How to disinfect a phone

Updated March 6, 2020

There’s increased interest in this post because of concerns about the coronavirus. For our current advice, read Should You Disinfect Your Phone? Here’s How.

There’s increased interest in this post because of concerns about the coronavirus. For our current advice, read Should You Disinfect Your Phone? Here’s How.

This post was originally published on April 10, 2018.

Leigh Krietsch Boerner

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A couple of weeks ago, I finally heard it: the soft splish and then the clunk that meant my phone was no longer in my back pocket. It was now in the toilet. Fortunately, I was at home at the time—if I had been in a public bathroom, I probably would have just set my phone on fire. But even then, according to phone makers and medical professionals, cleaning it with a damp soft cloth would work just fine. Bleach is optional, but no pyrotechnics necessary.

Our phones may have common, everyday germs on them that our bodies can deal with just fine (unless you’re immunocompromised). But whether or not germs on our phones can make us sick hasn’t really been answered in the scientific literature according to Trish Perl-DeLisle, MD, professor and chief of infectious diseases and geographic medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. There’s just no guidance available, nothing that can tell us specifically what to do, she told me in a phone interview.

Inconclusive studies aside, you definitely should clean your phone. According to Apple, you should use a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth to do this. Motorola suggests a microfiber cloth, with a little water if it’s really dirty. Google suggests using ordinary household soap or cleaning wipes to clean the Pixel. Conveniently, there are studies that suggest these methods might be enough to get rid of a lot of germs on your phone too.

But disinfecting? Although there have yet to be any published studies specifically about disinfecting phones, there is some scientific literature on the best way to remove pathogens from iPads. However, researchers have looked only at bacteria such as meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or Clostridium difficile. You may have heard of these pathogens because they tend to float around in medical environments, and have the potential to make us very sick. But the good news is that it’s not that hard to clean some of them off.

Rubbing plus soap is a magical combo that can physically remove germs from surfaces.

A 2013 study in the American Journal of Infection Control showed that a damp microfiber cloth, bleach wipes, and an alcohol swab all removed MRSA equally well from a contaminated iPad. A damp cloth was also better at removing C. diff from the iPad screen than an alcohol swab, although it wasn’t as effective as a bleach wipe. Yet another study said that bleach wipes were the best at nixing MRSA and another nasty, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE).

Keep in mind that these studies are meant to mimic iPad use by medical staff in hospitals, not on everyday use of our phones. Also, these bacteria are not the same pathogens we might be more worried about in our day-to-day use of our phones: flu virus, norovirus, or cold viruses. Unfortunately, just because something is better at killing MSRA doesn’t mean it will clean flu germs off our phones too.

But not all is lost. When writing about all-purpose cleaners, we learned that you can abolish most pathogens by using a cleaner with a surfactant in it. Rubbing plus soap is a magical combo that can physically remove germs from surfaces. But, Apple said no cleaners (although you’re in luck if you have a Pixel). So you can use all-purpose cleaner maybe on the phone case, but not on the phone itself.

But you can use soap and water to clean your hands. Usually, doctors and public health people say that there are a number of things you can do to avoid getting sick, but one of the most important is to wash your hands. Properly. Especially before you eat.

In general you probably don’t need to use any kind of disinfecting agent on your phone. “We do have to be somewhat respectful of the manufacturer’s’ recommendations, because we lose warranties if we aren’t,” Dr. Perl-DeLisle said. However, you should clean your phone on a semi-regular basis, she said. How often depends on what kind of life you lead and where you take your phone (avoid taking it into the bathroom, for example). Dr. Perl-DeLisle tends to err on the side of cleaning more often, and said she would clean her phone every day. (Although she’s a doctor and professor of infectious diseases and may be taking her phone into settings that you or I might not venture into.) If you’re sick, though, you might want to clean your phone even multiple times a day, she said.

I tend to clean my phone if I’ve been traveling, although please learn from my mistake. After returning from a business trip a few months ago, I gently misted my phone with some all-purpose cleaner with bleach . and then forgot it. [Ed note: we don’t recommend doing this, and neither does Apple.] I think I left it sitting on the counter for about 45 minutes? Yes, it was borked. Which is why I have a newer (thankfully, water-resistant) iPhone 7 now. The one I dropped in the toilet.

If this happens to you, definitely clean your phone, Dr. Perl-DeLisle said. In my case I went with the big guns and used bleach. Keep in mind that bleach won’t disinfect just with a quick swipe; you have to let it sit for about 30 seconds. This time I actually stood in front of it and counted to 30, because I didn’t want to kill another phone. Although, I have heard that the iPhone X is pretty cool.

Clorox wipes will safely disinfect your phone, but there are lots of common cleaners that you should never, ever use.

Make sure you’re cleaning your phone the right way.

If the possibility of coronavirus living on your most frequently touched surfaces (like Amazon packages , clothes or shoes ) for more than a few days gives you any degree of anxiety, you’re not alone in your thinking. Though surfaces aren’t considered the primary way that the coronavirus transmits , in general, any germ that’s on your phone or case can potentially transfer to your fingers and face.

Early studies showed that RNA of the novel coronavirus may be able to survive on some surfaces — including your beloved phone — for nine days or even longer , but so far there’s insufficient evidence to determine if the virus can infect you after that amount of time.

As coronavirus cases surge across the country and the planet, knowing how to correctly wash your hands as well as wearing a face covering will help lower your risk. Cleaning your phone more often is a good idea regardless, but what’s the correct way to remove the gunk without damaging your device?

Read on for our tips on the best ways to disinfect your phone and to remove fingerprint smudges, sand and lint from the ports and tenacious makeup from the screen (hint: never with makeup remover). We’ll also tell you which cleaning products to avoid and how to care for phones rated for water resistance.

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Disinfect your phone: Wipes, not pure alcohol

If you touch your phone after touching a public door handle or grocery cart, you may immediately think to clean it with rubbing alcohol. Don’t. Straight alcohol can strip the oleophobic and hydrophobic coatings that keep oil and water from damaging your display and other ports.

Some websites suggest creating a mix of alcohol and water yourself, but it’s crucial to get the concentration right. Get it wrong and you could damage your phone. The safest bet is to use disinfectant wipes that contain 70% isopropyl alcohol to clean your phone screen.

Drop the window cleaner and counter spray, now.

In the past, we were instructed to not use disinfectant wipes on our phone screens, but now Apple says it’s OK to use Clorox Wipes and others with similar concentrations.

AT&T’s revised cleaning guidelines suggest that you “spray a nonabrasive or alcohol-based (70% isopropyl) disinfectant directly on a soft lint-free cloth and wipe down your device while it is powered down and unplugged.” An earlier version of the company’s post suggested using paper towels, which are far too abrasive (see below). After we reached out, AT&T changed its post to reflect the soft cloth. Samsung has also said you can create an alcohol-based solution of 70% ethanol or isopropyl alcohol, applied with a microfiber cloth.

Another option for day-to-day cleaning is investing in a UV light, such as PhoneSoap. This UV light company claims to kill 99.99% of germs and banishes bacteria. As far as we know, it hasn’t been tested in relation to this strain of coronavirus.

Coronavirus updates

How to clean fingerprint smudges from your screen

Fingerprint smudges are hard to prevent because your skin constantly produces oils. That means that every time you pick up your phone, it’s bound to get fingerprints all over it.

The safest and most effective way to clean your screen is with a microfiber cloth. If the screen is in desperate need of cleaning, use distilled water to dampen the microfiber cloth and then wipe down your screen — avoid squirting the water directly on the screen. This method can be used on the back and sides of your phone, too.

