Got Sticky-Fingered Kids? You Need This 3-Ingredient DIY Electronic Screen Cleaner Recipe (2024)

YUCK. That’s the only way to describe the screens on our electronic devices!

With millions of germs hiding on the surface, our beloved touch screen devices are a literal germ haven!

Especially when our kiddos get a hold of them.

Now I love my kiddos, but let’s just say that even this “wash-your-hands”-preaching mama doesn’t always know where her kiddos hands have been.

And it shows in their dirty cell phones, music players and tablets. And, for that matter, on mine when their fingers get all over them.

And, yes, we moms add to the cell phone screen gunk too with our makeup-wearing cheeks and texting fingers as we’re cooking dinner!

No matter what, it’s safe to assume that our electronic devices regularly need a good cleaning, right?! More than just a simple wipe on the front of a t-shirt.

Oh friends, have I got a great solution for you!

Got Sticky-Fingered Kids? You Need This 3-Ingredient DIY Electronic Screen Cleaner Recipe (1)

We need a electronic screen cleaner that:

  • powerfully kills germs without damaging the screen’s finish
  • removes oily smudges (and those unmentionable crusty parts)
  • is portable and available in a moment’s notice
  • is inexpensive and easy to put together
  • natural and made with everyday ingredients
  • is easy (and safe) for kids to use

Honestly, I was surprised at how few electronic screen cleaner options are available.

I found a few on Amazon, but I wasn’t sure of the ingredients, and phew—they cost around $9 for apack of 12 disposable electronic wipes, or $18a bottle for a spray/cloth combo! Yikes!

That's when I did a little online research and came up with my own all-natural DIY screen cleaner.

  • It’s cheap (costs pennies to make!)
  • It’s portable (you can carry it in your purse!)
  • It uses only three easy-to-find ingredients
  • It’s safe for screens
  • And… it works!!

Want the recipe? Of course you do!

In fact, you’ll want to make bottles of it for your kids! You’ll be passing it around at street corners! You’ll be giving it as Christmas gifts! (Ok, maybe not as Christmas gifts or the street corner thing… but I think you’ll agree that it’s pretty stinking awesome!)

First, I want to share 6important safety tips for cleaning your electronic screens.

Because face it—you don’t want to damage your $700 iPhone because you cleaned it wrong, do you?!

I was most surprised by tip number 3… (click next!)

I did some online digging (on reputable sites like PCWorld,HowtoGeek.comand LifeHacker.com) for what the experts say on how to safely clean an electronic screen.

And it turns out that you can really damage your screen with the wrong cleaner ingredients or methods!

So before we go any further, jot these down…

Got Sticky-Fingered Kids? You Need This 3-Ingredient DIY Electronic Screen Cleaner Recipe (2)

6Important Tips for Safely Cleaning Your Cell Phone Screen

1) Never spray directly on the screen itself (always spray on a cloth first, then wipe).

2) Use a microfiber cloth to clean (paper-based products like paper towels can scratch the screen).

3) Don’t use rubbing alcohol (it can damage the finish).

This was the one that surprised me the most! Who knew?! Also add to this list: window cleaners, aerosol sprays, solvents, ammonia, or other abrasives.

4) Take off any protective covers before you clean(so that no liquid is potentially trapped).

5) To be extra safe, remove the battery from the back of the device before you clean.

6) Don’t use a cleaning spray if there are any cracks in the screen.

Watch here as I demonstrate how to properly clean a cell phone screen (subscribe):

Alright, so I didn’t take out my battery from the back (an added precaution), but you get the gist of how this works, right?

Once I first developed this three-ingredient, all natural formula, I couldn’t stop myself from running through the house cleaning screens! It was crazy fun!

Curious about what’s in this amazing three-ingredient DIY electronic screen cleaner?

DIY Cell Phone Screen Cleaner

Got Sticky-Fingered Kids? You Need This 3-Ingredient DIY Electronic Screen Cleaner Recipe (3)

Ingredients:

a little less than 2 oz. water

a little less than 2 oz. white vinegar

20 drops Immune Strength Essential Oil Blend

…and that's it!

Turns out that equal parts of water and white vinegar are an effective, mild cleaner that will remove the gunk without damaging an electronic screen.

And the Immune Strength Essential Oil Blend (buy it here online from Rocky Mountain Oils) turns this simple screen cleaner into an powerful way to boost your immune system and protect your body from germs.

Got Sticky-Fingered Kids? You Need This 3-Ingredient DIY Electronic Screen Cleaner Recipe (4)

In fact, for centuries, the herbs used in this blend (Clove Bud, Cinnamon Bark, Lemon, Orange, Oregano, Red Mandarin, Thyme, Rosemary, Nutmeg, Ginger Root, and Eucalyptus) have been usedto help people fight off many diseases, including the plague.

As moms, we want to make sure that we're doing everything we can to minimize the spread of germs, right?!That's why the Immune Strength Essential Oil blendis an incredibly important part of this spray.

Plus Immune Strength'sspicy-citrus scent (that reminds you of Christmastime) adds a nice scent when you're cleaning your screen.

Got Sticky-Fingered Kids? You Need This 3-Ingredient DIY Electronic Screen Cleaner Recipe (5)

You'll also need these items:

Got Sticky-Fingered Kids? You Need This 3-Ingredient DIY Electronic Screen Cleaner Recipe (6)

2 oz glass spray bottles(dark glass protects the integrity of the essential oils)

microfiber cloth(remember–no paper products!)

