The Best Screen Cleaners to Keep Both Bacteria and Smudges at Bay

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Getting good use of our electronic devices is the whole point of investing in them, but the unfortunate truth is that the more we use them, the dirtier they get over time. And now that remote work has become more popular, the need to keep our screens and devices clean has never been higher. In fact, a study from 2017 found that the average high schooler’s phone had a bacteria count of more than 17,000 and that many of these bacteria were potentially harmful. While it’s true that high schoolers aren’t the cleanest bunch, the fact of the matter is that keeping everything clean can be a challenge.

When it comes time to give your device a good wipe-down, it could be challenging to figure out where to start, especially given the sensitive nature of this cleaning task. Thankfully, with the right screen cleaner, scrubbing the bacteria and germs off your screen is easy. Below, you'll find our favorite screen cleaners, as well as some tips on how to clean your smartphone.

We've recommended cleaners that come in large-sized bottles that will 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.

Screen Cleaner Spray and Wipe Kit

Whoosh! is a powerful, non-toxic screen cleaner that'll keep the display of every gadget you own spotless. The odorless liquid is safe for all screens, while three antimicrobial microfiber cloths help ensure that you make the most of every spray.

When we tested Whoosh!, we loved the fact that it wiped away fingerprints and smudges with ease, leaving our devices crystal clear without streaks or residue. We also love the fact that it's plant-based and nontoxic. You can use it as frequently as you’d like, thanks to the fact that it’s free of harmful chemicals that are all too common in lower-quality cleaners, like ammonia, dyes, and needless fragrances. Whoosh! is available in a trio of bottle sizes if you want to size up.

Whoosh! is also an ideal gift option for anyone who appreciates the backing of a big brand like Apple because it's the screen cleaner of choice for all Apple retail stores. Does that automatically make them the best screen cleaners ever? We think so.

Screen Cleaner Spray

A solid value for the price, this screen-cleaning kit consists of a 16-ounce bottle of solution and a large microfiber cloth — it’s even backed by a money-back guarantee! The included microfiber is high quality and large enough to be used on laptops and larger scenes efficiently but not so large that you can’t toss it in your bag on the go. According to the manufacturer, it’s compatible with LCD, LED, CRT, and OLED screens. The cleaning solution has been tested on all major tech brands, too.

Screen Cleaning Combo Kit

Zeiss has been making optical and display products since 1846, and it should come as no surprise that this bundle is just as high quality as the lenses the brand has become famous for. This bundle comes with everything you need to keep your devices of all sizes and types clean. The gel cleaner is a great deskside companion that can be used on everything from glasses to screens. Although the gel spray bottle is too large to travel with on a daily basis comfortably, the kit also includes 20 extra-large disposable wipes.

We are especially fond of the fact that both the gel spray and travel wipes are safe for screens and people and alcohol-free, which is uncommon for cleaners that work this well.

Screen Cleaner Kit

For those searching for an organic and safe screen cleaner, we recommend this solution from Screen Mom. The product is alcohol-, chemical-, and phosphate-free. Plus, it's hypoallergenic and completely odorless, making it a good choice for those with sensitive skin and noses.

With your purchase, you'll get a 16-ounce Screen Mom bottle and a microfiber towel. You can expect more than 1,500 sprays before needing to purchase another bottle, making this well worth the purchase. On the other hand, if you want to size down for something smaller that you can bring on the go, you can get an airplane and pocket-friendly 2-ounce bottle with the same cleaning solution.

It's also a great gift for anyone with young kids because, let’s face it, device usage is becoming increasingly common, and toddlers aren’t getting any cleaner. In fact, recent research published in the American Medical Association’s pediatric journal found that children aged 0-2 spent twice as much time in front of a screen in 2014 as they did in 2009; thankfully, the Screen Mom Screen Cleaner Kit has everything needed to get rid of food smears and smudges without relying on harsh chemicals.

Cleaning Kit

The highly-rated iKlear cleaning kit is one of the best in this field, especially among owners of Apple devices. It contains a 2-ounce bottle of alcohol-free cleaning spray, three microfiber cloths, and six pre-moistened, individually packaged wipes.

Although high-performance isn’t something you’d normally associate with cleaning cloths,, the dual texture makes the included cloth more versatile and capable than the competition. The fuzzier side of the cloth is great for removing small dust particles and debris that can scratch your phone, while the smooth side is ideal for wiping the screen with the included solution or for removing streaks and smudges. The fuzzy side is especially helpful when you want to quickly wipe your screen without using the spray and when glare from the sun makes dust particles look like sprinkles on your display.

The iKlear DMT dual-sided cloth can cost more than $10 on its own, which sweetens the pot for this combo kit even more.

Mobile Screen Wipes

These individually wrapped wipes by Zeiss will seamlessly remove fingerprints and grease from the screens of your favorite gadgets, using a solution that's effective — yet harmless — on your electronics. Plus, the wipes dry quickly after being applied, so they won't leave a streak on the screen. If you have a family or a large number of screens to clean, you’ll appreciate the fact that this Zeiss kit comes with 120 packaged wipes.

