Because the navigation of an iPad is by touch, there are several ways the screen can become soiled. This may be simply fingerprints from normal use, or it may be dirt or other contaminants that make the screen dirty. To avoid unnecessarily causing damage to the screen, it is important to learn how to clean an iPad screen properly. This will not only keep the unit looking clean and new, but will also provide the maximum performance by not allowing any dirt or other forms of soiling to inhibit the touch screen's functionality.

The iPad provides a 9.7” LED-backlit glossy widescreen Multi-Touch display with IPS technology. To keep this device working at its optimum, the iPad will need to be periodically cleaned. Although the iPad has an application of fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating, the device will still need cleaning.http://www.labnol.org/gadgets/how-to-clean-ipad/13358/

Before you clean the iPad you should make sure that you have the required materials and that the iPad is in the correct state for cleaning.http://www.tothepc.com/archives/clean-apple-ipad-screen-surface/

1. Collect together one or two microfiber cloths (these are supplied with each new iPad)
2. Fill a spray bottle with water (do not use any chemicals, plain water is fine)http://gadgetwise.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/22/cleaning-smudges-from-the-ipad/
3. Turn all power on the iPad off and disconnect the power. This will eliminate entirely the risk of an electrical shock during the cleaning process
4. Disconnect any cables/wires connected to the iPad (e.g. external devices such as chargers, speakers, etc)
5. Remove any cases/protective layers – although this guide does not advise on how to clean these, it would be a good idea to clean these at the same time. Remove these layers before cleaning the iPad screen
6. Allow yourself a window of 45 minutes where you will not use the iPad
7. Place the iPad on a level surface with plenty of room to move around it.

Take the microfiber cloth, which will have been supplied with the iPad. Apply a very small amount of water by using the trigger spray. If you do not have a trigger spray you can apply this manually instead. The microfiber cloth must be damp but definitely not dripping wet. Try to leave a portion of the cloth dry (for drying the iPad later), or use a second cloth if you have one spare.http://gadgetwise.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/22/cleaning-smudges-from-the-ipad/

Using the damp cloth, apply very gentle pressure to the exterior surfaces of the iPad screen. Rub very gently and carefully until you have covered the entire surface of your iPad screen, whether this area looks clean or not. Also clean the casing area, which is on the outside of your iPad.

At this stage you will have an iPad screen that is very slightly damp. Take the dry section of the microfiber cloth and dry off your iPad. Failure to use a completely dry cloth could leave streaks on your screen. http://gadgetwise.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/22/cleaning-smudges-from-the-ipad/

Leave your iPad for a minimum period of at least 30 minutes before switching the device back on. It is imperative that the iPad is 100% dry before you turn it back on again.