How to Clean and Maintain Your iPad and Accessories

Questions

  • How do I clean my iPad screen?
  • How do I clean my Apple Pencil?
  • How do I clean my Magic Keyboard?
  • How do I clean my iPad case?
  • What can I use to clean my iPad without damaging it?
  • Can I use alcohol wipes on my iPad screen?

Environment

This article applies to all Bowdoin College students and faculty with a college-issued iPad and accessories. Proper cleaning helps maintain screen clarity, accessory performance, and the longevity of your devices.

Resolution

Before cleaning any device: Power it off or put it to sleep, and disconnect all cables and accessories. Never spray liquid directly onto any device or let moisture get into any ports or openings.

iPad screen

  1. Put your iPad to sleep or power it off entirely.
  2. Use a soft, lint-free cloth — the polishing cloth that came in your iPad box works well.
  3. Wipe the screen gently using small circular motions.
  4. If needed, slightly dampen the cloth with plain water. Wring it out thoroughly so it is barely damp — never wet.
  5. Use only a completely dry cloth around the screen edges and near any openings.
Tip: Apple allows the use of 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes on the hard, nonporous surfaces of your iPad — including the screen. Do not use bleach or abrasive cleaners.

Apple Pencil

  1. Use a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth.
  2. Wipe from the tip end — but not the tip itself — toward the flat charging edge.
  3. Do not allow any moisture near the seam between the tip and the body, or near the charging contacts on the flat side of the pencil.

Magic Keyboard (older iPad Pro kits)

  1. Disconnect the iPad from the keyboard and unplug any USB-C cable if connected.
  2. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe down the exterior surfaces.
  3. Avoid getting any moisture into the keyboard openings, hinge, or the magnetic connector.

STM case (current iPad mini kits)

  1. Remove the iPad from the case before cleaning.
  2. Wipe the case exterior with a damp cloth or a mild soap-and-water solution on the cloth.
  3. Allow the case to dry completely before reinserting the iPad.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you have several options:

  • Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
  • Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
  • In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
  • Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.

Additional Resources

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Broken iPad, Apple Keyboard, or Apple Pencil — Repair Process
How students and faculty should report and process a repair or replacement for a damaged Bowdoin-issued iPad, Apple Pencil, or Magic Keyboard covered under AppleCare+. Covers the student self-service process (submitting a ticket, disabling Find My, contacting Apple) and the faculty process (contacting the Service Desk).
Replacement Apple Pencil Tips
How to replace a worn or broken Apple Pencil tip on a Bowdoin-issued Apple Pencil. Explains why purchasing replacement tips is better than filing an AppleCare claim for a tip, and where to buy genuine Apple Pencil tip replacements.
Set Up Your iPad Accessories
Instructions for setting up the accessories included with a Bowdoin-issued iPad kit, including the Apple Pencil Pro (current kits), Apple Pencil 2 (older kits), Magic Keyboard (older kits), STM case, and USB-C charger.