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screen got windex-ed

J

JustOneQuickONe

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Dec 4, 2008
257
0
So, I know the iPad screen should not be cleaned with windex (or so I've read) but when I was home over the holidays good ol' mom tried to be helpful and wiped down my screen with a windex covered cloth (I witnesses the crime :D) and this cloth was pretty damp (not soaking). Is it true that over time this will break down the protection of the screen and glass itself, or is that with repeated use? I'm not too worried about this one time (even though I have occasionally used eye glasses cleaner, but it has no ammonium and is fairly weak) but wiped it down with a little water on a microfiber cloth just to make sure and was just curious in general. Should I get a screen protector just in case? (No, I am not currently using protection :) with my iPad)

Thanks!
 
Oh my, I've never heard that window cleaner isn't a good thing on the iPad screen. I use an ammonium-free cleaner quite regularly with a cleaning cloth. I wonder if I should stop.
 
I keep my displays on my laptops, smartphones & tablets, clean and fingerprint free very easily. Simply use nothing but a microfiber cloth dampened with plain water. If cleaned this way every few days or as needed, it will not become so filthy that chemical cleaners are required. Thus extending the life of the display. Easy to carry, microfiber cloth is washable and fits in my laptop case easily. Nothing is as effective and easy on your screen as microfiber.
 
vitzr said:
I keep my displays on my laptops, smartphones & tablets, clean and fingerprint free very easily. Simply use nothing but a microfiber cloth dampened with plain water. If cleaned this way every few days or as needed, it will not become so filthy that chemical cleaners are required. Thus extending the life of the display. Easy to carry, microfiber cloth is washable and fits in my laptop case easily. Nothing is as effective and easy on your screen as microfiber.
Click to expand...

You sound like an advertisement! LOL
 
vitzr said:
I keep my displays on my laptops, smartphones & tablets, clean and fingerprint free very easily. Simply use nothing but a microfiber cloth dampened with plain water. If cleaned this way every few days or as needed, it will not become so filthy that chemical cleaners are required. Thus extending the life of the display. Easy to carry, microfiber cloth is washable and fits in my laptop case easily. Nothing is as effective and easy on your screen as microfiber.
Click to expand...

I couldn't have said it better myself.
 
IPad has an oleophobic coating which means it repels oil, such as body oils from your fingers that cause fingerprints. The makes it very easy for a simple swipe of microfiber cloth to clean it.

The chemicals in those cleaners break down he oleophobic coating, clean it away, or can over time.

The coating doesn't to protect from physical damage so a case isn't going to replicate the lack of he coating.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3226#ipads
 
Menel said:
IPad has an oleophobic coating which means it repels oil, such as body oils from your fingers that cause fingerprints. The makes it very easy for a simple swipe of microfiber cloth to clean it.

The chemicals in those cleaners break down he oleophobic coating, clean it away, or can over time.

The coating doesn't to protect from physical damage so a case isn't going to replicate the lack of he coating.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3226#ipads
Click to expand...

Good to know. Thanks for sharing!
 
I got talked down upon last time when i said this, but the coating doesnt last anyway. It doesnt matter if you never use a chemical cleaner on it or not. The coating just doesnt last. I know I cant be the only person in the world who has experienced this.

But when I want to really clean my screen, I use Windex. I spray it on a paper napkin, not on the screen, a little bit more than a mist, and I wipe the bad boy down. Personally, i think people who clean their screen more than 2 or three times a month have a problem. The machine is made to be touched. Thats all there is to it. Dont let fingerprints give you OCD.

Now if you are a person who doesnt wash their hands after eating a bucket of popeyes chicken, then thats another story.

And I refuse to carry a microfiber cloth with me wherever I go.
 
NameUndecided said:
Oh my, I've never heard that window cleaner isn't a good thing on the iPad screen. I use an ammonium-free cleaner quite regularly with a cleaning cloth. I wonder if I should stop.
Click to expand...

I would think that would be fine. I use that stuff on my tinted windows in my car.

For the iPad I just use the Microfiber that came with our original iMacs. That does a great quick job. I imagine when I put my new case on that has a sleeve pocket on the inside I will keep the cloth there.
 