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

Check out Samsung’s tips on cleaning your phone, too.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to clean commonly touched surfaces regularly. Throughout the day, most people will likely touch a cell phone multiple times. So, disinfecting a phone could help to slow or prevent the spread of infection.

A phone may fall on bathroom floors, come into contact with tiny droplets from sneezes and coughs, and encounter every type of germ a person’s hand does. But unlike the hands, phones are impossible to wash with soap and water.

Therefore, cell phones are a potentially dangerous source of viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens.

Read on to find out the best way to disinfect a cell phone.

Stay informed with live updates on the current COVID-19 outbreak and visit our coronavirus hub for more advice on prevention and treatment.

Share on Pinterest A person can use pads, wipes, or sprays that contain 70% alcohol to disinfect a phone.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have approved a comprehensive list of products that can safely disinfect household objects, including cell phones.

All products on the list meet the EPA’s criteria for use against the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19, but only if a person follows the manufacturer’s instructions.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend using a solution that contains at least 70% alcohol to disinfect phones. Some products that meet these requirements include:

• alcohol-based disinfectant wipes or sprays, containing at least 70% alcohol
• diluted rubbing alcohol
• some alcohol pads doctors use for sanitizing skin before injections and other procedures

People should follow the phone manufacturer’s instructions and disinfection guides. For example, Apple and Samsung recommend using Clorox wipes, 70% alcohol wipes, or 70% alcohol solution on a microfiber cloth.

To reduce the risk of damaging the phone, wipes may be a better alternative than sprays. By using a spray, the solution may pool on the phone and cause internal damage.

Many of the products on the EPA’s recommended list contain ammonia, bleach, lactic acid, or hydrogen peroxide. While these can safely clean surfaces and phone cases, they are not suitable for electronics such as cell phones.

It is advisable to avoid using the following products:

• general purpose household cleaners, especially those that contain bleach
• makeup remover
• antibacterial wipes that do not contain 70% alcohol or another product on the EPA’s list
• wound cleaners
• soap
• vinegar

It is also unsafe to submerge a phone in water for any period of time, even if it completely dries thereafter.

Some cleaning products can create dangerous chemicals or odors when people mix them. Never mix products containing ammonia with those that contain bleach.

The safest option is to pick a single disinfectant and stick with it, so that remnants of one disinfectant do not later interact with a new disinfectant.

To disinfect a phone, carefully read the instructions on the product label. Some spray products may require the solution to air dry for as long as 10 minutes.

If the phone dries before the recommended saturation time on the label, disinfecting may not be as effective. However, the CDC report that hospital grade sanitizers may work in as little as 1 minute.

Disinfecting a phone can spread germs to the hands, and from the hands back to the phone. Therefore, it is best to wash hands before and after disinfecting.

A guide for disinfecting a phone is as follows:

1. Remove the phone from any casing and power it down.
2. Sanitizers may not work as well when a phone is greasy or dirty. Therefore, a person should wipe the phone with a dry or damp cloth first to remove all dirt.
3. Thoroughly wipe the phone to cover the entire surface in disinfectant. Avoid spraying disinfectant into the phone’s charging port. If this area is wet, it can damage the phone or even cause electric shocks.
4. Allow the disinfectant to be in contact with the phone for the recommended amount of time.
5. Wipe down the phone with a cloth once more.
6. Next, repeat the previous steps with any cases and covers. Leave the phone case and phone separate until the disinfectant has been in contact for the recommended amount of time.

CDC recommend disinfecting all frequently touched surfaces, such as phones, doorknobs, and remote controls, daily.

In some situations, it may be appropriate to disinfect more frequently.

Doing so can greatly reduce exposure to viruses, bacteria, and other dangerous sources of infection. Consider disinfecting a phone in the following circumstances:

• after another person uses or borrows it
• after sneezing or coughing while holding the phone
• after dropping it, especially if it falls outside of the household or on a potentially contaminated surface
• after using the phone in public

If someone in the house is sick, consider storing the phone in a plastic bag and wiping it down after each use to reduce the risk of contamination.

Medical professionals may want to keep their phones away from patients or disinfect their phones very frequently.

A 2015 study found that 44 out of 53 doctors’ phones contained potentially dangerous bacteria, suggesting they may be a source of contamination in the examination and operating rooms.

Most people touch hundreds or thousands of surfaces throughout the course of the day. Few of us wash our hands after touching them. The germs and bacteria from our hands are easily transferred to a cell phone. The heat generated from the operation of a cell phone creates a perfect environment for the growth of this bacteria. Every time you use your phone, you place your mouth and nose in close proximity to this breeding ground, increasing the likelihood of infection and illness.

Step 1

Turn the cell phone off.

Step 2

Spray or lightly dampen a soft, clean, lint-free cloth with ethyl or isopropyl alcohol or a specially made sanitizing spray made for disinfecting electronics. Do not spray it directly onto the device.

Step 3

Wipe the device clean. Unless you have a screen protector in place, do not wipe your touchscreen with alcohol. Instead, use the cloth with the disinfectant on it to wipe the buttons, sides, front and back of your phone. Use Q-tips to gently clean around the buttons and ports of the device.

Step 4

Buff the screen. Using another clean cloth (without alcohol or sanitizer), buff the touchscreen of your phone until smudges and fingerprints are gone. Apply a screen protector film so that you can disinfect it during future cleanings.

Things You’ll Need

Alcohol or sanitizing spray

Warning

Expose your phone to as little moisture as possible. Never spray products directly on your phone.

Cleaning your phone or tablet could be a tricky matter and you need to be extra careful while cleaning the screen. Follow these steps to clean and disinfect your iPhone, iPad, Android smartphone, or tablet easily.

As per a new study, scheduled for publication in Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease, mobile phones could be acting as “Trojan horses” for COVID-19. The research is a review of 56 previous studies from 24 countries and it found that 68 per cent of the phones sampled in these studies were contaminated.

These studies predate the coronavirus pandemic and found a cocktail of live germs including Golden staph and E. Coli microbes on phones. However, the authors of the review believe that SARS-Cov-2 is probably present on mobiles and other touch-screen devices of coronavirus sufferers.

“Our recommendation is that phones should be decontaminated daily and regularly with either 70% isopropyl or by sanitising with (ultraviolet) devices like PhoneSoap,” said the study. Here is how you can disinfect your phone.

How to clean and disinfect your phone

Cleaning your phone or tablet could be a tricky matter and you need to be extra careful while cleaning the screen. Follow these steps to clean and disinfect your iPhone, iPad, Android smartphone, or tablet:

*Make sure your device is unplugged

*First clean your phone with a soft slightly damp lint-free microfibre cloth

*You can also dampen the corner of the cloth to wipe the screen and use the dry corner to remove excess moisture left on the phone/tablet

*Now use a disinfecting wipe to make it germs free after you are done cleaning

*In case you don’t have disinfecting wipes, you can use rubbing alcohol

*Prepare a solution with 70 per cent isopropyl and spray it on to a microfibre cloth. Now gently wipe your smartphone before the solution dries out

After you are done cleaning your phone, there is another way to disinfect your device. You can invest in a UV light sanitizer to kill off the germs present on your phone. Also, while you are at it, do not forget to clean and disinfect your phone’s case.

Notably, different types of cases need a different type of cases could be cleaned by soaking in a soapy water solution and rinsing off with water. For leather cases, damp the microfibre cloth with soapy water solution and wipe it clean. Wood cases need to be cleaned using water and vinegar solution followed by rinsing off with water.

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Samsung is encouraging users to clean their phones by offering free Galaxy Sanizitzing services in select regions.

