In the digital era, screens are everywhere – from smartphones and tablets to laptops and televisions. Proper maintenance and cleaning are essential not only for clear visibility but also for prolonging the lifespan of these devices. The WaterBear Screen Cleaner, a recent entrant from Kickstarter, aims to be a solution in this space. In this review, we’ll explore what the WaterBear Screen Cleaner is all about, how it functions, and whether it might be a worthwhile addition to your screen-care routine.
Verdict – My Personal Experience Using WaterBear Screen Cleaner
Using the WaterBear Screen Cleaner has been a pretty convenient experience, especially during my filming and photography sessions. The design allowed me to attach one directly to the side of my camera lens and another to the back of my phone. This placement proved immensely handy as I didn’t have to rummage around for a microfiber cloth whenever I needed a quick clean. While I initially encountered some challenges with removing some persistent oils on the screen, a slightly firmer press seemed to do the trick. Overall, I’m pleased with the results the WaterBear delivered. If you’re considering the product, based on my experience, I’d suggest trying it.
About the Company Behind the Product
WaterBear Screen Cleaners are produced by Kuvrd, LLC, based in Provo, Utah. While the screen cleaner is one of their offerings, it’s not their only product. They initially began by selling lens covers, along with other items such as cases, pencils, and more. Cary Decker founded the company, and according to the website, Decker was frustrated with using bulky and unreliable cleaners, prompting him to develop a better solution, which led to the creation of WaterBear. His Instagram profile reveals his passion for photography, making it unsurprising that he’d develop such a gadget. It lets him easily clean his camera lens, ensuring he can capture those stunning shots.
What Is WaterBear Screen Cleaner
Pros
- Convenient and portable design allows for easy access and use.
- The adhesive feature ensures it can be attached directly to devices you usually clean, reducing the chances of misplacing it.
- Its reusable nature makes it an eco-friendly alternative to disposable wipes.
- It offers a solution for screen cleaning and, to some extent, disinfection with its antimicrobial feature.
- Suitable for a variety of surfaces, from camera lenses to phone screens.
Cons
- The adhesive loses its grip over time, although this can be fixed with a rinse.
- It might require a firmer press to effectively remove persistent smudges or oils.
Initially launched on Kickstarter, WaterBear attracted attention by raising $142,763 from over 5,000 backers. This compact screen cleaner, constructed from a distinct nano-carbon-active polyamide synthetic tri-blend material, is designed to clean screens and glasses without causing scratches. Distinctively, WaterBear has a silicone adhesive gel on one side, which allows it to adhere to numerous devices, such as phones and cameras. Should it lose its adhesive quality, a simple rinse with water and air-drying is all that’s needed for rejuvenation.
The pad’s design incorporates an emblem in its center, representing a tardigrade. This microscopic entity is often referred to as a “water bear.” The inclusion of this design not only adds a distinctive visual appeal but also serves as a nod to the product’s namesake and the resilient nature of the tardigrade itself.
The WaterBear cleaning products come in distinct sizes to accommodate various cleaning needs. The pad set includes one large WaterBear Pad alongside two medium-sized WaterBear Patches. In terms of dimensions, the medium patches measure 3cm by 3cm, equivalent to 1.2 inches by 1.2 inches. On the other hand, the larger pad is 5.12cm by 5.12cm, which translates to 2 inches by 2 inches. These sizes offer flexibility in choosing the right pad or patch for different devices and surfaces.
How Exactly Does It Work
The way WaterBear works is straightforward. Simply stick it to a device you frequently carry, like your phone. When you need to clean your phone display, camera lens, or any other device, just peel it off (it comes off easily), wipe the screen clean, and then reattach it to your device.
The unique material mentioned earlier facilitates this process. It magnetically attracts and captures oil, grime, spills, smudges, and more, leaving your screen or lens with nothing but shine and clarity. It’s effective on phone screens, iPads, eyeglasses, camera lenses, computer monitors, and many other surfaces.
WaterBear Screen Cleaner Key Features
WaterBear combines practical design with innovative features, catering to a broad range of screen cleaning needs. Diving into the specifics, here are the standout features that define the WaterBear screen cleaner:
Pocket-Size Convenience
WaterBear is designed for on-the-go individuals. Its ability to adhere to any surface without residue ensures quick access to unforeseen cleaning tasks. Compact yet effective, it embodies the perfect balance of portability and readiness, ensuring you’re always equipped for spontaneous clean-ups.
Antimicrobial Efficiency
Beyond just cleaning, WaterBear prioritizes hygiene. Its front material boasts an antimicrobial agent, ensuring that as it clears smudges, it also actively rids your surfaces of unwanted bacteria, offering a dual-action cleaning solution.
Device-Friendly Design
Say goodbye to screen scratches and welcome hassle-free cleaning. WaterBear promises a gentle yet effective touch, suitable for a range of screens, lenses, and glasses. Its universal compatibility eliminates the concerns of potential damage, letting you focus on the task at hand.
User-Friendly Operation
With WaterBear, screen cleaning becomes a straightforward three-step process: Peel. Swipe. Stick. And when it comes to maintenance? Just Rinse. Dry. Reuse. No fuss, no confusion – a tool designed to make you an expert without the need for lengthy instructions.
