Tips for cleaning your cell phone properly to kill bacteria

Our cell phones are with us almost all day long, from the moment we leave the house in the morning until late at night before going to bed. However, the habit of always carrying it with us has inadvertently turned this familiar device into an ideal place for bacteria and dirt to accumulate.

Dirty hands, public surfaces, and the environment around you can make your mobile device extremely dirty. According to the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC), users should disinfect their mobile phones every day to minimize bacteria.

However, not all cleaning methods are safe, strong cleaning solutions or abrasive materials can damage the protective coating and harm the screen.

This article will guide you on how to clean your phone properly, effectively, safely and suitable for all models, including iPhone or Samsung.

What product should I use to clean my phone every day?

After coming into contact with public surfaces like doorknobs, bus seats, supermarket trolleys or gas pumps, many people tend to want to use strong detergents to clean their phones.

However, wiping directly with pure alcohol or products containing high concentrations of alcohol can damage the oleophobic coating on the screen, resulting in reduced device durability.

A safer option is to use a disinfecting wipe containing 70% isopropyl alcohol, a concentration that many manufacturers have found to be effective without causing harm. Another modern option is a UV sterilizer like PhoneSoap, which can kill up to 99.99% of bacteria.

Apple now approves the use of Clorox wipes and similar disinfectants, which were restricted before the pandemic. AT&T recommends using a 70% alcohol solution sprayed on a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe down your device, while Samsung recommends using a microfiber cloth with 70% alcohol. Whatever method you choose, always make sure your phone is turned off before you start cleaning.

How to remove fingerprints, sand and makeup from your phone?

Your daily cleaning routine isn't always enough to tackle stubborn stains, especially after a long day at the beach or when you've just applied makeup. Here are some safer, more effective methods.

FingerprintIt's inevitable because of the oils your hands leave behind every time you touch your phone. The best way to clean it is with a microfiber cloth, the kind that often comes with sunglasses or screens.

For a more thorough cleaning, dampen a cloth with distilled water (never pour water directly onto the device) and gently wipe the screen, back, and sides of the device. You can also use a dedicated microfiber pad attached to the back of the phone for easy cleaning when needed.

Sand and fine dust often get stuck in speakers, charging ports, and crevices.A piece of Scotch tape can be an effective “weapon” by applying it lightly to dusty areas, then rolling the tape and inserting it into the port to pull out the dust. For smaller crevices like speakers, use a blunt wooden toothpick or a mini electronic vacuum cleaner.

Makeup residue from foundation or moisturizer can also leave a residue on the screen.Never use makeup remover on your face because it contains ingredients that can damage the screen coating.

Instead, use a screen-friendly, alcohol-free cleaner that’s safe for all devices. Another option is to use a slightly damp microfiber cloth, wipe it gently, and then wash it for reuse.

Mistakes to avoid when cleaning your phone

While you should avoid pure alcohol and makeup remover, there are many seemingly harmless products that can seriously damage your phone if used incorrectly. Here’s a list of things you should never use to clean your device:

Hand sanitizer:While convenient, hand sanitizers contain ethyl alcohol and fragrances that can damage the oil-resistant coating and harm the screen.

Household cleaners:Glass cleaners or kitchen cleaners are often very strong and can erode the protective layer and make the phone more susceptible to scratches.

Tissue:While soft to the touch, the paper tears easily and can leave paper scraps as well as cause minor scratches on the screen due to its rough texture.

Dish soap or hand soap:Most soaps need to be diluted with water, which should be avoided at all costs when cleaning electronic devices.

Vinegar:Acidic and corrosive, vinegar can damage screen coatings just like alcohol and harsh cleaning chemicals.

Compressed air:Spraying forceful air into the charging port or speaker can cause internal damage, especially to the microphone. Apple has repeatedly warned against using compressed air to clean iPhone.

The key to long-term phone protection is choosing the right method, being gentle but effective, and always staying away from unsuitable cleaning agents.