Here’s the list of eligible devices that will get the One UI 3.0/Android 11

How to clean the Samsung Galaxy smartphone?

To clean your phone, please follow these steps:

• Before starting to clean, turn off the phone, remove the cases, and remove all accessories and cables, if any.

• Use a waterproof, dust-proof wipe, such as a camera lens wipe, to gently wipe the surface of the device.

• Avoid getting moisture into any openings and do not use liquid directly on the phone. If necessary, lightly dampen a corner of a washcloth with a small amount of purified water or biocide, such as a product derived from hydrogen peroxide (50-80ppm) or an alcohol-based substance (with an ethanol content). or isopropyl above 70%), and gently wipe the front and back of the phone without putting too much force. Avoid excessive cleaning.

• Do not use the compressor and do not use or spray bleach or any cleaning solution directly on your phone.

• The cleaning method above is only recommended for the glass, ceramic and metal surfaces of your phone. We do not recommend soft parts, such as leather, rubber and plastic parts.

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Applicable Products:

The above instructions only apply to phones, tablets, and Galaxy watches (except for bands). Will not apply to Galaxy Buds Headphones, keyboard (removable keyboard and Galaxy laptop keyboard), plastic strap for Wearable Accessories, and any other Samsung products which are not clearly listed above.

Can I use a cleaner product to clean my Galaxy phone?

We do not recommend the use of abrasive materials or strong chemical solutions, which are not allowed for electronic devices. Because they can scratch the screen and wear the coating, which causes the fingerprint sensor to become smudged.

Also, in certain situations, liquids and water can get into open parts, causing other damage to your phone. If this happens, please bring your device as soon as possible to your Samsung authorized service center.

Note: We or Samsung does not guarantee the effectiveness of the above-mentioned sanitization process. The results may vary and may not kill all bacteria, germs, and viruses.

Bleach is a terrible idea. Try out these tips, instead.

• As the Coronavirus continues to rage across the globe, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends sanitizing frequently used objects to help prevent the spread of the deadly virus.
• That includes your smartphone, which you probably haven’t cleaned. Ever.
• To kill germs and bacteria hiding on your screen, avoid harsh chemicals, like those present in disinfectant wipes, because they could damage a special coating on the surface.

Update March 9, 2020: Apple released a new support page today, amid the spread of Covid-19, alerting anyone with its products that a solution of 70 percent isopropyl alcohol is permissible for use in cleaning your iPhone, MacBook, or other Apple device.

This represents a move away from the company’s prior warnings not to use disinfectants, like Clorox wipes, because they could harm a protective coating on your touchscreen.

As the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to dole out advice for lowering your risk of catching the Coronavirus, you’re probably washing your hands a little longer and touching your face a little less. But there’s another easy step you can take to stay protected—and if you’re anything like us, you rarely consider it.

Your smartphone, as it turns out, is covered with 10 times the amount of bacteria found on a toilet seat, says a study from the University of Arizona. Sounds shocking, but it makes sense: Janitors scrub toilets every day. When’s the last time you really wiped down your iPhone? Never?

Now that you know the dirty truth, it’s time to take action. Your first instinct might be to use a Clorox wipe, which promises to kill 99.99 percent of household germs and bacteria. But that wouldn’t be wise: This kind of wipe could actually damage the delicate oleophobic coating on your phone that’s meant to prevent oils from your fingerprints sticking to the surface.

If you want to truly clean your smartphone, Apple recommends using a soft, microfiber cloth, just like the ones you use to wipe your corrective lenses with. (This advice applies to all phones, not just iPhones.) You can add warm, soapy water to the cloth to wipe down and disinfect your phone’s surfaces, Apple says, but just make sure you unplug all cables, turn off the device, and keep water from creeping into any openings.

To take the TLC up a notch, buy a UV-C LED sanitizing light, which kills bacteria and viruses on contact.

The Spruce / Julieanne Browning

• Total Time: 5 mins

• Skill Level: Beginner

We all rely heavily on our cell phones and need them to work efficiently every day. For most of us, the first thing we think about when someone asks, “have you ever cleaned up your cell phone” is how to remove junk files and the hundreds of bad photos to gain some storage space.

But the first thing that should come to mind about cleaning a cell phone is removing the potentially deadly microbes and bacteria that are covering your phone every day. Each time you touch your phone, you transfer bacteria to and from your hands, face, and every surface that the cell phone has touched. Ever drop your cell phone in a public restroom? Yuck.

While there are some ultraviolet light sanitizing devices available to buy, you can clean your phone with supplies you have on hand.

Warning

Never use the following items to clean a cell phone:

• Window or household cleaners
• Compressed air
• Aerosol spray cleaners
• Harsh Solvents (acetone, benzene, toulene)
• Bleach
• Ammonia
• Abrasive powders
• Hydrogen peroxide

It is essential to avoid excess moisture when cleaning, which can damage interior electronics. Most cell phone screens, especially smartphones’ glass surfaces, have an oleophobic coating that repels oils from hands and fingers. The coating’s effectiveness will lessen over time but using anything abrasive on the glass will hasten the loss and scratch the surface permanently.

What You’ll Need

Equipment / Tools

• Lint-free microfiber cloth

Materials

• 1/2 cup Distilled water
• 1/2 cup Isopropyl alcohol, 70%
• Cotton swabs or wooden toothpicks

Instructions

Unplug Your Phone and Attachments

Earbuds or chargers should be cleaned separately. Turn off the phone.

Remove Cases or Covers

To effectively clean your phone, remove any protective case or cover. These should also be cleaned separately before reinserting the phone.

Mix Distilled Water and 70% Isopropyl Alcohol

In a small spray bottle, mix a one-to-one ratio of distilled water and 70% isopropyl alcohol. The distilled water is essential if you live in an area that has hard water, which is filled with microscopic minerals that can scratch the glass on the phone.   Give the bottle a good shake.

Spray Microfiber Cloth

Lightly spray a lint-free microfiber cloth with the water and isopropyl mixture. Never spray the phone directly. Do not over-wet the cloth.

Wipe Down the Phone

Use the microfiber cloth to wipe down the entire phone. Be sure to clean both the front and back

Clean Small Areas

If small areas like the space around the camera lens, attachment ports, or buttons show signs of gunk build-up, gently use a dry cotton swab or wooden toothpick to clean those areas. Once any build-up is removed, wipe down the area again with the slightly damp microfiber cloth.

Allow the Phone to Air Dry

Allow the phone to air dry completely for at least 15 minutes before reinserting it into its case.

These thorough cleaning steps should be done weekly to keep a phone relatively germ-free.

Cleaning a Cell Phone Case

There’s not much benefit to cleaning your cell phone if you are going to reinsert it into a dirty protective case. Whether made from silicone, hard plastic, or leather, most cell phone case models have textured edges to provide a better grip on the phone. Take a look at those edges. They are probably disgusting.

Once the phone has been removed, silicone cases can be completely submerged and washed in a solution of warm water and a bit of dishwashing soap. Use a soft cloth to gently scrub the textured edges. Rinse well and allow to air dry completely before reinserting the phone. For daily cleaning, wipe down the case with a microfiber cloth dampened with the distilled water and rubbing alcohol solution.

For hard plastic cases, remove the phone and wipe down the entire case with the distilled water and alcohol solution on a lint-free cloth. Use a cotton swab dipped in the water/alcohol solution to clean the small button and lens opening areas. Dry with a clean, lint-free cloth and check that the case is completely dry before reinserting the phone.

After removing the phone, leather cases should be cleaned with a saddle soap formulated specifically for leather and then treated with a leather conditioner. Allow the case to dry completely before reinserting the phone.

