Your phone touches everything, and then makes direct contact with your face, so you want to keep it as clean as you can.
Cleaning your phone regularly is one of the smartest things you can do to prevent the spread of germs.
Think about it. You wash your hands a lot. But what good will that do if you’re using a bacteria-covered phone?
By routinely cleaning your phone, you can lessen the chances of passing those germs on to your friends or family.
Cleaning your phone right
To start, don’t spray your phone down with disinfectant. That is a no-no. You could damage the screen and the phone’s protective shell, ports and coatings that were designed to protect the screen and internal components.
To be on the safe side, always refer to the owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website before you start to prevent any cleaning mishaps.
Here are some tips, according to Apple:
- use a soft, lint-free cloth only. Avoid abrasive cloths, towels, paper towels, or similar items
- avoid excessive wiping, which might cause damage
- unplug all external power sources, devices, and cables
- keep liquids away from the product, unless otherwise noted for specific products
- don’t get moisture into any openings
- don’t use aerosol sprays, bleaches, or abrasives
- don’t spray cleaners directly onto the item.
You can use a 70 per cent isopropyl alcohol wipe to wipe the nonporous surfaces of your phone.
If you don’t have phone-friendly cleaning wipes, you can make a cleaning solution with half a cup of distilled water and half a cup of isopropyl alcohol, 70 per cent. Put the solution in a spray bottle and shake the bottle before use.
After mixing the cleaning solution, do not spray your phone with it. Instead, lightly mist your towel with the solution. Remember, the towel (or cleaning wipe) should not be soaking wet or you’ll destroy your phone.
Take the towel and gently wipe down the front and back of your phone. Let your phone dry for about 15 minutes and then put it back in the case.
Don’t use bleach and avoid getting moisture in any opening, and don’t submerge your phone in any cleaning agents.
Don’t forget accessories
Your earbuds, charger and phone stand get a workout every day, so don’t leave them out of your phone cleaning routine.
You can use a wipe or towel that’s been lightly misted with your alcohol-water solution to wipe them down. Just make sure they’re completely dry before you use them again.
How often do you clean your smartphone?
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