone is a fragile device, and using compressed air to clean it can damage its internals. For example, Apple forbids using this method to clean iPhones, and Google recommends refraining from blowing out Pixel smartphones.
A striking example from Reddit emphasizes the risks: a user trying to clean his OnePlus with compressed air accidentally damaged the microphone.
Vinegar
The gadget care guide on the large Android Central portal recommends wiping your smartphone case with diluted vinegar. However, it is strongly discouraged to use this solution to clean glass surfaces such as the screen and camera lenses. Vinegar can damage the protective coating of these elements.
Disinfectant wipes
Disinfectant wipes are effective in fighting germs on your hands, but it is not recommended to use them to wipe your smartphone. They can destroy the protective oleophobic and hydrophobic coating on the screen, leaving microscopic scratches and even causing corrosion.
Soap
The issue is somewhat controversial. Google generally does not deny the use of ordinary soap for cleaning, but emphasizes the importance of avoiding getting it inside the case. However, excessive use can damage the oleophobic coating, so it is recommended to refrain from taking risks and be careful.
Hydrogen peroxide
Using hydrogen peroxide can damage the surface of the device, says Apple. So use peroxide for its intended purpose - to treat wounds, and do not experiment on gadgets.
Gasoline
If you are so determined that you use gasoline to wipe your phone, it may be hard to convince you otherwise. However, it is recommended that you refrain from doing so, as gasoline easily destroys plastic.
