Can you use antibacterial wipes on your phone screen?

Author: Prof. Demario Roob II  |  Last update: Friday, February 27, 2026

While it is safe to use disinfectant wipes on many devices, keep in mind that those containing alcohol, bleach or vinegar may wear down the protective coating on a smartphone's screen.

Are antibacterial wipes safe for phones?

Yes you can use Lysol wipes on your phone, regardless of whether it's an iPhone or Android. It reduces germs on the surfaces of the phone.

Can you use antibacterial wipes on screens?

Don't use household disinfecting wipes on your computer screen.

What wipes can I use to clean my phone screen?

If you don't have access to Lysol wipes, a Clorox wipe is okay to use — Apple has updated its advice in the last year to say that Clorox-branded disinfecting wipes and other common disinfectants are safe to use on your phone. Or, you can try a mixture of mild soap and water applied to a microfiber cloth.

Are antibacterial wipes safe for electronics?

The electronics your family uses the most are often the ones that need the most frequent cleaning. In this new world of touch screens and screen protectors, cleaning electronics can often be a challenge. Lysol® Disinfecting Wipes are suitable to use on electronics, making the cleaning process easier than you think.

How Many Disinfecting Wipes Can Your Smartphone's Screen Take? | WSJ

Are antibacterial wipes safe?

Most antibacterial wipes are formulated for surfaces and may contain chemicals that can irritate skin, especially with frequent use. For hand hygiene, look for sanitizing wipes made specifically for skin, as they are safer and gentler.

Can you wipe down a TV screen with antibacterial wipes?

No, do not use Clorox wipes to clean a flat screen. These disinfectant wipes have harsh chemicals that can destroy the delicate film that coats your flat screen TV. You can damage the screen and make the image difficult to see.

What is the best thing to clean your phone screen with?

Use only a soft, lint-free cloth, like microfiber, to wipe away smudges. Abrasive materials, such as rough cloths, towels and paper towels, could scratch the glass and damage the oil-repelling coating on the glass screen. Let everything air dry before you pop your case back on.

Can I use glasses wipes on my phone screen?

All Glass Cleaners Are Not Created Equal

This is not true! Do not ever use Clorox, Windex, or Lysol cleaning products on your electronic devices. Smartphone screens should only be cleaned with alcohol-based cleaners, such as lens cleaning wipes you would use to clean your eyeglasses.

Can I use alcohol wipes to clean my phone screen?

Do unplug and turn off your phone first. Do use disinfectant wipes with 70% isopropyl alcohol or a similar disinfecting spray, spritzed onto a clean microfiber cloth. Do spray any cleaners onto a soft cloth, not directly onto your phone. Do wring out the wipe or cloth before using if it's too wet.

Can I use Clorox wipes on my phone?

Using a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe, 75 percent ethyl alcohol wipe, or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, you may gently wipe the exterior surfaces of your iPhone. Don't use products containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Avoid getting moisture in any openings, and don't submerge your iPhone in any cleaning agents.

Are baby wipes safe for screens?

On top of this, the actual wipes or cloths can also scratch the screen. Even though pre-moistened baby wipes seem convenient, they're really not a good idea.

Can hand sanitizer clean a screen?

Protect your screen

Do not use rubbing alcohol, paper towels, compressed air, dish soap or vinegar. All of these can damage your phone: Paper towels can scratch your screen, and vinegar could damage its coating. Do not use hand sanitizer on your phone screen, but do sanitize your hands before touching your phone.

Can you wipe a phone screen with wet wipes?

Make sure you use a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe – these are often sold as smartphone cleaners or medical wipes. Disinfectant wipes also work, according to Apple. Anything with less than 70% isopropyl alcohol will not effectively remove germs. Anything with more than 70% isopropyl alcohol could damage your phone screen.

Do Clorox wipes actually work?

Clorox Expert Disinfecting Wipes are a great choice to make part of your disinfecting routine as they are quick, convenient and kills 99.9% of viruses and bacteria. They will help keep spaces clean while protecting the health of those around you.

Can I use water to clean my phone screen?

The safest and most effective way to clean your screen is with a microfiber cloth. If the screen is in desperate need of cleaning, use distilled water to dampen the microfiber cloth and then wipe down your screen -- avoid squirting the water directly on the screen.

What are the best wipes for phone screens?

70% isopropyl alcohol wipe: Apple, Samsung, and Google all recommend using isopropyl alcohol–based cleaning wipes on their devices. Apple also says you can use 75% ethyl alcohol wipes or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes. Samsung additionally suggests 50- to 80-ppm hypochlorous acid–based solutions.

Are glasses wipes the same as screen wipes?

ZEISS Lens Wipes contain alcohol, Phone/Tablet wipes do not. The reason for this is to protect screens from damage in the event that alcohol penetrates a cracked screen.

What is a good substitute for phone screen cleaner?

Making this screen-cleaning spray couldn't be easier. Simply combine one part alcohol and one part distilled water in the spray bottle.

Can I use Lysol wipes on my phone screen?

You CAN use an alcohol wipe to disinfect your iPhone and Apple devices (such as Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, Lysol Disinfectant Wipes or other wipes) in which isopropyl alcohol is at least 70 percent. Using the alcohol disinfectant wipe, gently wipe the hard, nonporous surfaces of your iPhone or device. NEVER USE BLEACH.

What should I clean my screen with?

It's best to avoid using general-purpose cleaning cloths or paper towels as they can be abrasive and may scratch the screen. Always opt for a soft microfiber cloth or specialized anti-static screen cleaning wipes designed for electronic devices.

Can you use antibacterial wipes on electronics?

A suitable disinfectant for many different surfaces around the home, Clorox® Expert Disinfecting Wipes can be used on delicate surfaces such as electronics. There are various types of electronics that we use frequently on a day-to-day basis, making them a high-touch surface.

Can you wipe a screen with alcohol wipes?

Rubbing Alcohol: It's not recommended to use alcohol to clean the most of monitor screens because it contains corrosive substances to damage the coating on the LCD panels.

Can you use a Lysol wipe on an iPad?

Don't use window cleaners, household cleaners, compressed air, aerosol sprays, solvents, ammonia, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide to clean iPad. iPad has an oleophobic coating on the screen; simply wipe iPad's screen with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove oil left by your hands.

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