The World Health Organization (WHO)advises washing our hands frequently and thoroughly. But what use is all this cleaning and disinfecting if we take our phone—which is typically loaded with germs—again immediately? Cell phone hygiene is, therefore, just as vital as hand cleaning. Additionally, this lessens the chance of developing a new coronavirus smear infection. According to preliminary research, the SARS-CoV-2 virus persists on surfaces for several hours or days. In this article, we’ll be discussing the various steps on how to clean your smartphone and keep it germ-free.
How to clean your smartphone and keep it germ-free
It can last up to nine days on glass, stainless steel, or plastic surfaces. Phones and other devices can harbor various germs and viruses, including the coronavirus.
According to a recent survey by the research company dscout, light users touch their phones an average of 2,617 times daily, while heavy users feel them 5,427 times daily.
So spreading germs is likely a result of touching surfaces, including counters, keyboards, and more, as well as your phone and face. Depending on the surface material and the surrounding environment, some bacteria and viruses, like the coronavirus, can remain on surfaces for a short while or several days or more. Because of this, learning how to wash your hands properly is just as vital as learning how to clean your phone correctly.
Do you want to maintain your phone and other technology as sterile as possible? Here are some tasks that will help you choose tech-safe cleaners, screen wipes, and other products to care for your devices correctly.
Keep up with your hygiene
Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly; scrub for at least 20 seconds, and then dry with a disinfectant wipe or cloth sprayed with an alcohol-based cleanser. Before picking up your phone, ensure your hands are clean and dry because grease and dirt residues make the perfect environment for the growth of germs. Remember that your phone will be cleaner if your hands are cleaner, and vice versa. By the way, COVID-19 and coronaviruses are not the only times this is valid.
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Only use your phone in a clean area
The general rule is to avoid using your phone in places where you might come into contact with dirt or bacteria. In particular, avoid using your phone in a public restroom. Also, it would help if you didn’t operate a phone while eating.
Establish a cleaning schedule for your phone
Once per day is recommended for cleaning your phone and accessories, although more frequent disinfecting is OK. Please create your regimen, such as wiping it off after washing your hands, particularly after coming inside from the outside.
However, you should always switch off your phone and unhook any cables before beginning to clean it. (charger, headset, etc.). Not only do the surfaces of your phone get dirty, the case, and any accessories, like headphones, but they also do. The same cleaning procedures you used for your phone also apply to accessories. Problematic areas should be cleaned as the manufacturer directs, preferably with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds of washing.
Clean the cords you use while you’re at it. Before wiping, clear away any hard debris, such as crumbs. This will prevent unsightly scrapes where bacteria might re-implant. Wipe the sides and back of your phone thoroughly in addition to the screen. Additionally, if you use a phone cover, remember to clean it.
Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions for your phone
Most phone makers provide detailed guidelines on how to clean their products and which detergents should not be used. Aggressive cleaners like glass cleaners are not advised because they eventually damage the touch screen’s grease-repellent layer. Apple’s cleaning instructions have recently been updated.
The maker of the iPhone says it’s “OK” to clean with disinfectants. Apple specifically advises using disinfectant wipes or 70% isopropyl alcohol (found at drugstores) to wipe your device’s outer surfaces gently. Yet avoid using bleach. Samsung provides similar cleaning instructions for the Galaxy phone’s glass, ceramic, and metal surfaces.
Additionally, companies like PhoneSoap and Homedics provide unique cleaning tools that utilize UV-C radiation. They guarantee to remove up to 99.9% of all germs from a phone’s surface in minutes. However, it needs to be clarified whether they work against the brand-new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.
Also Read- 10 Things a Smartwatch Can Do Without A Phone
Use alcohol-based wipes or sprays
Use alcohol-based wipes or sprays with at least 70% alcohol to disinfect touch screens if no manufacturer instructions are available. Dry surfaces properly to prevent liquid pooling on your phone.
Use an antibacterial wipe to gently clean the phone’s exterior, paying particular attention to the screen. Alternatively, you can clean your phone by misting a delicate cloth with an alcohol-based disinfecting solution with 70% isopropyl.
(The proportion of 70% alcohol is crucial; it’s sufficient to eradicate any germs on the phone’s surface.)
Do not allow any moisture to enter the ports
If you want to be safe or worry that alcohol-based cleaning products will eventually harm your phone’s screen, you should give it a screen protector.
Then, if it has to be replaced, you can do so affordably and safely by wiping it down with alcohol.
Use bacterial-resistant equipment
Additionally, you can spend money on antibacterial items with built-in antimicrobial defense. For example, screen protectors made of glass with integrated silver ions are intended to eliminate almost all bacteria that might build up on a screen.
In summary, Adhere to these dos and don’t to safeguard your phone from Germs
- Remember to clean your phone
- Do first turn off your phone and unplug anything.
- Use a clean microfiber cloth and disinfectant wipes containing 70% isopropyl alcohol or a comparable disinfecting spray.
- Any cleaners should be sprayed into a soft cloth rather than directly onto your phone.
- If the wipe or towel is overly damp, wring it out before using.
- Depending on its material and the manufacturer’s directions, wash your phone case with soap and water or disinfectant wipes or spray.
- Avoid cleaning chemicals that contain 100% alcohol because they can harm a phone’s protective coatings.
- Avoid touching your phone directly with liquid or cleaning.
- Avoid immersing in the phone.
- Keep liquid out of the ports on your tech.
- Don’t clean your screen with a paper towel.
- Never use your phone while using the restroom or eating.
These steps can help you protect your gear and keep your cell phone as germ-free as possible, and this takes a few minutes every day.
