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Between laptops, tablets, phones, televisions, smart watches, and computer monitors, screens seem to be everywhere in our homes these days. Unfortunately, fingerprints, dust, makeup residue, pet hair, and everyday grime can quickly make them look dull and dirty.

As a chemist, I’m always looking for simple solutions that work without spending unnecessary money on specialty products. That’s exactly why I started making this DIY screen cleaner many years ago (about 10 to be exact).

It takes less than 30 seconds to mix up, costs just pennies per use, and works beautifully on everything from your phone and iPad to your television and computer monitor.

The 30-Second DIY Screen Cleaner Recipe

💻 📱⌚️ 👉 You can check out our list with all these items needed for this post here.

You’ll need:

1 cup distilled water
1 tablespoon 70% isopropyl alcoholl
1 drop dish soap
Microfiber cloth for screens (IMPORTANT)
Mushroom funnel everyone loves (optional 🙂 )

Add everything to a small spray bottle and gently shake to combine.
That’s it!

How To Use This DIY Screen Cleaner

The most important rule when cleaning screens is simple: Never spray directly onto the screen.

Instead:

Spray a small amount onto a clean microfiber cloth.
Gently wipe the screen using circular motions.
Follow with a dry section of the cloth if needed.

This cleaner works well on:

Smartphones
Tablets and iPads
Laptop screens
Computer monitors
Television screens
Smart watches
Touchscreen appliances

The entire process usually takes less than 30 seconds.

Why This DIY Cleaner Works

Many people assume dust is the only thing making screens look dirty, but fingerprints are actually the biggest culprit.

Our skin naturally produces oils that transfer to screens every time we touch them. Water alone struggles to remove these oily residues.

This recipe works because:

Distilled Water

Distilled water helps prevent mineral deposits and streaks that can occur with regular tap water. You can use regular tap water, but keep in mind it can leave streaks. If you really want to make this like a store-bought version, buy an inexpensive jug of distilled water.

Isopropyl Alcohol

A small amount of alcohol helps dissolve oils from fingerprints while evaporating quickly. 70% is best for this mixture, but you can use anything you have on hand (50% or 90%). Alcohol wipes are a popular cleaning choice, I like to do a good wipe down on my screens every so often. But pure alcohol wipes leave streaks…and not necessary for just cleaning. This gets into our important topic on cleaning vs disinfecting.

Dish Soap

Just one drop acts as a surfactant, helping lift dirt and oils from the surface so they can be wiped away easily. Just a tiny drop is all you need, if you add too much, it can leave sud streaks behind.

Together, these ingredients create a simple but effective cleaning solution without unnecessary additives.

DIY Screen Cleaner vs. Store-Bought Screen Cleaners

I’ve tested plenty of commercial screen cleaners over the years, and many contain a long list of ingredients.

While most store-bought screen cleaners work well, they often include:

Fragrances
Dyes
Preservatives
Thickening agents
Additional solvents

These ingredients aren’t necessarily harmful to your screen, but they also aren’t required for basic screen cleaning.

The reality is that removing fingerprints and dust doesn’t require a complicated formula.

This DIY version focuses on the ingredients that actually do the cleaning.

Why It Can Save You Money

A bottle of screen cleaner can easily cost $8 to $15. I just browsed Amazon, and all the screen cleaners I searched were over $8 a container.

This DIY version uses ingredients many people already have at home and costs only a fraction of that amount to make.

For families with multiple phones, tablets, televisions, and computers, those savings can add up quickly.

Why A Microfiber Cloth Matters

The cleaner itself is only half the equation.

A quality microfiber cloth is one of the most important tools for cleaning screens properly.

Microfiber fibers are much smaller than traditional cotton fibers, allowing them to:

Capture dust instead of pushing it around
Lift oils more effectively
Reduce streaking
Minimize scratching

Paper towels, tissues, kitchen towels, and rough cloths can leave lint behind and may create tiny scratches over time.

For best results, keep a dedicated microfiber cloth specifically for screens.

Common Mistakes When Cleaning Screens

Avoid these mistakes:

Spraying Directly On The Screen

Excess liquid can seep into edges and openings, potentially damaging electronics.

Using Too Much Cleaner

A lightly dampened cloth is all you need.

Using Paper Towels

These can leave lint and may be abrasive on delicate screen coatings.

Using Harsh Household Cleaners

Window cleaners, bleach products, and other strong cleaners can damage protective coatings on screens.

The Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a quick, affordable way to clean screens throughout your home, this simple DIY screen cleaner is one of the easiest solutions you can make.

With just three ingredients and a microfiber cloth, you can remove fingerprints, dust, and smudges from your phone, tablet, computer, or television in under 30 seconds.

More DIY Cleaning Favorites From Chemistry Cachet

If you enjoy simple, science-backed DIY cleaners, here are a few other reader favorites to check out:

About the Author

Alexis Rochester is an investigative chemist, mom, and the founder of Chemistry Cachet, where she shares practical science-backed tips for a cleaner home, healthier skin, and simpler living. When she’s not testing cleaning hacks or skincare products, you’ll find her enjoying coffee, Pilates, and life with her family in Texas.

Follow along for more chemist-approved tips on Instagram and Facebook, where Alexis shares videos, product finds, cleaning tricks, skincare advice, and everyday mom-life favorites.