How to Clean and Maintain Your Screen Protector

A screen protector takes the fingerprints, grease and grit so your screen doesn't have to — which means it needs occasional cleaning itself. Two minutes of care keeps it clear and smooth for its whole life.

Daily: microfiber only

For everyday smudges, a dry microfiber cloth (the kind for glasses) is all you need. Small circular motions, light pressure. Never use paper towels, tissues or your sleeve — wood fibers and fabric dust micro-scratch the coating over time.

Weekly: damp cloth for grease

For fingerprint buildup and skin oils, lightly dampen the corner of the microfiber cloth with water (or a 50/50 water and isopropyl mix for heavy grease) and wipe the glass, then dry with the clean corner. Never spray anything directly onto the phone — liquid seeps into the speaker and edges.

What to avoid

  • Window cleaners and ammonia products — they strip the oleophobic coating that keeps the glass smooth.
  • Alcohol concentrations above ~70% used repeatedly — same effect, slower.
  • Abrasive pastes or "polishing" kits — they sand the glass and leave a haze.
  • Blade tools or fingernail scraping — scratches you can't undo.

Maintain the edges

The protector's edge is its weak point — it's where lifting starts. When cleaning, dry the edges thoroughly, and if you use a case, occasionally remove it and clean the seam where case meets glass. Trapped grit there is what slowly pushes an edge up.

Key takeaway: Dry microfiber daily, damp cloth weekly, no ammonia, and keep the edges clean — that's the entire maintenance routine.

When the coating eventually wears smooth and the glass begins feeling "sticky" to the touch, that's your sign it's time for a fresh one — the Arctiqo Duo pack keeps a spare in your drawer.