Both of these are sold in packs of 6.

And let's face it–you're going to need several bottles! You'll want to teach your kids how to (properly and regularly) clean the screens on their electronic devices and even give them their own bottle.

Plus you'll want to have several bottles of this screen cleaner stashed all over the place so it's handy when one of your electronic screens needs a cleaning! I store the cloth and bottle together in a plastic ziploc bag in my purse.

NOTE:Be sure to shake the bottle each time before you spray (to make sure that everything stays mixed).

Adventures in Cell Phone Spray Cleaning

Turns out that if you want to get your kids attention, start talking to them about something that affects their electronic devices.

After I showed mymy 13-year-old tech-loving son how to clean his beloved iPod with the DIY screen spray, he said, “Whoa, Mom. This thing is clean. Seriously, there’s been this mark on there like a year that I haven’t been able to get out, and it’s gone!

(Yuck. I didn't need to know that.)

He ran off to find me more devices (and to alert his brother and sister of the magic of the spray).

A few minutes later my eleven-year-old tween was giddy with excitement too. “My screen… “ hesaid, with no small amount of amazement,“it’s so… smooth!! Finally!!”

I didn’t want to know how long things had been “less than smooth” on his screen… again, trying to delete that “way too many germs in our home” thought.

Then they started bringing me all kinds of stuff to clean. Their laptops! Their tablets!

Holy cow! You’d think I was handing out stacks of candy bars or something!

Suddenly, I was the Willy Wonka of electronics as they were amazed at how this simple solution made their games and ability to connect with their friendsso much clearer!

The whole thing made me laugh… but later (as I was secretly cleaning my embarrassingly gross laptop screen) I found myself sharing their amazement and glee.

Ahhhh. A clean screen. Yep, it feels pretty dang good.

Other Posts for a Happier, Healthier Family:

Tired of Being Sick? Ultimate List of Natural Cold Remedies

Got Sticky-Fingered Kids? You Need This 3-Ingredient DIY Electronic Screen Cleaner Recipe (7)

8 Amazing Essential Oils to Help Your Family Everyday

Got Sticky-Fingered Kids? You Need This 3-Ingredient DIY Electronic Screen Cleaner Recipe (8)

Ultimate List DIY Natural Household Cleaning Recipes

Got Sticky-Fingered Kids? You Need This 3-Ingredient DIY Electronic Screen Cleaner Recipe (9)

Got Sticky-Fingered Kids? You Need This 3-Ingredient DIY Electronic Screen Cleaner Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is in LCD screen cleaner? ›

Many retailers offer special cleaning solutions for LCD screens, but the truth is that most of these are made up primarily of water.

What is the best solution for cleaning electronics? ›

The most common way to clean flux residues from a repair area is to saturate a cotton or foam swab with isopropyl alcohol or another cleaning solvent, and rub it around the repair area.

Can you use rubbing alcohol to clean electronic screens? ›

Avoid ethanol, rubbing alcohol, and bleach. These can leave permanent scars on your screen or, at the very least, ruin the monitor's lustrous glossy surface or beautiful matte finish.

What is a safe homemade screen cleaner? ›

Distilled water is a safe way to gently clean your screen. A 50/50 mix of distilled water and white vinegar is great for tougher grime. Use only enough liquid to moisten the microfiber cloth. Excess liquid can damage your laptop.

Can I use hydrogen peroxide to clean my screen? ›

Don't use window cleaners, household cleaners, aerosol sprays, solvents, ammonia, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide to clean the display. Don't clean the screen of your display with a cleaner containing acetone. Use a cleaner intended for use with a screen or display.

Can isopropyl alcohol be used as a screen cleaner? ›

The isopropyl alcohol can seep between the layers of the display, completely ruining it and requiring the device to have a replacement screen fitted. The isopropyl alcohol can leach into the seals and damage the adhesive holding the display in place and compromise the waterproofing.

What is the best chemical to clean screens? ›

WHOOSH Screen Cleaner Kit

If you need the most effective option for cleaning smudges off of screens, it is hard to argue against the screen cleaner kit from Whoosh. Using this screen cleaner spray in tandem with the microfiber cloth led to some of the most effective results out of any product we tested.

What is the best cleaner for LCD TV screens? ›

“Your best bet is to use a soft, anti-static microfiber cloth—the kind used to clean eyeglasses and camera lenses—and wipe in a circular motion,” says John Walsh, who cleans more than 250 TVs a year in his role as a CR photographer. (Some TV manufacturers will include a cloth for this purpose.)

How do you make homemade TV screen cleaner? ›

Mix one part distilled water with one part vinegar in a spray bottle. Shake well. Spray the solution onto your microfiber cloth.

Can you use Windex on electronic screens? ›

NEVER use Windex on a computer or flat screen T.V. ! It will permanently damage it. Just use a microfiber cloth or any lint-free cloth+ rub the screen in a circular motion.

Can I use alcohol to clean my TV screen? ›

You should never use any type of window cleaner, soap, scouring powder, or any cleanser with solvents such as alcohol, benzene, ammonia, or paint thinner. Never use abrasive pads or paper towels. If you do, you can scratch the screen or strip the anti-glare coating off the screen and cause permanent damage.

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