Did you know that your smartphone is a breeding ground for bacteria? Think about it. You can take your phone with you everywhere (grocery shopping, work, the park, the bathroom, etc.). That means lots of opportunities for exposure to germs. In fact, a University of Arizona study found that the average cell phone has more bacteria than a toilet seat – 10 times more to be exact.
To give your phone a deep clean, follow these steps and tips to keep your phone germ-free.
Before cleaning your phone
Before you start deep cleaning your smartphone, it’s important to remember the following tips:
- Check the manufacturer’s manual or guide for tips on how to clean your specific device.
- Always unplug (turn off) your phone before cleaning it.
- Avoid getting moisture or liquids into the openings or charging port of your phone.
- Do not use abrasive cleaners or solutions containing bleach. Also, avoid aerosol sprays and avoid spraying cleaners directly onto your device.
- Use bleach-free disinfectant wipes. While most wipes are safe to use on your phone, wipes that contain alcohol or vinegar can affect the protective coating on your device’s screen.
“Instead of paper towels, you can use a surface-safe microfiber cloth,” says Best Buy Geek Squad agent Rob Dube. “If you have a spray cleaner, don’t spray it directly on the screen. Spray it on a cloth first, then wipe your phone.”
Microfiber can remove bacteria from surfaces, so it’s safe to use without spray cleaners at all.
How to thoroughly clean your smartphone
Follow these steps to thoroughly clean your device and its case.
Wipe your phone screen and surfaces
After your phone is unplugged and powered off, gently wipe the outside of your phone and screen with a quick-drying bleach-free disinfectant wipe. Alternatively, spray 70% isopropyl alcohol onto a clean microfiber cloth and wipe down your phone.
Avoid spraying cleaners directly on the surface of your phone and avoid getting liquids into the charging port.
wash cell phone case
If your phone has a case, remove it and gently wash it with mild dish soap and warm water. Dust and dirt can easily accumulate in the gaps and edges, so be sure to clean them. Let it air dry completely before putting it back into your phone. Be careful to prevent moisture from entering the openings of your phone or the charging port.
How often to clean your smartphone
According to the FCC, experts recommend cleaning your smartphone (at least) daily. This prevents dirt and grime from building up and keeps your phone germ-free. Of course, if your phone has been in a dirty place or you feel like it needs a quick wipe down, we recommend cleaning it on the spot or cleaning it multiple times a day.
How to keep your phone clean for a long time
In addition to regularly wiping and cleaning your smartphone thoroughly, the following tips will help you keep your smartphone clean over time and between cleanings.
Start with good hand hygiene
After going out in public, try to avoid using your phone as much as possible until you have a chance to sanitize or wash your hands. “One of the first and best lines of defense is to practice good hand hygiene. Anything on your hands can be transferred to your phone, so always wash your hands with soap and water,” says Duve. says. “Also be careful when using someone else’s device. If you must use someone else’s phone, avoid holding it up to your face.”
Reconsider where you use your phone
Please be careful where you are using the phone. More people than you think bring their smartphones into the bathroom, exposing them to unwanted germs. It may be tempting to carry your phone with you everywhere, but choose to reduce your exposure to bacteria.
When you’re not at home, keep your smartphone in your pocket, bag, or car. This will help minimize airborne bacteria.
hands free
When using earbuds or other hands-free devices to make calls, avoid touching your phone screen to your face. This will avoid spreading germs from your phone to your skin and vice versa.
