Worried about keeping your phone and other gadgets germ-free? Here’s a list of tips for choosing safe cleaners and wipes to keep your devices in good shape.
Germs and Viruses Like Coronavirus Can Survive on Phones and Other Tech
A study by dscout shows that average people touch their phones 2,617 times a day, and heavy users touch theirs 5,427 times. Touching your phone, face, and other surfaces like countertops and keyboards can spread germs easily.
Germs and viruses, including the coronavirus, can stay on surfaces for hours or even days, depending on what the surface is made of and the environment. That’s why it’s as important to know how to clean your phone as it is to know how to wash your hands properly.
How to Properly Clean Your Phone
Unlike washing your hands, you can’t use soap and water on your tech devices. Many phone makers like Apple and Samsung now recommend using alcohol-based wipes to clean them. Here are four steps for the best way to clean your phone, and you can use the same method for tablets too.
Turn off and unplug your phone. Wash your hands well with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an antibacterial wipe or a soft cloth sprayed with a cleaner that has 70% isopropyl alcohol to gently clean your phone’s exterior, including the screen. This alcohol concentration is strong enough to kill germs. Be careful not to let any moisture get into the ports.
Before cleaning your devices, make sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions for the proper way to keep your tech clean.
How to Clean Your Phone Cases and Accessories
Not only does your phone get dirty, but your phone case and accessories like headphones do too. You can clean these the same way you clean your phone. First, wash your hands, then use a disinfecting wipe or a cloth with alcohol-based cleaner. For hard cases, if the maker says it’s okay, wash them with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds. Don’t forget to clean the cords you use as well.
Additionally, you can buy antibacterial accessories that already have germ-fighting features. For example, glass screen protectors with silver ions can kill almost all bacteria that gather on a screen.
As a general guide, clean your phone and accessories daily, but it’s fine to disinfect them more often if you want. Create a habit like wiping them down whenever you wash your hands, especially after coming back inside from being outdoors.
Tips for Cleaning Your Tech and Phone
Before cleaning, unplug and turn off your phone. Use disinfectant wipes with 70% isopropyl alcohol or spray a similar disinfectant onto a clean microfiber cloth. Always spray cleaners onto a cloth instead of directly onto your phone. If the wipe or cloth is too wet, wring it out first. Clean your phone case with soap and water or disinfectant wipes/spray, depending on its material and what the manufacturer recommends. Sanitize your tech at least once a day.
What Not to Do When Cleaning Your Tech and Phone
Avoid using 100% alcohol cleaners as they can harm your phone’s protective coatings. Never put liquid or cleaner straight onto your phone. Do not submerge your phone in water. Avoid using liquid bleach. Make sure no liquid gets into your tech’s ports. Don’t use a paper towel to clean your screen.
Keeping your cell phone germ-free only takes a few minutes each day, and there’s an extra step you can take to protect your devices. Keep your phone, tablet, earbuds, and other accessories to yourself; don’t let others use them. By being careful, cleaning regularly, and using antimicrobial accessories, you can greatly reduce the spread of germs from your devices.