Smartphones are the number one device that gets used every day and all day. Unfortunately, it is an object that doesn’t get cleaned often enough, if at all. But there are valid reasons not to neglect cleaning your phone.
Throughout the day, phones are laid on counters, chairs, tables, and desks. And who hasn’t taken their phone into the bathroom? According to studies, your phone may be covered with over 25,127 bacteria per square inch. That makes your phone dirtier than a toilet! When we touch our phones, that bacteria are transferred to our hands and face.
According to experts, cell phones can contain germs like E.coli, MRSA, and influenza. These pathogens cause rashes and skin infections. E.coli can also cause various sicknesses, such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting. Catching the Influenza virus will cause the flu and attack your respiratory system.
Now that you know how dirty your phone is and its effect on your health, it’s vital to clean and sanitize it every day to stop bacteria and germs from building up. Keep in mind that there are do’s and don’ts on how to clean your phone.
How Not to Clean Your Smartphone
First and foremost, you should know that there are certain products that shouldn’t be used to clean your phone.
- Do not use bleach, aerosol, or any abrasive cleaners.
- Do not spray disinfectant directly on your phone as this may damage your screen.
- Do not submerge your phone in any cleaner.
How to Clean and Disinfect Your Smartphone
Before you attempt to clean your phone, check with your phone manufacturer to ensure the safest way to clean and disinfect your phone. The following are recommendations from a number of manufacturers to safely disinfect your phone from germs:
- Turn off your phone.
- To clean – Wipe your phone with a soft, lint-free cloth such as a lens or microfiber cloth. Dampen the corner with distilled water if needed.
- To disinfect – Dampen a microfiber cloth with a small amount of disinfectant, such as an alcohol-based (more than 70% ethanol or isopropyl alcohol) product, and gently wipe the front and back of the phone. Be careful not to get any moisture or liquid in any ports or openings.
- Dry off any residual moisture with a dry microfiber cloth.
According to Apple, iPhones can be safely disinfected with a Clorox Disinfectant Wipe or 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe.
If you want an easy way to clean and sanitize your phone, you could purchase a phone sanitizer online. It typically is a small box that comes with Ultraviolet lights inside. You place your smartphone inside, and in as little as 10 minutes, the UV lights will have killed 99.99 percent of the germs on your smartphone.
For example, the PhoneSoap 3 Smartphone UV Sanitizer by PhoneSoap can sanitize your phone while plugged in and charging. It doesn’t use any liquid, heat, and chemicals, so it is entirely safe. A small light will let you know when the cleaning process is complete.
Don’t Forget the Phone Case
If your phone is plastic, silicone, or rubber, you may effectively clean it using warm water and soap.
Use a toothbrush to clean the inside edges if needed. Dry with a microfiber cloth and make sure it has completely dried before inserting your phone back in the case.
For leather or wood cases, check with your manufacturer on the recommended way to clean your phone case to avoid damage.
Take Preventive Measures
It’s always a good idea to take preventive measures to avoid bacteria and germs from building up on your phone. To do so may mean changing your habits on how often you take out your phone in public.
For example, if possible, use a credit card with contactless payment instead of using your phone’s mobile payment. Also, use a hands-free device such as a Bluetooth headphone to make phone calls.
Conclusion
Health experts recommend cleaning your smartphone every day. It will require a little of your time to clean it, but you will have the peace of mind that your most widely used device is germ-free. If you need a reminder of how often to clean your devices, Dirtfree can help you do so. Try it today with a 2-week free trial!