How to Clean Cell Phone Accessories

Use the one-to-one distilled water and 70% isopropyl alcohol solution and a microfiber cloth to wipe down earbuds, chargers, and other cell phone accessories. Remember to mist the cloth lightly–never over-wet–and allow the accessories to air dry completely before using.

Cell phones notoriously harbor bacteria and viruses, research shows.

• With coronavirus cases rising in the U.S.—and flu season still in full force—it’s important to disinfect surfaces you touch frequently.
• Cell phones have always been notoriously germ-infested, research shows.
• An expert explains how to clean your cell phone without ruining it.

With coronavirus cases rising in the U.S.—and flu season still in full force—washing your hands well and often is essential, but so is making sure the surfaces you’re touching are disinfected. The surface you probably touch the most? Your cell phone.

“Cleaning your cell phone is a far more effective preventative measure than something like wearing a face mask,” says Debra Goff, Pharm.D., founding member of the Antimicrobial Stewardship Program at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, and recent appointee to the World Health Organization antimicrobial stewardship program in low- and middle-income countries.

“People handle their phones hundreds of times a day,” she adds. “That means potentially exposing yourself to what’s on those surfaces every time.”

How germy is your cell phone, anyway?

Even before the COVID-19 outbreak, cell phones were shown to be pretty gross. A 2017 study published in the journal Germs looked at 27 mobile phones owned by teenagers, and found “bacterial contamination” on all of them.

Surfaces can be notorious for hosting viruses, and some of them linger longer than others. For example, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), norovirus can stay on surfaces for days or even weeks. That particular virus gets attention most during cruise ship outbreaks, but it’s actually the most common cause of gastroenteritis (a.k.a. stomach flu) in the United States. Not only is it highly contagious, but it only takes a very small amount to make you sick.

Influenza viruses can stick around on surfaces just as long. A 2017 study in The Journal of Hospital Infection found that active flu viruses can be on surfaces for up to two weeks, and some were still present after seven weeks. Even on porous surfaces like cotton, the flu hung around for a week.

The current strain of coronavirus, COVID-19, is obviously still under investigation, so the CDC hasn’t yet pinned down how long it can stay viable on surfaces. However, the agency suggests it’s possible that it could be active for hours, if not days. That’s why the CDC recommends cleaning and disinfecting “high-touch surfaces.” The goal is to prevent the virus from getting on your hands, and subsequently into your system when you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.

How to clean and disinfect your cell phone

Keep in mind that some disinfectants like diluted household bleach don’t play well with electronics. According to Apple, many cleaning products and abrasive materials will diminish the fingerprint-resistant coating that keeps your phone from becoming a grimy mess whenever you scroll. Here’s what to do instead:

1. Power down first.

Before doing any cleaning, turn off your phone and unplug from any charger, Goff suggests.

2. Opt for microfiber cloths.

These specially designed cloths have more fibers than other types of cloth, and as a result, can pick up more microscopic particles, including bacteria and viruses, Goff says. That doesn’t mean it kills them—just lifts them off surfaces without the use of water. Think of it as a little virus magnet.

Because of that, be sure to then disinfect the cloth before using it again. The best way is using your dishwasher—that “sanitize” cycle works like a charm—then hanging it up to dry, but you can also throw in the washing machine with warm water. And of course, wash your hands thoroughly after handling the germy cloth.

3. Turn to rubbing alcohol.

If your cell phone is particularly grubby, or you don’t have microfiber cloths available, you can disinfect by creating a solution of about 60% water and 40% alcohol. Use a small corner of a cloth to gently clean the phone. Immediately use a dry portion of the cloth right afterward.

Don’t spray the alcohol directly on the cell phone, and be sure to dilute it. You can also use a microfiber cloth for this for extra cleaning clout. Goff adds that regular soap and water works, too, just be sure to squeeze out excess liquid before using.

4. Don’t use abrasive products.

Using a screen protector is helpful if you want to use other types of cleaning products, says Goff, but if you don’t have one, avoid using products with ingredients that will affect your phone’s screen coating. This includes window cleaner, vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide.

You can use microfiber cloths on any surface, so carry some around to tackle your laptop, office phone, keyboard, even the handle of your coffee mug or knobs on your desk drawers. Just be sure to remember that once you’ve used it, that’s where the viruses live now. So, put the dirty cloths into a sealed plastic bag until it can get cleaned. Then wash your hands.

5. Keep it clean.

Also, be mindful about how you’re using your phone, Goff adds, especially in germy areas like public restrooms. Handling your phone or putting it down in an area that regularly gets a fine spray of toilet water, sneezes, and coughs? Yikes.

“Your phone will pick up whatever is on that surface,” says Goff. “So, keep your phone clean, but also change your habits in terms of how you handle it after that.”

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Phones have a tendency to gather a whole lot of germs on the floor and these germs could make you or one other individual sick. For a fast and simple clear, use cleaning soap and water to disinfect your telephone. In case you’re significantly nervous about germs or viruses, and alcohol resolution is the simplest germ-buster. Understand that alcohol can harm your telephone’s display over time, so do not use it too usually, although it is nonetheless essential to disinfect your telephone and a display protector will stop this subject. A UV gentle sanitizer can be extremely efficient, however, they could be a bit costly. Make sure to disinfect your telephone recurrently to maintain it secure and germ-free! We are going to show you step by step how you can disinfect a phone.

Basic protective measures against the new coronavirus

Wash your hands frequently ,Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth,Practice respiratory hygiene

How to Disinfect a Phone Step by Step.

• Turn off your phone and disconnect it from power
• Remove your phone’s case if it has one
• Mix a few drops off dish soap and warm water in a bowl dip back cover in it, if PVC cover in case leather or other material then wipe it microfiber cloth dip in the solution ( Only for Mobile Cover)
• For mobile phone Wet a microfiber cloth with the solution( 60–70% alcohol and warm water) and wipe it out completely ( never put direct alcohol-based sanitizer directly on your device )
• Rub the phone’s surfaces thoroughly with the cloth to remove germs
• Dry any remaining moisture on the phone with a clean towel
• Dry with a second microfiber cloth
• One thing need to notice after that you need to clean your hand also
• For added safety, you can wash hand and use sanitizer more frequently
• Avoid bringing your phone in the bathroom if possible

I hope you like the article on How to Disinfect a Phone. If you are unable to disinfect the mobile then do contact us we have mobile UV disinfects Device So can help you Disinfect your iPhone and another mobile smartphone. For that consult expert.

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We have all heard it by now. Practice social distancing, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds and avoid touching your face and eyes with your hands. Health experts say that this is our best shot at protecting ourselves against the coronavirus pandemic that has caused worldwide havoc. This intense focus on hygiene and disinfection has understandably made a lot of people wonder if they need to clean their phones.

Our phones spend the better part of the day in our hands and we press them up against our face multiple times a day. It wouldn’t hurt to know how to properly clean and disinfect them. Samsung has provided some tips on how you can go about cleaning your phone to keep it free from bacteria and viruses.

How to clean your phone to protect yourself against coronavirus

If we take a step back and consider how frequently our phones come into contact with surfaces that countless people touch every single day and weigh that against the fact that our phones are intimately ingrained in our daily life, you can imagine why people might be freaking out about how to make sure that their phone doesn’t become a carrier of the virus.

It certainly has the potential of becoming a carrier of the virus. As the Wall Street Journal points out, it was revealed in a recent study that the coronavirus can survive on surfaces like glass, metal or plastic, materials most commonly used for smartphones, for a significant period of time ranging between two hours and nine days. Emma Hayhurst, a University of South Wales microbiologist, told the scribe that there’s no evidence that the coronavirus won’t transmit through a phone, which means that it very much remains a possibility until it can be ruled out conclusively.

