Mike Peterson
Apple on Monday updated a support document to say that that it's safe to use certain disinfecting wipes on its products, but you should still be careful and not get in a habit of doing so.
It's long been a best practice to avoid using any kind of harsh chemical or solvent on smartphones and other devices. For decades, Apple's recommendation has been to use a damp, lint-free cloth but not cleaners.
But amid a worsening global coronavirus outbreak, Apple has updated its guidelines to say that certain chemical wipes are safe to use. Apple's support document actually recommends using "70 isopropyl alcohol wipe or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes" to "gently wipe the hard, nonporous surfaces of your Apple product, such as the display, keyboard, or other exterior surfaces."
The use of bleach, as well as submersion in cleaning products or getting moisture into any openings, is still to be avoided, per the updated guidelines. Apple also says not to use cleaning wipes on leather or fabric.
While Apple has updated its own recommendations, continued use of solvents on your display will wear down its oleophobic coating and may result in permanent damage.
Much of AppleInsider's staff has worked in device service in the past. We have seen the damage that can result from solvent application to screens, including alcohol over time. We don't recommend using these cleaning wipes on a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro screen at all. This all said, we've got some sacrificial devices lined up, and will report back at some point in the future.
It isn't clear how long COVID-19 can survive on surfaces. The Center for Disease Control has confirmed that it can be transmitted through that vector if the deposited liquid holding the virus is relatively fresh.
In 2021, Apple introduced its own Apple polishing cloth. While roundly mocked for its $19 price tag, it immediately sold out — and is good for cleaning screens.
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11 Comments
My experience is the surface “screens” on iPhones and iPads are easily damaged. (Though they do well on drop tests)
I recommend buying a screen protector when you purchase your device (plan ahead). You can buy a 3 pack on Amazon for $12. Then you can go to town with cleaning wipes, and swap the protector if the screen gets a scratch or foggy (from the chemicals).
I always use a case, but if you don’t you might discolor the rest of the iPhone (with the chemicals) and lower it’s resale value... so go just harsh enough to get the job done.
I use the isopropyl alcohol wipes.
You can get boxes of pre-injection swabs with 70% isopropyl alcohol very cheaply. The 1” square wipe is plenty for giving a phone a quick once-over. Don’t rub it! Just a quick wipe is enough.
Moot point. No wipes left in supermarkets after panic buying :D
I don't think anybody else has ever touched my phone, so no worries here. Why would I let somebody else touch my phone?
I was at Costco today to stock up on toilet paper and they were out of kirkland(costco brand), but I managed to get charmin instead, so my trip wasn't wasted.
They also were out of clorox wipes, but I already have some of those stocked up at home from before. I was stocked up even before the virus, I like to be prepared. I just need to get some sort of weapon that will be effective against the zombies when the time comes.