Reliable & Lasting
Constructed from industrial-grade materials and boasting a premium build, WaterBear is not a one-time-use tool. Whenever it loses its edge, a simple rinse and dry restores its initial prowess. It’s eco-friendly, reusable, and a worthy long-term investment.
Compact Design
Embracing an ergonomic design, WaterBear is the epitome of efficiency without added bulk. Its featherweight composition and ability to utilize unused space mean it’s a space-saver without any compromise. You’ll never have to rummage for a cleaning tool again.
Multi-Functional Entertainment
Beyond its primary cleaning function, WaterBear introduces an element of fun. Its unique texture offers a new way to fidget and relax. Whether you’re seeking a quick screen clean or a momentary distraction, WaterBear stands ready to assist.
What’s the Best Use Case Scenario for a Product Like This
Here are some specific scenarios where its features can be particularly beneficial:
- Photography Sessions: Photographers, both amateurs and professionals, often find themselves in diverse environments, from dusty trails to misty mountains. WaterBear can be an essential tool to ensure that lenses remain clean and clear, allowing for sharp, high-quality images without smudges or specks.
- Traveling: Travel often exposes gadgets to various elements. Whether you’re navigating through a bustling city using your smartphone’s maps or watching a movie on your tablet during a long flight, screens can quickly become dirty. Having WaterBear attached to your device ensures you can always see your screen clearly, no matter where your adventures take you.
- Office Settings: In modern workplaces, screens are everywhere — computers, tablets, projectors, and more. Throughout a typical day, these screens can accumulate fingerprints and smudges, especially during presentations or collaborative projects. WaterBear can help maintain a professional appearance by keeping these screens spotless.
- At Home: From kids playing educational games on tablets to cooking with an online recipe on your smartphone, devices at home are susceptible to smears and smudges. WaterBear ensures your screens remain clear, enhancing your home tech experience.
- Academic Environments: Students, constantly switching between laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices, can benefit from WaterBear. It’s perfect for quick clean-ups before presentations or study sessions.
- Outdoor Activities: Whether you’re hiking and using a GPS device or setting up a drone for aerial shots, outdoor activities often expose screens to the elements. With WaterBear, you can quickly clean up any screen, ensuring optimal visibility and functionality.
- Retail and Showcases: Devices on display in retail settings, frequently touched and tested by customers, can benefit from frequent cleanings with WaterBear, ensuring they always look their best for the next potential buyer.
Pricing
The WaterBear screen cleaner is available in various purchasing options. A single WaterBear Pad is priced at $17.95, down from its original price of $19.95, and it includes free shipping.
For those looking at bundled options, the company provides a set of three WaterBear Screen Cleaners for $39.90, a price reduction from its total retail value of $59.85. Another bundle allows customers to get five screen cleaners for the price of three at $59.85, a discount from its combined retail value of $99.75.
The largest package offers eight screen cleaners for the price of four at $79.80, which is a decrease from its total retail cost of $159.60. This package, like the others, also comes with free shipping.
WaterBear also offers a lifetime warranty for its screen cleaner orders, with customers responsible for shipping and handling in the event of replacements. Additionally, there’s a 30-day return policy from the date the product is received.
WaterBear Price vs Value
Given the prices mentioned earlier, the WaterBear offers several packages, with costs decreasing per unit when purchased in bulk. When assessing its value, consider the following:
- The longevity of the product, which is enhanced by its wash-and-reuse feature.
- The convenience it offers through its stick-on capability.
- The variety of surfaces it can clean, from screens to lenses.
- The added antimicrobial feature, which not only cleans but also disinfects to some extent.
Comparison With Alternatives
Traditional cleaning solutions like microfiber cloths, disposable wipes, or liquid screen cleaners have their own sets of pros and cons.
Microfiber cloths are reusable but may not offer the antimicrobial feature. They also require manual storage and might get lost easily.
Disposable wipes provide a one-time use solution and could end up being more expensive in the long run. They also generate more waste, which might be a concern for environmentally-conscious users.
Liquid screen cleaners require careful application and might not be as portable or convenient as the WaterBear.
Considering the unique features of WaterBear, its ability to be reused multiple times, and its comparative convenience, it presents a competitive cost-benefit ratio, especially for those who prioritize portability and convenience. However, individual preferences, usage habits, and the specific needs of potential users can influence whether it’s viewed as a better investment than other traditional cleaning solutions.
Online Reviews
The WaterBear Screen Cleaner, being relatively new to the market, hasn’t amassed a vast number of reviews online yet. However, based on the feedback available, there’s valuable insight to gain. On Amazon, the product has managed to secure a rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on over 200 reviews. A common sentiment among these reviews suggests that the product functions efficiently, but some users noted the adhesive quality diminishes relatively fast. Fortunately, this stickiness appears to be restored with a brief rinse under water.
The official website presents a slightly higher rating of 4.8 out of 5, derived from over 50 reviews. One customer, Donna, shared her experience, mentioning an initial hiccup related to some additional charges. However, this issue was promptly addressed, and she found the product to be notably effective, given its compact size.
Nerko is a writer for Zoopy, and he's been working there since 2019. He loves to ride his motorcycle and bicycle, especially in the summertime! He also enjoys watching science fiction movies, and his favorite movie is Interstellar. Nerko is also a competitive gamer - so if you're looking for a good competition, he's your man!