The greatest infection risk is from coming into contact with a surface where the virus is present. Imagine you’re riding on the subway and you put your phone down on the seat beside you to tie your shoe. You’re not aware that the person who got off at the previous stop before you got on had sneezed or coughed at that same spot. Your phone could, at least in theory, pick up the virus from that spot. The same goes for a variety of other scenarios, be it the checkout counter at a grocery store where you’re paying with your phone or the boarding card scanner at the airport.

All of us have been using phones long enough to know that our phones don’t really cause us to get sick. We don’t think about disinfecting them, the most we’ll do is wipe them on the sleeve of our shirts or really rub them clean once in a while with a microfiber cloth. We use them with reckless abandon, placing them down at public places or handing them to strangers when we want a picture taken without much concern. However, these are uncertain times and seeing how rapidly the virus is spreading, it would be better to follow these steps just out of an abundance of caution.

Follow these steps for ideal results

Samsung has provided guidelines to follow if you’re thinking about thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting your phone. Before you begin, power down your device, remove any case or cover and unplug any accessories. Wipe the exterior surface of the phone with a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth. Samsung warns against applying liquid cleaning solutions directly on the phone as that may damage the device, particularly the oleophobic coating which helps protect the display from fingerprint smudges. Liquids and water could even get into open spaces, particularly on devices that don’t have an IP rating like the Galaxy Z Flip, so you could end up damaging your phone. For disinfecting the phone, dampen the corner of your cleaning cloth with a small amount of distilled water or disinfectant.

You can use a hypochlorous acid-based (50-80ppm) or alcohol-based (formulated with more than 70% ethanol or isopropyl alcohol) product and wipe the front and back of your phone gently without too much pressure. Avoid wiping the device excessively. Samsung also cautions against using compressed air or applying spray bleaches or liquid solutions directly on the phone. These cleaning guidelines are meant for glass, ceramic and metal surfaces, not for soft accessories that are made from materials like plastic, rubber or leather. If you use cases or covers on your phone, it would be a good idea to disinfect them as well, since they tend to capture a lot of dirt and grime anyway over time.

Samsung is even offering a free Galaxy Sanitizing Service through its official service centers and stores in dozens of countries across the globe. It’s using special machines to disinfect the phones with UV-C light, thereby eliminating the need to use cleaning solutions on the phone. The complete list of countries where the Galaxy Sanitizing Service is available can be found here.

Prevention is certainly the best cure in this situation. Once you have gone through the ritual of disinfecting your phone, be mindful when you’re using it outside your home. Keep it close to you, don’t set it down and don’t hand it to anybody. It’s a temporary nuisance but it could go a long way in protecting your health and safety as well as that of your loved ones.

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It’s always a good idea to maintain good hygiene, but especially so in the midst of the ongoing spread of Covid-19. But while you’re hopefully already washing your hands—and not touching your face—make sure to extend those efforts to the phones, tablets, and laptops you handle every day.

The science shows that bacteria are very happy breeding on computer keyboards and smartphone screens, particularly when they’re used by more than one person. And viruses can cling to glass surfaces for up to 96 hours, multiple days’ worth of potential infection. So whether you want to minimize your risk of coronavirus, the flu, or a bacterial infection, some regular cleaning is advised.

Indeed, some of the most dangerous bugs have been found on the plastic and glass surfaces of smartphones. From there they can make their way to your fingers, your face, your desk, the local restaurant, and all the other places you put your phone down. So, just about everywhere.

Read all of our coronavirus coverage here.

The good news is that disinfecting your phone and your other electronic gear doesn’t need industrial-strength chemicals or hazmat suits. You can do a very decent job of cleaning up your gear using the materials you’ve already got at home. It’s also not necessary to clean your phone every time you go out—in fact it’s probably bad for it to be scrubbed and wiped so often—but it’s a good idea to do a quick wipe-down when you’ve been traveling, or after other people have used it, or at the very least every week or so.

When it comes to cleaning a smartphone, gentleness is key. These are expensive and delicate bits of electronics, so you don’t want to dive in with abrasive cleaning solutions and materials. Clorox wipes and the like aren’t just excessive; they can eat away at the oleophobic coating that keeps fingerprints from smudging your display. Simple, common cleaning materials are all you need to get your handset germ-free—although as of Monday, you also have Apple’s blessing to use 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe or Clorox disinfecting wipes on hard surfaces if you insist.

Before you start, power down the device, remove any cases, and unplug any accessories so you’ve got full access to the phone. Your main cleaning tool should be a microfiber cloth. Anything that’s soft and that won’t scratch your phone will do, though Apple specifically recommends a camera lens cloth, if you want to follow its advice.

It’s a good idea to start without any fluids at all, just a little pressure, but if needed then you can add warm and soapy water to the mix. Use it sparingly, applying it with your cloth, and drying off the device carefully with another cloth. Be sure to avoid getting excess moisture around ports and buttons.

Generally speaking, cans of compressed air aren’t recommended on phones, though you can use them on your keyboard. The powered jet of air might interfere with the inner workings of your handset, and you don’t want to take the chance. If you find your phone’s ports have been cluttered with debris, try using cotton swabs or toothpicks to tease it out, again taking care not to cause any damage.

If your phone is fully IP68 rated for waterproofing—and triple-check the specs before you attempt this—then you can place the phone in a bowl of clean water for a few minutes, then leave it to dry on a paper towel or dab the moisture off with a cloth.

We’d recommend looking online for device-specific instructions, too. Google says it’s OK to use cleaning wipes on Pixel handsets, but use them sparingly, well away from the ports and buttons. If possible buy ones that have been specifically approved for use on electronics.

Another option is an ultraviolet light sanitizer. The science behind UV germ blitzing is robust enough, but they aren’t guaranteed to kill every type of bacteria out there, in every single crevice on your phone. These devices are something you want to use alongside the other methods that we’ve described above.

When it comes to cleaning your other gadgets, similar rules apply. Think about the gear that you’re in contact with most often, like your keyboard and mouse. These peripherals are a little bit more hardy than your smartphone, so you can take more aggressive measures, like that can of compressed air we mentioned.

Start with a shake to knock loose any debris and move on to disinfectant wipes. Avoid using harsh cleaning chemicals or any type of bleach, as you might damage the finish of your gadgets. Keyboards and mice aren’t usually waterproofed in the same way that phones are, so keep moisture to a minimum and make sure you properly dry everything off.

One interesting trend we’ve seen in recent years is keyboard cleaning gel. You simply roll the gel across your keyboard and it soaks up all the dirt and germs as it makes its way across, oozing between cracks and crevices to pick up debris and leaving your keyboard as good as new. Important caveat: We haven’t tried this ourselves and can’t vouch for it. But it seems like a relatively inexpensive solution to take a flier on.

If you’re cleaning a whole laptop, then your tools of choice should be a can of compressed air, a microfiber cloth, and a very small amount of water where necessary. According to Dell, a 50:50 isopropyl alcohol and water mixture can be used on the screens attached to its computers, applied from a damp cloth, but go carefully. Once again, don’t use sprays or any harsher chemicals, no matter how rough the mess.

Keeping your gadgets clean is just one part of a broader plan you should implement to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. You should shake hands less, wash them more, and work from home if possible. But while you can force yourself not to touch your face, it’s going to be pretty impractical to avoid touching your smartphone for the next few months. Might as well sanitize it before you do.

This story has been updated to reflect new guidance from Apple on disinfecting wipes.

When you buy something using the retail links in our stories, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Read more about how this works.

