How to Disinfect your Phone: An Easy to Follow Guide

When was the last time you washed your hands?

Probably a few minutes ago.

How about your phone?

Never? Ever?

If so, you should check this out.

A recent publication on the National Centre for Biotechnology Information has warned that our phones are not only capable of transferring text messages, but also ‘disease-causing microbes’. Much worse, these viruses and bacteria can survive on your devices for up to 9 days.

Did your heart just skip a beat?

When you think about how often we touch our phones- or put them to our faces- we must start thinking of how to keep our phones, and other devices, germ-free.

 Luckily, in this article, you would learn how to clean electronics.

Ready? Let’s go!

What to use- and what not to use- when disinfecting phones

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a guideline on the list of items that can be used to clean household items, including cell phones, without causing harm to individuals.

Out of these, here is a quick overview on some suitable items:

• Diluted rubbing alcohol
• Alcohol pads: used by doctors in sanitizing patients’ skins before injections and other procedures.
• Alcohol-based sprays or disinfectant wipes, containing about 70% alcohol.

No doubt, there are many viable products. However, when choosing a product, it would be best if you take into consideration your phone manufacturer’s instructions.

Also, opting for wipes instead of sprays would be a better choice. The probability of the solution pooling on your phone, thereby causing internal damage, is higher compared to when using wipes. Nonetheless, getting a phone water damage indicator would be a fantastic choice. Quite intuitive.

Again, it is advisable to avoid using the following products:

• Soap
• Vinegar
• Bleach
• Makeup remover
• Wipes that do not contain at least 70% alcohol.

The above products do not either satisfy the established guideline or increase the chances of damaging your device in the process of cleaning them.

How to disinfect a cell phone

First off, you must remember that when disinfecting a phone, germs may spread from the phones to your hands, or from your hands to your phone. So, it is best if you wash your hands before and after disinfecting your device.

Let’s begin with your screen

Now you understand the do’s and don’ts, follow the steps below to know how to disinfect a phone screen.

• Power off your phone
• Make sure there are no liquids nearby to avoid an accidental spill
• Never spray liquids directly on your phone. Use wipes instead. If you insist on using a spray, make use of soft, lint-free cloths rather than abrasive ones.
• Be sure not to clean too harshly. Rather, be as gentle as possible.

Cleaning cases and ports 

Of course, your phone screen is not the only component of your phone that is worth disinfecting.

• Remove your phone casing
• Attach small cotton at the end of a toothpick, and use the end to drag out any lint in your charging port
• Use wipes to disinfect your casing and ports.

How often should you sanitize your phone?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends household items such as doorknobs or phones should be disinfected daily.

However, in some conditions, frequent sanitizing is required.

For instance:

• When the phone drops;
• After another person handles your phone;
• When you are around sick people.

In other words, just like with washing your hands, sanitize your phone as often as possible.

In Conclusion

Here’s what you should know:

• Use wipes containing at least 70% of alcohol to disinfect your devices.
• Never spray liquid directly on your phone. Instead, resort to using soft linen.
• Always switch off your phone before sanitizing it.
• Disinfect your devices as often as possible.

Now that you know how to sanitize your smartphone, what’s next?

Apply this knowledge, and stay safe!