A method for cleaning a touch screen display in a touch screen device without inadvertently activating a feature or inputting unwanted data by touching the touch screen display. The method operates by entering a clean touch screen mode wherein individual touches of the touch screen display are not recognized by the touch screen device. This allows the user to clean the touch screen display by wiping it with a cloth without inadvertently activating a feature or inputting unwanted data. The touch screen display turns bright white when it is in the clean touch screen mode to illuminate dirt and oil on the touch screen display to allow for easier cleaning of the touch screen display. The touch screen device exits the clean touch screen mode in response to input from the user. The user can depress any key on a keyboard attached to the touch screen device or the user can simultaneously touch opposite corners of the touch screen display to exit the clean touch screen mode. The touch screen device will also exit the clean touch screen mode after a predetermined amount of time without input from the user.