By now, you’ve all heard the advice from health organizations all over the world: wash your hands regularly to prevent the spread of the deadly virus. And you should totally do that. However, if immediately after washing our hands we grab our smartphones, we’re undoing most of our prevention efforts.

Smartphones are notorious for the number of germs and bacteria that they carry. We touch them after we use money, grab door handles or railings of public buildings, and even while on the toilet. And then we promptly touch our phones again right after thoroughly washing our hands. That’s the problem. The solution? We have to clean our phones too. Here are a few ways to do it:

Option 1: Sanitize your phone with a home-made solution

Now, since we’re aiming to kill germs here, we’ll need something more serious than just your regular microfiber cloth, although that would be needed too. The main issue with cleaning your phone with any sort of solution is that it can strip the oleophobic coating on the glass surfaces. This coating is meant to reduce the fingerprints on your phone so while it’s not vital, it’s better left intact. Most modern phones have it not only on their displays but on the back as well.

Warning:
During normal times, we’d advise against using alcohol-based solutions on your phone. But with all that’s going on right now with the coronavirus, we’d understand if some people want to take more drastic measures, even if that means more smudges on their screens in the future.

Most cleaning products you’d use on windows and countertops are still way too strong to use on your phone, but you can make something more suitable yourself.

Remove bacteria from your phone with these simple steps.

Related To:

Due to our increasing dependence on smartphones, it probably comes as no surprise that our devices are covered in bacteria. Once you hear the amount and types of bacteria, you might think twice about placing your next call without disinfecting first.

How to Clean a Cell Phone

Your cell phone is likely covered in bacteria.

Photo by: Ryan Reed

Numerous studies have been conducted in recent years, and the results are all pretty much the same. Essentially, your phone is a breeding ground for germs and it’s dirtier than a toilet seat. A few of the standout germs that could be lurking on your phone include E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus.

Now that you’ve put your phone down and walked across the room, here are a few tips you can try to minimize the number of germs lurking on your phone.

Say ‘No’ to Bathroom Texting

How to Clean a Cell Phone

Don’t take your cell phone out in the bathroom.

Photo by: © Faba Ortega

© Faba Ortega

The path to a clean phone begins with not taking it into the bathroom … ever. It seems simple enough, but approximately 75 percent of Americans are on their phone while using the facilities. And whether you wash your hands or not, germs still find a way to latch on. The less your device is exposed there, the better.

Try the Ultimate Germ-Killing Device

PhoneSoap 3 UV Sanitizer

Germophobes rejoice! There’s a way to kill 99.9 percent of germs and even charge your phone at the same time. The PhoneSoap 3 utilizes UV-C light to kill bacteria in only 10 minutes. Not only will PhoneSoap clean your phone but it also cleans pretty much anything that fits (credit cards, keys, watch, etc.). It’s one of the more expensive ways to keep your phone relatively germ-free, but some may find it a small price to pay to have peace of mind.

UV Lights That Disinfect Your Phone + Electronics

From the basic PhoneSoap model to the pro version that’s larger and sure to fit all phone sizes to HomeSoap that fits larger devices like tablets and laptops, these UV sanitizers will rid your everyday essentials of germs without the need for wet wipes or microfiber cloths.

PhoneSoap Cellphone Sanitizer

PhoneSoap 3 Pro Sanitizer

HomeSoap Sanitizer

Here’s Why I Use PhoneSoap to Sanitize My Cellphone

You may be wondering how to clean your cell phone without using liquid sanitizers. The answer: UV-C light technology.

Stock Up on Microfiber

How to Clean a Cell Phone

Use a microfiber cloth to wipe your cell phone clean.

Photo by: Ryan Reed

If you don’t want to invest in a UV light, your phone likely came with a microfiber cloth. If not, you can use the one that came with your glasses or order a pack online. The cloth will remove fingerprints, oils and any other smudges from your screen without scratching the delicate surface like a paper towel. Wipe your phone down vigorously until the screen is clear of any residue.

The Best Microfiber Cloths for Electronics

Ultra-Absorbent Microfiber Cloths

MagicFiber Microfiber Cloths

All-Purpose Microfiber Cloths

Disinfect With Alcohol and Water

How to Clean a Cell Phone

Distilled water and isopropyl alcohol will help disinfect your cell phone.

Photo by: Ryan Reed

The microfiber cloth will make your phone shine, but it won’t disinfect your phone should someone sneeze all over it. To do that, you’ll need some additional supplies.

Warning: Apple and other manufacturers warn against using any kind of cleaner that is not a microfiber cloth. Consider the risks before putting any liquids on your device.

You can purchase wipes that will disinfect your phone or you can make your own. In an interview with the New York Times, a technician from Best Buy’s Geek Squad explained his mixture, which includes isopropyl alcohol and distilled water. Simply fill a spray bottle with the mixture then wet a microfiber cloth. Clean your device and use a foam swab instead of a Q-tip for the tight areas.

Consider Your Case

Using a case for your phone is a great way to protect your investment but it may be carrying germs as well. To add an extra layer of bacteria protection, use an antimicrobial cover, which can help eliminate bacteria from hanging around. They come in a variety of colors and fit most phones, so search around and find one that you like.

Photo by Bagus Hernawan on Unsplash

Coronavirus is spreading across the globe and is now declared a ‘pandemic’ by the World Health Organization. While it has become necessary to stop shaking hands and hugs, cleaning stuff that you daily use has also become essential. It’s time to clean your iPhone or any phone you have.

We often use our smartphones after touching things like door handles, using the toilet, and many other things that can leave viruses and bacteria on our hands, they can come on your smartphones too. Germs and bacteria ARE on your phones since we use it a lot. It is wise to clean your phones and other gadgets in order to protect yourself from viruses like COVID-19.

These viruses and bacterial diseases can transfer from air, touch, and physical contact with infected items. Although your phone might or might not have been a surface where coronavirus or any other viruses are present, but prevention is better than cure.

Apple recently updated its guide to clean iPhone and other Apple products allowing the use of Alcohol wipes with 70% Isopropyl Alcohol.

In this guide, you will learn how to clean your iPhone (and other phones/gadgets) safely.

Steps to disinfect your iPhone

1. Unplug your phone, if connected to a charger
2. Turn off your phone or gadget before proceeding
3. Get 70% Isopropyl Alcohol or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes to clean
4. Use a soft cloth and gently wipe your phone’s surface without getting moisture in it.
5. Don’t use compressed air or other cleaning products to clean your iPhone

Make sure that you don’t get any moisture in the openings or submerge your phone in any cleaning agent. Also, Apple says that users must not use bleach to clean iPhone.

Another thing that you must remember is that abstain from cleaning the surface too hard or too long. It’s because the iPhone has an oleophobic coating, which is fingerprint and oil resistant. Using these cleaning products or rubbing too vigorously will remove that coating from the screen.

Your phone is disgusting. Think about everything you touch throughout the day and then how many times you touch your phone. It’s a lot, isn’t it? Here’s how to disinfect your cell phone, as well as your laptop, iPad and anything else you need to sanitize!

Normally, every Tuesday we drop a new Travel Tip. Our series, Travel Tip Tuesday, has been pretty successful. Now that we aren’t traveling, though, we are finding new information to bring our readers. This week we are talking about cleaning a cell phone which is a tip you can use once the travel pick backs up!

How to disinfect your cell phone, laptop, iPad and more

In 2017 the National Institute for Health released a fascinating but disturbing study about cell phones and their cleanliness. The study examined high school student’s phones and found they were disgusting noting the presence E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus.