JustOneQuickONe said:
So, I know the iPad screen should not be cleaned with windex (or so I've read) but when I was home over the holidays good ol' mom tried to be helpful and wiped down my screen with a windex covered cloth (I witnesses the crime :D) and this cloth was pretty damp (not soaking). Is it true that over time this will break down the protection of the screen and glass itself, or is that with repeated use? I'm not too worried about this one time (even though I have occasionally used eye glasses cleaner, but it has no ammonium and is fairly weak) but wiped it down with a little water on a microfiber cloth just to make sure and was just curious in general. Should I get a screen protector just in case? (No, I am not currently using protection :) with my iPad)

Thanks!
Click to expand...

The "screen cleaning with windex is bad" thing is a myth. I used to buy into it until I tried it and for years since I've cleaned all my products (monitors, including ACDs, TV's, iPhone and iPad screens) with windex every few days.

That being said its not the best cleaner for shiny screens as it can often leave a film that you have to buff off (some people think their screen is ruined when they see this, not so, it comes off). I use it because its what is lying around the house but eye glass cleaner is my favorite cleaner for shiny screens.
 
Menel said:
IPad has an oleophobic coating which means it repels oil, such as body oils from your fingers that cause fingerprints. The makes it very easy for a simple swipe of microfiber cloth to clean it.

The chemicals in those cleaners break down he oleophobic coating, clean it away, or can over time.

The coating doesn't to protect from physical damage so a case isn't going to replicate the lack of he coating.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3226#ipads
Click to expand...

From the number of fingerprints on my screen right now, oil repelling is hard to believe
 
iCandii said:
From the number of fingerprints on my screen right now, oil repelling is hard to believe
Click to expand...

Repelling is the key..... It's not oil proof. Besides the oil repelling is what makes it easy to clean with just a micro fibre cloth
 
iCandii said:
From the number of fingerprints on my screen right now, oil repelling is hard to believe
Click to expand...

It repels, an affinity against oil, therefore it sort of floats on top, prevents it from adhering to the glass, and thus wipes away using soft microfiber with ease.

Its gonna gonna magically have the energy to bounce it off.
 
I say nonsense. But use the right cleaner.

Don't use Windex or anything else with ammonia. I've used Invisible Glass for years on my computer screens, iPhones and iPads. (Invisible Glass is the only product recommended by my automobile window tinter.) Clean great, leaves the screen smooth, and no visible or tactile deterioration whatsoever has been observed. Just be sure you spray the cotton cloth, then wipe. Don't spray the screen, or risk getting spray where it doesn't belong.
 
Wow, you guys sure go to a lot of trouble. I'm with vitzr, I use a slightly damp wash cloth. All of mine are microfiber but they are the same ones I use for just about everything, dusting, baths, etc. A little bit of plain tap water, quick rub and turn it over for a quick dry. Clean as a whistle.
 
I do not think the coating on the screen is ammonia soluble. Apple had to know that people would use products like Windex.

Asking people how they clean their screen in he forums will net you as many answers as how to charge the iPad battery. :p
 
Avoid anything with ammonia. Vinegar is okay. Windex actually makes a vinegar cleaner. FWIW, it's also safe to use on car windows that have tints.
 
chrono1081 said:
The "screen cleaning with windex is bad" thing is a myth. I used to buy into it until I tried it and for years since I've cleaned all my products (monitors, including ACDs, TV's, iPhone and iPad screens) with windex every few days.
Click to expand...
I've cleaned almost everything I own with Windex and nothing has burst into flames yet.
 
I understand the concern, but who keeps one long enough to care? Anyone on this forum probably isn't going to have any idevice more than a year or two without upgrading it. I hate to use that annoying 'just sayin' line, but..............just sayin'
 
vitzr said:
I keep my displays on my laptops, smartphones & tablets, clean and fingerprint free very easily. Simply use nothing but a microfiber cloth dampened with plain water. If cleaned this way every few days or as needed, it will not become so filthy that chemical cleaners are required. Thus extending the life of the display. Easy to carry, microfiber cloth is washable and fits in my laptop case easily. Nothing is as effective and easy on your screen as microfiber.
Click to expand...

+ one, a damp microfiber cloth cleans all my screens. Macs iPad iPhone etc.

I have never used anything. Some say Iclear is good, but water works for me.

Tell your Mom to use water...it's best.
 
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