We updated this article in January 2023 to add more frequently asked questions about screen cleaners based on extensive testing conducted by the Good Housekeeping Institute. Our original top-rated pick, as selected by the GH Cleaning Lab remains the same.
In recent years, we’ve all become more aware of just how many germs are out there. And, as a result, we’ve all adopted practices to help keep the frequently touched surfaces around us clean. And what’s touched more often than the cell phones, laptops, and other gadgets we use to stay connected to the world around us? They’re an essential lifeline, so it’s no wonder they’re attacked by dust, greasy fingerprints, dirt and germs – lots and lots of them.
Cleaning your mobile phone and laptop regularly is important not only to keep your gadgets looking good but also for your personal safety and to help your devices work better too. When the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Care & Cleaning Lab tests screen cleaners, we first evaluate items for safety, making sure any product we consider doesn’t contain potentially gadget-damaging chemicals like ammonia. Then, we tested all screen cleaners on a variety of devices, both large and small, to measure their effectiveness. Our top picks for screen cleaners include the highest-performing products from our most recent tests and those that are highly rated in online consumer reviews.
Our top picks:
Under our picks, you can read more about how we evaluate screen cleaners in our Lab — plus learn all about how to shop for screen cleaners and find out if it’s safe to use disinfecting wipes on your phone. Check out our guide to cleaning your laptop the right way and the best way to clean a TV screen.
