How to Clean a Drawing Tablet?

Cleaning a drawing tablet is important because it can interfere with the pen pressure sensitivity and sometimes draw strokes that are different than originally intended.

A simple wiping down of the device with these substances should be followed by using compressed air to dry it off before use.

One should avoid liquids that are too thick or harsh, as they can scratch the surface of the drawing tablet.

Also, if you live or work in an environment where dust, viruses, bacteria, and germs tend to spread via physical contact, then you’ll want to regularly clean (and disinfect) your drawing tablet.

Here are some simple steps on how to clean a drawing tablet properly.

So how do you clean a drawing tablet with scratches on it ?

Quick Answer : If the drawing tablet has scratches in it, they can usually be removed by using a pencil eraser. Some people recommend using a razor blade or rubbing alcohol because they are more effective than a pencil eraser at removing smaller scratches and debris from the drawing tablet surface.

Most drawing tablets, especially all Apple and Wacom tablets can be safely cleaned with 70% or 75% isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol).

To enjoy a clean graphic display and prevent the spread of any infectious germ or diseases, it’s a good idea to always clean your drawing tablet.

Foremost, we recommend that you wash your hands for at least 20 secs.

This is a good idea to help prevent any infectious diseases and getting oily stains on the surface of your drawing tablet.

Hence, you can apply rubbing alcohol to a soft lint-free microfiber cloth to clean your drawing tablet. Mind you, never use bleach, not even the dilute one.

With the moistened soft lint-free cloth, lightly wipe the hard, non-porous surfaces of your tablet.

Try as much as possible to avoid getting the alcohol into any opening and don’t submerge your drawing tablet or light pen in any cleaning agents – we do not recommend this.

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6 Simple Steps on How to Properly Clean a Drawing Tablet

As stated above, use only 70% or 75% isopropyl alcohol. Using a higher percentage or a different type of alcohol may damage your drawing tablet. You can also use Clorox Disinfecting Wipes. But never use detergent to clean your tablet. Also, avoid glass-cleaning products. Most tablets have coatings on their screens to help repel skin oil, the solvents in glass-cleaning products may strip off these coatings.
Before cleaning your drawing tablet, make sure you unplug it from any external power sources and also disconnect any device and cable attached to it
Use only a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth, an anti-static cloth, or a slightly damp cloth. Don’t use paper towels, napkins, towels, dark color cloths, abrasive cloths, or similar items to wipe off your tablet screen. Paper is made of shredded wood, chances are that the wood fibers in it can scratch the tablet screen, especially after repeated cleaning.
Don’t add excessive alcohol moisture to the lint-free cloth
Rub cleaners on your drawing tablet gently. Remember, the surface is glass and not steel, rubbing it hard may shatter it.
Don’t get the alcohol moisture or cleaner into any openings on your tablet. We recommend that you lay your tablet down flat before cleaning its surfaces with the moistened cloth to the screen. This will prevent the cleaning liquid from dripping down the display and possibly into any opening or speaker, which may ruin your device
Don’t use beaches, aerosol sprays, or abrasives
Don’t submerge your tablet or pen into any liquid and don’t spill liquids onto them. They may fail if such happens.
Don’t spray cleaners or cleaning agents directly onto your tablet. Instead, spray a little bit of them on the lint-free microfiber cloth and use the cloth on your tablet surfaces
Always check and replace worn or damaged pen nibs to avoid scratching your tablet surface
Avoid extremes in temperature

How to Clean a Wacom & Huion Tablet?

Step #1: Wipe it Down with a Cloth

The first step to keeping your Wacom tablet clean is actually pretty simple.

All you need is a soft cloth and some warm water and you’re good to go.

Just moisten the cloth with some water and clean all of the area around the tablet’s surface. You’re not supposed to directly touch the tablet, but you can clean it by wiping down any stains or smudges with a damp cloth.

Then, just let it air dry for a few minutes before continuing.

Step #2: Clean the Wacom Pen Nibs

The pen nibs are made of very soft plastic and can easily get dirty.

The nibs are where you press down and draw on the tablet with the stylus.

If the nibs are dirty, it won’t be as accurate and this will affect your artwork.

To clean the pen nibs, take another damp cloth and wipe all of any dirt around the pen nibs. You don’t have to use tons of water; just a little will do.

Then, let air dry for a few minutes before continuing.

Frequently Asked Question – FAQs

How do I clean my Wacom tablet?

Turn the Wacom upside down and remove all of the pen nibs from both ends.

Use a cloth or other soft material to wipe clean your Wacom. The cloth is also able to rub off any dried ink.

If you’re not familiar with how to do this, use an eraser (such as a pencil eraser) and apply it in circular motions on the tablet surface until all residue has been removed

Lastly, turn your Wacom over and replace the pen nibs

What is the best way to clean a tablet screen?

A touch-screen tablet needs screen protection to keep it from getting scratched.

A dirty tablet can be cleaned with a damp, soft cloth and detergent.

Be sure to dry the touchscreen thoroughly before using your device again.

If your tablet has an active digitizer (for instance, it has a stylus integrated into it), you may be able to turn the stylus nib around to expose a cleaning tip.

These tips can be swabbed with alcohol; they are designed to wear out after repeated use. If you use this type of stylus, you may want to replace the tip after you have cleaned the tablet.