Cleaning your phone regularly has always been a good idea. One study found that your phone can be ten times dirtier than a toilet seat.
And if your phone is unknowingly harboring harmful germs, it makes the situation even worse.
The good news is cell phones don’t have to be that dirty. The only reason they are is because they tend to get overlooked in the regular cleaning routine. Cleaning and sanitizing it regularly will significantly reduce the amount of bacteria you’re carrying around.
Here’s how to do it safely.
1. Wipe it with an alcohol-based cleaner
Review your manufacturer’s instructions. Some, particularly Apple, specifically warn against using any type of cleaner on your phone so proceed with caution. Mix together a cleaning solution of 70% isopropyl alcohol and 30% water. Turn off your phone, then spray the cleaning solution onto a lint-free or microfiber cloth and wipe it down to remove and kill germs. Never spray the solution directly onto your phone or saturate your device.
2. Use a screen protector
If you have a device that specifically recommends not using a cleaner directly on the screen, use a screen protector. This will allow you to clean it regularly without worrying about applying a cleaner directly to the device.
3. Use an antimicrobial case
This won’t necessarily protect you from a virus, which is not impacted by antimicrobial coating, but can protect you from bacteria that may grow on your phone.
4. Remove your case when cleaning
Don’t forget to remove (and clean) your case regularly. Dirt, grime, and germs can collect in the gaps between the phone and the case and won’t be removed through a simple wipe-down.
5. Use a UV light sanitizer
You’ll still need to wipe off dirt and smudges, but a UV light sanitizer will kill viruses and bacteria that may be hiding on your phone or other items without liquid or chemicals. UV light sanitizers come in many forms – wands, boxes, cases – so pick the one that works for you.
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