How to Clean Your Device Before Installing a Skin

Before applying a skin to your device, proper cleaning is crucial to ensure a smooth, long-lasting application. Here's what you need to know:

Why Cleaning? Cleaning removes oils, dust, and bacteria, ensuring the skin adheres properly and lasts longer. Skipping this step can lead to bubbles, peeling, scratches, or reduced durability.
But My Device is New! We hear this all the time, especially with drones. Cleaning new plastic parts is critical, as they can have leftover mold-release agents from manufacturing that can seriously interfere with your skin’s adhesive.
What to Use:
- Isopropyl Alcohol (70-90%): Safely cleans and evaporates quickly.
- Microfiber Cloth: Removes debris without scratching.
- Optional: Cotton swabs for tight spots, compressed air for debris, and cleaning putty for crevices.
Avoid These Products: Windex, household cleaners, paper towels, bleach-based products, or anything abrasive - they can damage your device or weaken adhesives. We had someone use Pledge once on an Xbox and couldn’t understand why nothing stuck to it afterward.
Workspace Tips: Use a clean, well-lit area with minimal dust. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling your device.
Drying Time: Let the device dry completely after cleaning. Alcohol evaporates quickly, but moisture in ports or crevices may take longer - always inspect before applying the skin.

Required Cleaning Materials

To prepare your device for proper skin installation, you'll need specific cleaning supplies. Below, you'll find a breakdown of the tools you should use and the ones to avoid.

Recommended Cleaning Tools

For effective cleaning, stick to these two essentials:

Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA): Use 70% IPA for general cleaning and disinfection. If you're working with electronics, a 90%+ IPA is better since it evaporates quickly and reduces liquid exposure.
Microfiber Cloths: These are perfect for removing debris without scratching or leaving behind any residue.

Always apply the alcohol directly to the microfiber cloth instead of the device. This prevents excess liquid from seeping into sensitive areas, giving you better control during the cleaning process.

Materials to Avoid

Certain products can harm adhesives or damage your device's surface. Here's what to avoid:

Cleaning Product	Why to Avoid
Windex/Glass Cleaners	Ammonia can weaken adhesives
Household Cleaners	Harsh chemicals may damage finishes
Paper Towels	They can leave lint and cause scratches
Bleach-based Products	Too harsh for electronics
Wood Cleaners	Leaves oily residue, affecting adhesion
Pledge	Guarantees your skin will never stick

Professionals, especially in medical and technical fields, often prefer alcohol-based solutions for cleaning delicate equipment.

For tricky spots, consider these extra tools:

Cotton Swabs: Dip them in alcohol for precision cleaning in tight spaces.
Compressed Air: Safely blow away loose debris from hard-to-reach areas.
Lint-Free Workspace Cover: Keeps your device clean during the process.

Store all cleaning supplies in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, and replace microfiber cloths regularly to avoid transferring dirt or debris that could scratch your device.

Work Area Setup

Having a tidy and organized workspace is key when cleaning your device and applying a skin. A well-prepared area reduces the risk of contamination and ensures everything adheres properly.

Clean Your Workspace

Set up a cleaning station with plenty of space and good lighting:

Pick a well-lit spot, using natural light or a bright desk lamp to easily spot dust or smudges.
Remove all unnecessary items from your workspace to avoid clutter or accidental contamination.
Clean the surface with warm water and a bit of dish soap if it's laminate or similar material.
Finish by wiping the area with a microfiber cloth to remove any remaining lint or dust.

Once your workspace is spotless, it’s time to focus on cleaning your hands.

Hand Cleaning Steps

Keeping your hands clean is just as important. Oils from your skin can interfere with the application process. Here's how to clean your hands effectively:

Prepare Your Hands
Use soap and running water (warm or cold) to get started. This step helps reduce bacteria and dirt.
Wash Thoroughly
Lather your hands well and wash for at least 20 seconds. Make sure to clean between your fingers, under your nails, and all over your palms, wrists, and the backs of your hands.
Rinse and Dry
Rinse thoroughly under running water, then dry your hands completely with a clean paper towel. Use that same towel to turn off the faucet to avoid recontamination ^[1].

Only touch your cleaning supplies and device after washing your hands. If you handle anything else, wash your hands again before continuing.

Keep your workspace clean throughout the process by checking for any new dust or debris. This extra care ensures the best results when applying your skin.

Cleaning Instructions

Follow these steps to clean your device thoroughly. This will ensure it’s ready for proper skin application while protecting its delicate parts.

Once your workspace and hands are prepped, focus on cleaning your device.