Good Grips Sweep and Swipe

When you think of screen cleaning, you probably don’t think of yet another device. But don’t judge the Oxo Sweep and Swipe too quickly. This handy cleaning buddy can help you get achieve a deeper clean that just a regular microfiber. When the time comes to remove debris like crumbs from a keyboard, a spray solution won’t help you get the job done.

That’s where the brush side of the Sweep and Swipe comes in. The long, soft bristles are able to reach places that are usually inaccessible. By combining the brush with the microfiber pad, this all-in-one tools ensure that you will always have what you need keep your devices as fresh as possible.

Screen Cleaner

The Click Clean removes the hassle of having to remember to travel with both a cleaning cloth and a spray solution. If you want to retain the strength of a disinfecting screen cleaner but don’t want to deal with the added effort of keeping track of two separate items, this is the screen cleaner for you.

One of the best features of the Click Clean is that you can quickly use the built-in microfiber without the spray if you’re in a hurry. Unlike regular microfiber cloths, which have an unfortunate tendency to find their way to the deepest corners of the bag when needed most, the handheld Click Clean makes it easy to find in a crowded bag.

We also like the fact that the microfiber cloth neatly slides into the case when not in use, which prevents it from becoming stained and damaged, as loose items in a purse or bag often do.

Two-Pack Microfiber Cleaning Cloths

A quality microfiber cloth can come in handy when cleaning electronics. This MagicFiber offering has two of them, so you can leave one at home and take the other to your office.

These cloths are our favorite because they are gentle on your display but work well at removing dust, oil, smudges, and fingerprints. They’re also durable and made with a tight weave, so they can be twisted and scrunched without having to worry about breakage.

Another underrated aspect of the standard microfiber cloth is that you can safely use it on nearly any type of screen, lens, or shiny surface, for that matter, and the same is not true for cleaning solutions themselves. It may seem lowly at first, but you can remove smudges and streaks on everything from your car GPS and cell phone to glasses and camera lenses.

What to Consider

Type
There are a number of different types of screen cleaners to choose from, but the most common types are liquid-based sprays, wipes saturated in cleaning solution, or dry microfiber cloths. Depending on your device and whether you're on the go or at home, you may want to use one method and product over another.

• Liquid based screen cleaners are typically the best for removing smudges as well as disinfecting the surface of your device. However, liquid cleaners can be bulky, cause spills, or be made from harmful chemicals.

• Wipes can offer the same disinfecting power as their spray-based peers but on the go. Whether you’re on the subway or about to go through airport security, you can take screen cleaning wipes with you wherever you go.

• Microfiber cloths are generally the easiest type of screen cleaner to travel with and use on the go. A microfiber cloth can be tossed into your pocket or bag until it's needed. You don’t need to worry about wrinkling or tearing, either. However, microfiber clothes don’t do anything to get rid of germs or bacteria because they lack the chemical or natural disinfectants found in sprays and wipes.
  
  Ingredients and Materials
  If you choose to invest in a liquid or wipe screen cleaner, check the ingredients to make sure they are safe for you and your device. Using a cleaner that’s too harsh may damage your screen, and it’s best practice to avoid coming into contact with such chemicals as much as possible. The last thing you want to do is end up damaging your device by accidentally using a common but corrosive cleaner like ammonia. If a microfiber cloth fits your needs, keep an eye out for products made from a durable synthetic microsuede that will withstand carefree use.
  
  What Devices You Want to Clean
  Before investing in a screen cleaner, take stock of what devices you want to clean. Take note of whether you have glass screens or a mixture. Also, consider the size of the devices you want to clean. If you’re cleaning desktop devices or a handful of different gadgets, getting a spray will let you easily cover more area. Also, if you have a device or phone case that has lots of nooks and crannies to get into, you might want to combine a cleaning solution with an advanced reusable device, like the Oxo Sweep and Swipe, to access those hard-to-reach places.

How We Selected

To find the best screen cleaners, we investigated more than 18 unique products before making our shortlist. First and foremost, we made sure that all of our products were safe to use and had been tested by a wide customer base. We consulted dozens of verified customer reviews as well as specification sheets and third-party professional tests. Wherever possible, we also relied on our own experience using the products.

Cleaning Tips

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, these will only hurt your device.

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 clean your phone compulsively, 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.

Do Screen Cleaners Kill COVID-19 and Other Viruses?
Unless you're using a disinfecting wipe to clean your devices, chances are that whichever screen cleaner you buy will not kill COVID-19 or any other 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. If your cleaner bears this label, you can rest assured that it’s as capable as any over-the-counter device disinfectant can be.

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 the gloves you have worn.

• Use earbuds or headphones when making calls so that your phone is not pressed against your face.

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