Later, in a shocking headline Time reported that a cell phone was 10 Times Dirtier than a Toilet Seat. Hold up….what?? Yep! The article notes:

“‘Because people are always carrying their cell phones even in situations where they would normally wash their hands before doing anything, cell phones do tend to get pretty gross,’ says Emily Martin, assistant professor of epidemiology at the University of Michigan School of Public Health”

It’s especially disconcerting when you think about the current coronavirus pandemic wreaking havoc throughout the world. Disinfecting your phone is more important than ever, not to mention cleaning all of your electronics including your laptop and iPad.

How do you clean your cell phone? It’s an electronic device so you can’t just run it under the hot water. Obviously, no, but there is a way to disinfect your electronics, including your phone.

We’ve done the research for you! Here’s exactly how to disinfect your cell phone:

1. Remove the case (if you have one)
2. Wipe the phone down with a microfiber cloth (your phone came with one, but you probably tossed it like I did. You can buy one online though.
3. Using Lysol wipes gently clean the entire surface of the phone including the front, back and sides. Don’t forget the buttons! Be careful you don’t sponge out too much liquid from the wipes.
4. Let the phone air dry (shouldn’t take more than 5 minutes or so)
5. Using a new wipe, thoroughly clean your cell phone case (you can do this while your phone is drying)
6. Once dry, use a microfiber cloth to dry any remaining residue and wipe the phone and case down completely.
7. Put the phone back in the case!

Bonus: wipe down your charger and charger cable too!

Clean your phone at least 2 to 3 times a week, but at a minimum once a week and no one would begrudge you if you did it ever day right now! You can use the exact same process for iPads and tablets.

To clean your laptop check out this guide to disinfecting your laptop here. If you need to disinfect your spouse, well, we lied…we ain’t helping you out there!

Thanks and stay safe!

Be safe out there and thanks, as always, for stopping in. Let’s all hope we can get this crisis behind us and back to traveling again! Oh, and disinfect that cell phone!!

Smartphones, tablets and laptops can be a huge hotspot for germs and viruses. We carry them everywhere, in pockets or bags and use them almost constantly. These electronic devices-our best allies for leisure and work-come into contact with every type of dirt although we’re rarely aware of it; food residue, germs, dust and much more. Now more than ever, it is important to take care of the hygiene of our electronic devices and in this guide we will show you what to do to keep your smartphones, tablets and PCs germ-free.

Why Disinfect your Smartphone?

How to Clean Your Smartphone (or Tablet) Without Damaging It

Very little is needed to clean the external surfaces of your phone. Nonetheless, it’s important to remember never to use rough materials or aggressive products which can scratch and damage the screen display. There are handy ready-to-use sanitising wipes widely available which do the job just fine. They are soft moist cloths that contain different types of disinfectants (we recommend opting for ethanol-based wipes). In case you don’t have access to these sanitising wipes, a soft cloth moistened in a solution of water and ethyl alcohol can be used instead.

When wiping, you should be sure to wipe not only the display but the reverse side of the device also. If you have a protective case on your phone or tablet, you might be surprised at the amount of residue found both on the back of the device and on the cover itself. Better to be safe than sorry and wipe the exterior of the device and the cover thoroughly.

What Not to Do When Cleaning Your Devices

How to Clean Your PC Keyboard

Smartphones and tablets with touch screens are quite straight forward to disinfect. Laptops with their integrated keyboards can be slightly more complicated. How best to proceed? First of all, turn off the computer, disconnect it from any power points and if possible, remove the battery. In the case of PCs with separate keyboards, disconnect the peripheral keyboard from the main computer. Make sure to remove any protective films or stickers you may use also.

Normally a can of compressed air is used to remove any residue or crumbs from in between the keys which cannot be reached with a normal cloth. However this is not always the best solution, as this generally only removes the dirt to re-deposit it on the surface of the keys. It’s better to turn the laptop/keyboard upside down to remove any residue and then pass a soft, slightly damp microfibre cloth across the keys. Magic cleaning gel gum or even a toothbrush can be used to remove any residue that is deeply embedded between keys, but be careful not to use too much force, so as to avoid scratching the surface and causing damage. These cleaning steps (magic cleaning gel and cloth) can also be used to clean your mouse.

How to Clean a Computer Screen

It is important to be delicate here as the screen can be easily damaged if aggressive products or actions are used. To successfully clean your computer screen, just use a microfibre cloth, (or a cloth specially designed to clean glasses) moistened with a little water. Gently pass the cloth over the surface of the screen without scratching it.

Practising good hygiene habits on electronic devices that we use everyday allows us to prevent unnecessary risks to our health. These small precautions can make a big difference in the long run!

How To Sanitize / Disinfect Your Phone : And Staying Safe from CoronaVirus

Through this blog, we want to share important information on how to sanitize and disinfect your phone in wake of COVID-19 (commonly known as CoronaVirus) Pandemic. Thoroughly washing and sanitizing your hands after touching any foreign object outside your house must become your habit, as it is one of the most effective way to keep the virus away and to prevent getting infected. Personal hygiene has become more important than ever and sanitizing your phone should be a part of it.

What and Why!

Do you know that just washing your hands is not even close enough to avoid getting infected! There is one thing which is more dangerous than anything right now, the catalyst in spreading the virus wide and far, faster than any virus ever traveled before in the history of humankind – A Mobile Phone. It constantly stays in your hands and often touches your face and skin, which means any virus, bacteria, germs, etc. have high chances of transferring to your skin. Hence it is important to know how to disinfect your phone, and to sanitize your phone properly.

We sanitize or wash our hands, but we forget to do the same to our mobile phones. Technology is the reason why this virus became a Pandemic in the first place. You might accidentally touch an infected surface, hold the phone in the same hand before washing it, makes your phone a virus carrier. Tests have confirmed that the virus lasts 3-4 days on phone’s surface, and upto 9 days on some surfaces. Making it ever important to disinfect your phone single everyday.

How to Disinfect your phone?

Most of you may not know, but our phones (and cases on it) already collect a lot of germs, bacteria, allergens and fine dust on them, which can make the user sick or may cause allergy. Add a dose of COVID-19 or any virus and we have a perfect recipe for disaster.

We suggest following ways to sanitize and disinfect your phone keep all viruses, bacteria and germs away from your phone:

1. Use a UV Light Sanitizer like PhoneSoap, which is the most effective way to kill 99.99% germs and viruses. (but its expensive)
2. Use Disinfectant Wipes like Clorox sheets to wipe the phone and the case clean.
3. Use any Alcohol Sanitizer. Take 1-2 small drops on cotton or microfiber cloth and wipe the phone 360°. (cheapest way to do it)
4. Use headphones or earphones to keep the phones away from your face as much as possible.
5. Use a case that covers your phone 360°. It is easier to clean or wash a case with an antibacterial soap.

* Do Not use pure alcohol as it can damage the screen over time and can also affect the protective oleophobic and hydrophobic coatings.
**It is important to power off your phone before using any of the method (to disinfect your phone) mentioned above.

After disinfecting your phone, don’t forget to Wash Your Hands for 20 seconds with an antibacterial soap.

At LUNATIK, we care about you as much as your phone. Avoid Crowded Areas, Public Transport, Gyms, Malls, etc. for atleast a few weeks. Don’t go out unless it is very important, until the CoronaVirus is contained and your Government declares so. Stay Safe.

Think about how often you check your phone. Every hour? Every few minutes? We all touch our smartphones nonstop. And as we cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important to think about what might be lurking on your device.

In studies, everything from e.coli to Staphylococcus aureus ― also known as MRSA ― has been lifted from the surface of smartphones. Research from the United Kingdom suggests 1 in 6 phones have feces on it, since plenty of people browse apps in the bathroom, and set their phones down while in there, as well. In other words, your beloved device is a hotbed for germs.

