Pockets and purses are dangerous places to keep your smartphone, but it is inevitable that your phone will end up in at least one of those locations. Items such as keys, coins, and pens are scratch hazards for your screen, and no matter how hard you try, your phone will most likely fall prey to one of these everyday objects at one point or another. After using your phone for many months or years, it’ll be pretty obvious that your phone has been through a lot because of the scuffs and scratches that serve as battle scars.
If your phone screen is scratched or scuffed, you can pay to replace the screen. Unfortunately, this will probably be pretty pricey. Whether your phone is an iPhone or an Android device, there are places that can replace scratched screens. The manufacturer often gives the best service, but they may charge more than the independently owned shops or mall kiosks.
If you don’t have the cash to replace your screen entirely but you are tired of looking at a scratched up phone, you might consider going the DIY route. Many phone repair shops and online retailers sell the tools and the replacement screen to allow you to get rid of the scuffs.
Before you spend money replacing the screen of your phone, you can try some home remedies or fixes. As a word of caution, be very careful when you’re trying these out. Use common sense, and follow the directions closely.
- The wonders of toothpaste – Toothpaste is not only used for brushing your teeth. You can put a small amount of toothpaste on a cotton swab and gently rub it on your phone screen using a circular motion until the scratches are gone. Wipe the screen with a damp cloth to remove the excess toothpaste.
- Baking soda – Baking soda has gained the reputation of being a go-to material in many household fixes. Mix two parts baking soda and one part water to form a paste. Dab a piece of soft cloth in the mixture and gently rub in a circular motion on the scratched screen. Then wipe the screen with a lightly damp cloth to remove the excess mixture. If baking soda is not available, baby powder is an acceptable alternative.
- Vegetable oil – Dab a tiny bit of vegetable oil onto your phone screen for small scratches. This is a temporary, cosmetic fix only.
- Turtle Wax – Turtle wax and other scratch removal creams that you use for your car can also be used to remove the scratches on your phone. Be cautious in how you apply these materials, making sure to follow the instructions carefully.
There are other household fixes that you can use to remedy the problem of a scratched phone screen. Your very best line of defense, however, is to avoid this situation altogether by installing a tempered glass protector on your screen. Choose one from Red Zombie that fits your phone.