Alcohol Cleaning Method

Use isopropyl alcohol (70–90%) for effective cleaning. Here's how:

Prepare the cleaning solution
Lightly dampen a microfiber cloth with rubbing alcohol. Avoid soaking it to prevent excess moisture. Alternatively, you can use alcohol swabs.
Clean systematically
Work in small sections, wiping along the metal grain with gentle, even pressure to remove oils and fingerprints.
Pay attention to problem areas
Give extra care to edges, corners, and curves where debris and oils tend to build up or proper adhesion is critical.

Using a Microfiber Cloth

The right technique with a microfiber cloth is key for a spotless finish:

Use a clean, lint-free microfiber cloth, moving in circular motions. Avoid paper towels or anything abrasive.
Switch to a fresh section of the cloth if it gets dirty.
For stubborn spots, reapply a small amount of alcohol to the cloth.

Protecting Sensitive Areas

Take extra care around vulnerable components:

Port Protection
Use minimal moisture near openings like the SIM tray or charging port. Lightly dampen the cloth and wipe away from these areas to avoid liquid entering the device ^[3].
Cleaning Crevices
For hard-to-reach spots, try cleaning putty ^[2]. To use it:
- Roll the putty into a small ball.
- Press it into crevices and move it around to pick up debris. Clean the putty between uses.
Final Check
Inspect the device for any leftover residue or moisture, especially around openings. Ensure it’s completely dry before applying the skin.

Drying Time

Let your device dry completely after cleaning to ensure the best adhesion. If you rush, trapped moisture can weaken the bond.

Drying Times Based on Alcohol Concentration and Amount Used

How quickly isopropyl alcohol evaporates depends on its concentration and how much you use. Here's a general guide:

91–99% isopropyl alcohol:
- Small amounts evaporate in seconds to minutes
- A thin layer dries in under a minute
70% isopropyl alcohol:
- Small droplets may take several minutes to evaporate
- A thin layer can take 10–20 minutes to fully dry ^[4]

If your device has been exposed to a lot of moisture (like a spill), give it extra time to dry:

Smartphones: Wait 24–48 hours, especially if moisture might have entered ports
Laptops: Allow at least 48 hours with good airflow
Gaming consoles: Wait about 24 hours in a ventilated space ^[5]

Warm temperatures and good airflow help speed up evaporation, while high humidity slows it down.

How to Check for Moisture

Before you apply a skin, please make sure your device is completely dry. Here's how to check:

Visual Inspection: Look for droplets in corners, crevices, and ports.
Touch Test: Run clean fingertips over the surface to feel for any cool or damp spots.
Port Check: Inspect charging ports, speaker grilles, and access panels (like SIM card trays) to ensure they're dry.

If needed, use a small fan to speed up drying, but avoid direct heat (like a hair dryer) that could damage your device. Keep your device in a clean, dust-free area during drying to protect it before skin application ^[5]. Always inspect thoroughly before proceeding.

Pre-Application Check

Before applying your skin, make sure your device is completely dry and thoroughly inspected. A clean surface is key to avoiding bubbles or peeling later on.

Surface Inspection

Use these steps to ensure your device is spotless:

Light Test: Shine a bright flashlight across the surface to spot any lingering dust, oil, or lint ^[6].
Physical Check: Gently run your clean fingertips over the surface to feel for any sticky or uneven areas. If needed, use a dry microfiber cloth to clean those spots ^[7].

Be extra cautious around edges, corners, and ports during your inspection ^[6].

Clean Handling Tips

Keep your device clean and ready for skin application by following these tips:

Hold the device only by its edges.
Work in a well-lit space.
Place the device on a clean microfiber cloth while working.
Avoid contact with skin oils, makeup, lotions, or fibers from clothing and hair.

If you accidentally contaminate the surface, quickly wipe the affected area with a dry microfiber cloth ^[7].

Stick to these guidelines to ensure a smooth application process.

Next Steps

With your device cleaned and inspected, it's time to get ready for the skin application. Make sure the device is completely dry and free of any leftover cleaning solution before moving forward.

Here’s how to set up your workspace and gather the materials you’ll need:

Place your device on a clean microfiber cloth in a cool, dry spot. Avoid areas with direct sunlight or moisture while you gather supplies. If you’re not applying the skin right away, consider using a protective pouch to keep dust away.
For devices with curved surfaces, a hair dryer can be handy. Use it to warm the adhesive slightly, which makes the skin more pliable and easier to apply.
Make sure your workspace has good lighting.

By following these tips, you'll set yourself up for success! Remember that if you have any questions, feel free to reach out.