Touchscreen are modern cars favorite accessories because of its fully functional control centres. From adjusting the temperature to navigating the directions and listening to your favorite playlist, display screens are the one-stop solution for all. But the more you use it, the more it picks up dust, smudges, and fingerprints making it harder to see and less responsive.
While many think a quick wipe on whatever’s on hand will clean the car’s touchscreen, the wrong cleaning method can lead to permanent damage and costly repairs.
To avoid this situation, here are some quick and easy car touchscreen cleaning tips.
The Best Way to Clean a Touchscreen
According to Toyota, using a soft, damp cloth soaked in lukewarm water is the safest way to clean the infotainment screen. Harsh chemicals like ammonia, alcohol, gasoline, kerosene, or acidic solutions should be avoided, as they can degrade the anti-glare and oleophobic coating on the surface.
Instead, a clean microfiber cloth is the best choice because it traps dust without scratching. For tougher residues, a screen-safe cleaning solution free from alcohol and ammonia works effectively.
Step-by-Step Guide to Clean an Infotainment Screen
Follow these cleaning steps to maintain the clarity and responsiveness of your car’s dashboard touch screen display:
- Turn Off the Display: Turning off the display before cleaning prevents accidental inputs and makes dirt, fingerprints, and smudges more visible.
- Use a Dry Microfiber Cloth: Wipe the surface in circular motions without pressing too hard. Avoid paper towels as it can leave behind lint and cause scratches.
- Apply a Safe Cleaning Solution: Lightly mist a microfiber cloth with a touchscreen-safe cleaner. Never spray directly onto the screen to prevent liquid from seeping into internal components.
- Gently Wipe the Surface: Start from the top and move downward using light pressure to avoid damaging the LCD or TFT panel.
- Buff with a Dry Cloth: Use a fresh microfiber cloth to remove any remaining streaks or moisture.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning
Many people think that household cleaners like Windex or disinfecting wipes are safe for radio screens in cars. However, most of these contain alcohol or ammonia, which can permanently damage the protective coating. Instead, opt for touchscreen cleaning wipes specifically designed for car display screens to maintain clarity without introducing harmful chemicals. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid when cleaning car touch screen:
Pressing Too Hard: Screens in cars use resistive or capacitive touch technology, and excessive force can damage sensors.
Using Paper Towels: These are too abrasive and can cause micro-scratches over time.
Applying Liquid Directly: Spraying cleaner directly onto the screen increases the risk of liquid damage.
Using Alcohol or Ammonia-Based Cleaners: These strip away the anti-glare coating, making the screen more prone to smudges and reflections.
Ignoring Dust Buildup: Allowing dirt to sit on the screen for too long can lead to permanent discoloration.
How Often Should You Clean Your Touchscreen?
The more you clean, the easier it is to maintain the condition of your display screen. We recommend you to light clean the screen once a week to remove fingerprints and smudges and deep clean the screen every two weeks using a screen safe cleaner or non-alcoholic wipe to remove the oils and grime.
Protecting Your Touchscreen from Future Smudges and Dirt
Instead of using screen protectors, which may create glare or reduce touch sensitivity, consider applying a hydrophobic screen treatment to the screen. These solutions add a thin protective layer that repels fingerprints and dust, making future cleanings easier. For extra protection:
- Keep a clean microfiber cloth in the glove box for quick cleanups.
- Avoid touching the screen with dirt hands. Oils from food or even sunscreen can create stubborn stains on the screen.
- Park in a shaded area as the glare from the sun and the fluctuation of interior temperature can degrade the screen over time.
Have any questions about cleaning your car touchscreen or detailing a car? Want to know how to deep clean your car interior? We’re here to help!
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