Cleaning Fitbit Versa screen with a microfiber cloth

[Fit-Bit-User-90]

Hi everyone I’ve had my Versa for about a year. The entire time I never really cleaned my screen. Recently I’d noticed a lot of fingerprints so I decided to use the microfiber cloth from my glasses case. When I’d finished wiping it down I noticed a couple of small scratches that appeared in the light. I would just like to know if it is possible that my rubbing of the cloth on the screen scratched it. Thank you.

Moderator edit: format

[N8teGee · Accepted solution]

Hi @Fit-Bit-User-90, good to see you in the community.

It's unlikely the cloth caused any damage as the material is much softer than glass, although that's not to say something harder (bit of grit or sand) didn't get between the cloth and screen. Although I would still say these small scratches were just picked up over time and are general wear and tear. The only way to completely protect the screen is by using a screen protector. 

[Fit-Bit-User-90]

Hi again, 

earlier today I made a post about some small hairline scratches on my screen. I decided I wanted to get rid of them and google offered the solution of trying a clean white pencil eraser to remove them. I was wondering if this might harm my versa screen or rub away the protective coating.

Thank you!

[GrubbyDuck]

@Fit-Bit-User-90 

If you attempt to remove the scratches you will too thin the screen as well as remove any protective coating. 

I use a full bezel wrap around as well as a glass screen protector.  Amazon sell them.  

[Fit-Bit-User-90]

Hello thank you for replying I did attempt  use an eraser before receiving your message but luckily I was careful and did not use an abrasive eraser or press hard enough to cause any damage. I have now ordered a screen protector. 

[Daniel708]

So @N8teGee how or what product should we use to clean fingerprints off our screens to avoid any damage? I presuming rubbing alcohol with a delicate surfaces cleaning cloth?

[N8teGee]

@Daniel708 I wouldn't recommend using rubbing alcohol on the display as this could potentially damage/remove the oleophobic coating. I think a damp microfiber cloth followed by a dry one would be sufficient in this case. 

[Daniel708]

@N8teGee Cool, have you used a damp microfibre cloth before yourself? Does it leave like any streak or water dry stains?

[N8teGee]

@Daniel708 Good point, there's a possibility it may. I would say using a dry cloth first would be the best option, it's likely it will be enough to remove finger prints.

Personally I use a glasses lens cleaning spray which I spray onto a microfiber cloth, but I don't need to do this often as a dry cloth is usually sufficient. As far as I can tell, this hasn't caused any damage to my devices, but your experience may differ. I would always be careful using any types of cleaning sprays/chemicals. 

[Daniel708]

@N8teGee Thanks for the advice! What about cleaning the sensor areas where the inferred and charging pins are? What the best way to clean that area and the pins so they stay a gold colour?

[N8teGee]

@Daniel708 This is what Fitbit says on the following help page (here) - 

We recommend that you occasionally:

Clean the charging contacts on the back of your device to ensure they stay bronze or gold in color:

Use a toothbrush with rubbing alcohol. Dry with a cloth or tissue before charging.

Make sure not to scrape the contacts with anything metal, since metal can damage the plating and cause corrosion.

[Daniel708]

@N8teGee I feel as a toothbrush would be scratchy and too abrasive. Surely there somthing else we could use in place of a toothbrush?

[N8teGee]

Perhaps a cotton bud? Or even a cloth dipped into some alcohol.

[Daniel708]

Thanks! @N8teGee for all your advice!