Are You Oleophobic? Well, your iPad is…your iPhone and iPod Touch, too.

These touch screen devices have an oleophobic coating that repels the oils from your skin. With normal use, this coating will diminish over time, but chemicals and abrasives can speed up this process and even scratch the screen. Here are a few helpful guidelines for the best way to clean and care for your device.

From NetbookLive.com

Directions for cleaning from the iPad Product Information Guide:

Unplug all cables and turn off device.

Wipe the screen using a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth and avoid getting moisture in openings.

Don’t use window cleaners, household cleaners, aerosol sprays, solvents, alcohol, ammonia, or abrasives.

If you absolutely must use a cleaner, Windex Vinegar is recommended as it does not contain ammonia (and it doesn’t smell as bad as using a vinegar solution). Spray the cleaner on a cloth and not directly on the device.

Bonus:

If you want to get really geeky, check out this article about the coating and how it works on a molecular level – Bill Nye Explains: The iPhone 3GS’s Oleophobic Screen.

By Becca Ary, JCI Media Tech