Your phone is dirtier than a toilet seat and here’s how to clean it the right way

It’s not a lie – your phone is dead More bacteria than the toilet seat. Considering that you hold your phone to your face when making calls and likely have your phone in your hand for most of the day, there’s a pretty compelling case for the need to clean your device regularly.

According to the FCC, you should at least clean your phone Once a day Follow your phone manual for cleaning instructions. Cleaning your device incorrectly (such as using rubbing alcohol and paper towels) can remove the protective layers on your screen and do more harm than good.

There are safer methods and products. We’ll show you the most popular and effective ways to keep your phone free of harmful germs and bacteria The right wayespecially for Phones rated for water resistance.

For more, Here’s how to clean your wireless earbuds and AirPods.

Use disinfectant wipes or an appropriate alcohol-containing solution

If you touch your phone after touching a public doorknob or a grocery cart, your first thought might be to clean it with rubbing alcohol. no. Direct alcohol can strip off hydrophobic and oleophobic coatings that prevent oil and water from damaging your phone’s screen and other ports.

Some websites suggest making a mixture of alcohol and water yourself, but it’s essential to get the concentration right. If you get it wrong, it could damage your phone. The safest bet is to use disinfectant wipes containing 70% isopropyl alcohol to clean your phone’s screen.

Before the pandemic, we were instructed not to use disinfectant wipes on our phone screens, however Apple says it’s OK to use Clorox wipes And other disinfectant wipes with similar concentrations.

AT&T cleaning guidelines I suggest you “spray a non-abrasive or alcohol-based disinfectant (70% isopropyl alcohol) directly onto a soft, lint-free cloth and wipe your device while turning it off and unplugging it.” Samsung also said You can create an alcohol solution of 70% ethanol or isopropyl alcohol, and apply it with a microfiber cloth.

Another option for daily cleaning is to invest in a UV light, e.g PhoneSoap. This UV company says that their product kills 99.99% of germs and eliminates bacteria.

Remove fingerprints with a microfiber cloth

It’s difficult to prevent fingerprint smudges because your skin is constantly producing oils. This means that every time you pick up your phone, you are bound to leave fingerprints on it.

The safest and most effective way to clean your screen is with a microfiber cloth. If your screen is in urgent need of cleaning, use it Distilled water To dampen the microfiber cloth and then wipe the screen – avoid spraying water directly on the screen. This method can be used on the back and sides of your phone as well.

You can also try a microfiber screen cleaner sticker, which you can stick to the back of your phone and can come off when you need to wipe it off.

Payment Samsung Tips Also clean your phone.

Remove sand and lint with this duct tape trick

Lint and sand can get stuck in your phone’s small ports and in the crevices where the screen meets the body.

The best way to remove sand and lint is with duct tape. You can place it along the creases and speaker, then roll it up and place it gently into the ports. The stickiness of the tape will pull out any lint or sand that may be stuck to your phone.

For small speaker holes that the tape can’t reach, use a toothpick (gently) or try removing debris with a small vacuum cleaner Crevice tool. These tools can also be used for other small appliances or hard-to-reach areas of your car.

Wipe off makeup with a damp cloth

When you have a full face of makeup and need to make a call, guess what this foundation will stick to? That’s right, your phone screen. Although you can use makeup remover to remove your makeup every night, you should not use it as a screen cleaner due to some chemicals that may be present in the ingredients. (Organics.org explains Chemicals that could be present in your makeup remover.)

Alternatively, you can get a makeup remover specifically for your phone, e.g Whoosh. The company claims that its product is safe for all screens and does not contain alcohol, chlorine, ammonia or phosphates that can damage the different layers of the screen.

You can also use a damp microfiber cloth to clean the phone, then put it in the washing machine. Make sure to use a spray bottle to mist the cloth instead of running it under water. The less water, the better.

How to clean waterproof phones

If you have a waterproof phone, have it evaluated IP67 and aboveYou can rinse it with water. Although these phones are like new iPhone 15 ProIt can withstand immersion for up to 30 minutes in up to 6 meters of water, and it is best to use a wet or wet cloth to clean your phone. Then dry your phone with a dry, soft cloth to remove the water. Make sure all speakers and ports are dried.

Submerging the phone in water or running it under the tap will cause water to enter the ports, which means you won’t be able to charge it until it dries, which may take some time. Remember, having a waterproof phone means more peace of mind in case accidents happen than intentionally taking your phone swimming.

Avoid these items when cleaning your phone

We’re here to warn you, not shame you, but drop that bottle of Windex, law. Here are some products you should never use to clean your phone.

Hand sanitizer

Since some hand sanitizers contain ingredients like perfume and ethyl alcohol, it’s best to keep the sanitizer away from your phone screen. However, if you touch anything outside your home, you should sanitize your hands before touching your phone to prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria. For best results, use the manufacturer’s hand sanitizer Instead of making it yourself at home (It’s not effective.)

Window cleaner

Do you clean mirrors and windows with window cleaner, and they are completely clean, so the window cleaner must be suitable for use on your phone? mistake! Some phones, like the iPhone, have a protective layer that is water and oil resistant and can wear down over time.

Using harsh cleaners can strip the paint and may make your phone more susceptible to scratches. James Lebo, associate professor of materials science and engineering at MIT, told us that any cleaner that contains an abrasive agent is likely to scratch the surface, so that should be avoided altogether.

Kitchen cleaners

The scratch-resistant properties of the screen will not be destroyed by cleaning agents, but stripping the protective layer is still a problem. That’s why Apple suggests it too Do not use household cleaning products to clean your iPhoneIncluding bleaching. Bon Ami says Do not use it on glass with paint.

Paper towels

These devices may be the perfect solution for cleaning out your desk, but keep them away from your phone. The paper can get shredded, making the debris on your phone that much worse. Paper towels can end up leaving scratches on your screen.

Rubbing alcohol

Since many newer phones have a protective coating, rubbing alcohol can remove it more quickly over time, leaving your phone more vulnerable to scratches. Be sure to check the presence of alcohol in the product ingredients on any “safe to use” phone screen cleaners. Apple says to avoid alcohol when cleaning its devices.

Makeup remover

Some makeup removers may contain chemicals that can be harsh on an electronic screen. Lippo suggests avoiding makeup remover, and instead, use a soft cloth with a little water.

Compressed air

Your phone is sensitive, so blowing a large amount of air into its gates can cause damage, especially to your microphone. Technology companies, such as Apple, are specifically warning Do not use compressed air.

Dish soap and hand soap

Although your dish and hand soap may be gentle, the only way to use them is to combine them with water. Most phone companies suggest keeping water away from your phone, so again, stick to a damp cloth.

vinegar

This is a no no. The vinegar will strip the screen coating. You can, as well Lifehacker suggestsUse very diluted vinegar to clean other parts of your phone. Android Central is suggested Mix 50/50 with distilled water to clean the sides and back.

For more cleaning tips, find out how to do it Clean your Apple Watch.