Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) wipes can potentially remove or damage oleophobic coatings. Oleophobic coatings are designed to repel oils and other hydrophobic substances, such as fingerprints, from the surface of a device or screen. These coatings are commonly found on smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices.

IPA is a powerful solvent and can break down or dissolve certain materials, including some type of oleophobic coatings. If you use IPA wipes on a device with an oleophobic coating, it may compromise or complete remove the coating, leading to a loss of its fingerprint-repelling properties.

Manufactures typically advise against using alcohol-based cleaning solutions, including IPA, on devices with oleophobic coatings. Instead, they recommend using a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth slightly dampened with water or a cleaning solution specifically designed for electronics with oleophobic coatings. You should always check the device’s user manual or the manufacturer’s recommendations for proper cleaning procedures to avoid any potential damage.

Using isopropyl alcohol (IPA) wipes on screens can be risky, and it’s generally not recommended for most electronic devices, particularly those with sensitive displays, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and LCD/LED screens. The alcohol content in isopropyl alcohol wipes can potentially damage the protective coatings and the screen itself, leading to discoloration, streaks, or other issues.

A degreaser is intended to clean a surface, so remove contamination. A degreaser is designed specifically to remove oils, greases, and lubricants. Sanitizers are intended to kill various pathogenic agents, like bacteria and viruses. There are materials that can do both, like 70% isopropyl alcohol (per CDC guidelines for hard surface disinfecting), but don’t assume all degreasers will kill pathogens.