How To Clean Iphone Screen After Removing Protector

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alantdc Mobile Enthusiast

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I actually have an IPaq 210, but figured this topic would be applicable to anyone with a PDA or smartphone. Yesterday, I removed my Boxwave ClearTouch Crystal screen protector after almost 2 years. Unfortunately, it adhered so tightly to the screen that a cloudy film of adhesive residue was left behind . I know it's residue and not a scratched up screen because I can scratch away at the residue with my fingernail and see the clear area.
I tried rubbing alcohol and Goo Gone, but those had no effect. Does anyone have any experience with this? I now wish I hadn't removed the screen protector, but it's too late . Now I'm just trying to get a clear screen again. I heard peanut butter might work? Another option would be to slowly chip away at the adhesive with a toothpick but am afraid of scratching the screen further. Thanks!

alan
JRakes NOT your Average Joe

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I'm surprised that a BoxWave screen protector left a residue, even after that time period. I've had them in continuous use for well over a year before and never had a hint of residue. They don't use a "standard" high-tack adhesive.
Have you tried using a piece of regular tape wrapped "inside out" around your finger, then using that to grab the adhesive from the screen? Sort of dab your finger around on the sceen and see if it will remove it. Just be gentle, as you don't want to separate any of the screen / digitizer layers.

Good luck!
Joe
RickAgresta General Peanut, leader of the Peanutty Forces

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Alan, it might be worth contacting BoxWave and asking for their recommendation.
raspabalsa Brain stuck BogoMipping

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I've used WD-40 to remove such residues on my Palms' screens. The residue gets really gooey when the WD-40 starts to work, so you need patience and a lot of cloth (or cotton) to remove it. What I do is soak a piece of cloth with Wd-40, shake off excess liquid then start wiping the screen. Soon the cloth is covered with residue, so just get another piece and so on. Just be careful to avoid spilling WD-40 into the Palm's innards.
Varjak Mobile Deity

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Wow, I have a Boxwave too and it didn't seem to have ANY adhesive that I could tell when I put it on. I've been thinking about taking it off recently and cleaning everything. I hope there's no residue or other evidence it's been on.
JRakes, that's a great tip about the tape. I was going to use the little cardboard tab that came with my LifeDrive's original protector (not used) to peel up a corner.
JRakes NOT your Average Joe

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A wooden toothpick with a blunted tip also works well (usually) to lift the corner of a "well adhered" protector.
alantdc Mobile Enthusiast

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Thanks for the suggestions! I did contact Boxwave, but they did misunderstood my question and just gave me stock instructions on applying a new ClearTouch. Also, the ClearTouch Crystal most definitely uses an adhesive. However, on 3 previous ClearTouches I removed, the adhesive came off completely with the protector, which is what you want. Something about my HP 210's screen, though, caused the adhesive to stick to it this time.
Unfortunately, the adhesive isn't all that sticky, so tape doesn't work to pick it up. Baby oil works to a small extent, but it's slow going. I'll try the WD-40. Thanks.
JRakes NOT your Average Joe

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Seems odd, as I've never seen a BoxWave protector with a high-tack adhesive.
At any rate, be very careful when using any sort of liquid on your device. I recommend to never put any liquid directly on the device - Rather, put a small amount (so as to have no drips) on a cloth and use that. Be very careful not to let any sort of liquid get into the device, including around the edges of the screen / under the bezel.

Let us know how it goes...

Joe
Varjak Mobile Deity

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If the adhesive is NOT sticky (and I didn't feel any) and the screen isn't wet or anything, how does residue stick to the screen? Is it some kind of chemical reaction?
alantdc Mobile Enthusiast

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Just an update: WD-40 and an old T-shirt worked great and removed all of the adhesive residue with no scratches! I then cleaned off the remaining WD-40 with rubbing alcohol. I'm now debating whether or not to apply another screen protector. Thanks for the help guys!
I think the BoxWave adhesive is actually sticky. At least for me, it does stick to the screen and takes some effort to pull back up.