The Secret of Vinegar: How to Clean Your Phone and Laptop Screens Without Damaging Them

Smartphones, laptops, and other devices are part of daily life, quickly accumulating fingerprints, dust, and bacteria. Cleaning them properly is essential not only for maintaining a pristine appearance but also for ensuring their longevity and optimal performance. Surprisingly, one of the most effective cleaning agents isn’t found in the electronics aisle but in your kitchen: white vinegar.

White vinegar, also known as alcohol vinegar, acts as a natural degreaser and disinfectant due to its acetic acid content. However, it should never be applied directly to screens, as coatings and touch-sensitive layers can be damaged. The trick is to dilute it correctly to harness its benefits safely. The recommended mixture is simple, usually combining equal parts white vinegar and distilled water, though some users prefer an even gentler solution of one part vinegar to five parts water, especially for delicate displays.

Once the solution is prepared, it should be applied to a microfiber cloth rather than directly onto the screen. The cloth must be slightly damp, not soaked, to prevent liquid from seeping into the device’s circuits. Cleaning should always be done with the device powered off, using gentle circular motions without applying pressure, ensuring the surface is thoroughly cleaned without causing any damage. 

Related video: How to Clean the Outside of Your Windows Like a Pro (Mechanically Incleyend)

product, go through here, clean this entire window really well.

Current Time 0:26

/

Duration 0:59

Mechanically Incleyend

How to Clean the Outside of Your Windows Like a Pro

0

View on Watch

More videos

• 

  USA TODAYHow to safely clean your screens, gadgets without ruining them

  1:08
• 

  livecomposedThe Cleaning Hack That Actually Works (Tried & Tested!)

  0:15
• 

  WXIA-TV AtlantaTesting homemade cleaners

  2:19

To further protect your devices, certain precautions should be taken. Do not use vinegar on screens that manufacturers advise against, such as some MacBooks or specially treated displays. It is equally important to avoid multi-purpose cleaners, bleach, and abrasive products, which can destroy coatings and dull the screen. Whenever uncertain, consulting the manual or manufacturer’s website is highly recommended.

How to Clean Your Phone and Laptop Screens Without Damaging Them.

For those who prefer alternatives, there are other safe and effective cleaning methods. Diluted isopropyl alcohol mixed with distilled water can disinfect and remove fingerprints without affecting touch-sensitive layers. A very mild soapy water solution, with just a drop of dish soap in a glass of water, can also clean moderately dirty screens when applied with a microfiber cloth and dried afterward. Commercial screen cleaners, usually alcohol-based and ammonia-free, offer another reliable option, although they may be more expensive.

By following these methods, you can keep your devices clean, hygienic, and fully functional without the risk of damage. Proper care ensures that your phones and laptops not only look spotless but also maintain their performance and durability, making everyday use safer and more enjoyable.