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🔧 Fix It or Replace It Guide

Cleaning Your Devices Without Ruining Them

Published August 2026 · Last verified August 2026

What's Safe - and What Ruins DevicesThe tools that help vs. harm.Safe to useA dry microfiber clothA slightly damp corner70% alcohol wipe, sparinglyA soft, dry brushNever usePaper towels (they scratch)Glass cleaner or WindexBleach or harsh spraysSpraying liquid on directlyThe right cloth cleans; the wrong spray can ruin a screen for good.Illustration - check your device maker's cleaning advice too.
The right cloth cleans; the wrong spray can ruin a screen for good.
A Simple, Safe Cleaning RoutineSame steps for most gear.1Power off and unplug the device2Wipe the screen with a dry microfiber cloth3For smudges, use a damp corner - never spray4Brush ports gently; then let it dry fullyA safe four-step routine that works for phones, tablets, and laptops.Illustration - hearing aids and medical gear have their own rules.
A safe four-step routine that works for phones, tablets, and laptops.

Our phones, tablets, and remotes are some of the grimiest things we touch all day, yet cleaning them wrong can do real harm: a scratched screen, a ruined coating, or moisture where it should not be. The good news is that cleaning them right is easy and cheap once you know the rules. Let me show you. No jargon. No judgment. No rushing.

Bill Davis
Bill's Home Tech · Atwater, Ohio
Want the full deep-dive?
The Cleaning Your Devices Without Ruining Them Guide
PDF · plain English · no ads · made by Bill
Cost
Free — no purchase needed
Time
About 20–30 minutes
Difficulty
Beginner-friendly · one step at a time
Bill's hotline
(330) 200-8042

Our phones, tablets, and remotes are some of the grimiest things we touch all day, yet cleaning them wrong can do real harm: a scratched screen, a ruined coating, or moisture where it should not be. The good news is that cleaning them right is easy and cheap once you know the rules. Let me show you. No jargon. No judgment. No rushing.

What's inside this guide

The printable PDF walks through 18 short chapters, in plain language. It also includes an everyday cheat sheet and at-a-glance pictures.

  1. Why Cleaning Right Matters
  2. The Tools You Need
  3. What Never To Use
  4. Cleaning Phone Screens
  5. Laptop and Computer Screens
  6. Cleaning Keyboards
  7. Charging Ports and Speaker Grilles
  8. The Case and Body
  9. Camera Lenses
  10. Cleaning TVs
  11. Remotes, Earbuds, and Small Gear
  12. Disinfecting Safely
  13. Germs And Your Phone
  14. Dust, Pet Hair, and Ohio Seasons
  15. Watch Out: Miracle Cleaner Junk
  16. A Simple Cleaning Routine
  17. Special Cases: Hearing Aids and Medical Devices
  18. When To Just Call Me

Get the printable guide

Everything above is a quick summary. The full, printable guide — the same words, laid out to read and keep by the computer — is a free PDF.

Download the printable PDF →

Last verified August 2026. Information accurate as of October 18, 2026.

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Any prices or outside products mentioned in this guide can change over time — the details here were last checked August 2026 and this page is accurate as of October 18, 2026; please confirm current pricing before you buy. See how often we review our guides →