It stands to reason, then, that the surface of your phone could host the coronavirus if you come in contact with it, said Jagdish Khubchandani, a professor of health science at Ball State University.

“We spend at least two hours daily touching the phone,” he said. Some statistics suggest it might even be more. “It clearly becomes a vehicle of transmission, especially when people share phones.”

Dr. Neha Vyas, a family medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic, agreed.

“The frequency with which you should wash your phone is probably akin to how frequently you use it,” she explained. “If you are taking it in a place that is germ-y, it is likely you want to wash it.”

If you’ve heard about UV light devices that eliminate germs from the phone, these can possibly work to kill microbes ― but only with ideal conditions.

Do certain types of UV lights work to kill germs? Yes. Could these devices work in theory? Yes. But do they actually? That’s the question, according to Khubchandani. If online reviews are an indicator, the answer is maybe not.

“The challenge is, are these products tested for efficacy?” Khubchandani said.

In general, the lights are probably not the best standalone practice to prevent virus spread. They are not as convenient, not as cheap and not as widely available as other disinfectants. “Wipes seem to be the best right now for cost, portability and proven efficiency,” Khubchandani said.

First, to keep yourself safe, wash your hands frequently ― then think about your phone. Current research on COVID-19 shows it’s most likely to be spread person-to-person through droplets, mucus or saliva.

After that, the virus is more likely to spread via hard surfaces like your phone or a door knob than soft surfaces like carpet.

“Soap and water are still the best,” Khubchandani said. “Hand washing should be done regularly for everyone. For the phone, you can’t really use [soap and water], but something like a Clorox wipe would work. Look for a wipe with at least 70% alcohol.”

Vyas suggested a wipe that doesn’t have bleach in it, so it doesn’t ruin your phone surface. Ethanol wipes can typically disinfect a surface with the coronavirus. Whatever cleaner you use, just make sure it has time to sit and work its magic before you wipe it off.

“You can lightly wipe the surface of the phone, and then make sure you dry it with a microfiber cloth,” in order to get rid of germs completely, she said. Just make sure the cloth is only used once, then wash it before you use it again.

But of course, a lot of cleaning products like disinfectant wipes are selling out at the moment. If you encounter this issue, Khubchandani suggested filling a spray bottle with simple rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, which you could then wipe away with a single-use cloth. (It’s not the preferred method of disinfecting a surface, but fine in a pinch.)

“Those are the two cheapest if you don’t find the wipes,” he said. “Just keep it in the restroom. Wipe your phone with it after you touch it.”

And make sure you’re sanitizing regularly: “Practice cleaning the phone,” Khubchandani said. “Make it a four-or-five-times-a-day ritual. And clean your personal spaces with disinfectants. Clean your desk, your computer, your phone. Everyone’s scared, but they need to pay attention to their own practices [to prevent spread]. Sometimes, we miss the most obvious things ― like cleaning our own desk, washing hands ― when we’re overly anxious.”

So, to recap: Use wipes on your phone, and follow up with a microfiber cloth if you really want the best results. And most importantly, continue to wash your hands when you interact with others and touch surfaces like your phone. Disinfect your personal spaces and office space, too. Practicing good hygiene is one of the best defenses against most illnesses like coronavirus.

Studies have found that coronavirus can survive on some surfaces for up to 48 hours, and that may include your beloved phone. This is the device you carry everywhere and touch every 5-10 minutes. This means that any virus or germ that makes its way onto your phone could easily transfer to your skin. So, how can you prevent transmission of germs from phone to body? How can you disinfect your phone? Just follow these simple steps:

Steps To Disinfect Your Phone

Power Down First

Before doing any cleaning, switch off your phone and unplug from any charger.

Prepare The Solution

In a spray bottle, mix a one-to-one ratio of distilled water and 70% isopropyl alcohol. Don’t use hard water as it has microscopic minerals that can scratch your phone’s screen.

Gently Wipe Your Phone

Spray this mixture on a lint-free microfiber cloth and gently clean your phone with it. Don’t spray it directly on the screen as it can damage your phone.

Cleaning Speakers & Ports

If small areas like the space around the camera lens, attachment ports, or buttons show signs of gunk build-up, gently clean them with a q-tip or a brush. Never clean ports, speakers with a cloth as it can damage them.

Let It Dry

Wipe off phone again with a dry cloth and leave it to dry. You can also keep it under sunlight for a few minutes.

How To Disinfect iPhones

If you are an iPhone user and don’t want to damage your expensive phone, there is a safe way for you to clean your phone. Earlier this week, software company Apple put on its website that you can safely clean your iPhone with wipes that have 70% isopropyl alcohol, like Clorox Wipes. If you don’t have disinfecting wipes at home, buy Clorox Disinfecting Wipes Can Orange Scent, 35 Units here for Rs 3,934.

Cleaning a Cell Phone Case

You can simply clean your smartphone case by taking your smartphone out of it and washing the case in warm soapy water. Since cases are relatively cheap and replaceable, you can also use rubbing alcohol to sanitize it.

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Things To Keep In Mind Before Cleaning Your Phone

• Not all phones are water-resistant and many have an oil-repellent (oleophobic) coating on screens that can get damaged if we use harsh chemicals and scrubbing.
• Using alcohol wipes can also damage your phone’s screen.
• Do not dip your phone in the water even if it is a waterproof phone.
• Before following above-mentioned points, you should know exactly how water resistant your phone is so that you are mindful while using the alcohol and water mixture.

Tips To Keep Your Phone Germ-Free

• Wash your hands more often and avoid using phones in bathroom.
• Consider investing in ultraviolet light sanitizer as it is the easiest way to clean your phone.
• Clean your phone regularly.
• If you are a gym freak, avoid taking your phone to the gym and placing them on workout equipment that might not have been sanitized.

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By now, most people should know that the best known steps for avoiding the contraction or spread of the coronavirus. The need for near-constant hand-washing, avoiding touching your face, lessening physical contact, touching surfaces in public and sneezing into a tissue have been drummed into us all over the last few weeks.

However, we’re also told to frequently disinfect regularly-touched objects and surfaces. So, what about the tech we spend all day mauling? How do we keep our phones and laptops free of those potentially nasty germs without risking damage to the expensive items?

In the case of Apple, the company has just updated a support page with details on how to disinfect an iPhone, seemingly after some probing from Gizmodo and other sites.

The company says that as long as you’re gently wiping a non-porous part of your gadget with certain types of alcohol wipe, you shouldn’t do any damage.

“Using a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, you may gently wipe the hard, nonporous surfaces of your Apple product, such as the display, keyboard, or other exterior surfaces. Don’t use bleach,” a post on the support page reads.

“Avoid getting moisture in any opening, and don’t submerge your Apple product in any cleaning agents. Don’t use on fabric or leather surfaces.”

Apple had previously advised that cleaning products might diminish a fingerprint resistant coating on the iPhone screen, but the updated text seems to reflect that some things might be a little more important than protecting the iPhone’s ability to withstand fingerprints.

“Your iPhone has a fingerprint-resistant oleophobic—oil repellent—coating. Cleaning products and abrasive materials will diminish the coating and might scratch your iPhone,” Apple says.

We’d probably be more comfortable using the 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipes than the harsher branded wipes you’d use for cleaning the bathroom perhaps. Remember, any action you take is at your own discretion and we’re definitely not offering any advice here, just passing on the message from Apple.

Unlike other sites, we thoroughly review everything we recommend, using industry standard tests to evaluate products. We’ll always tell you what we find. We may get a commission if you buy via our price links. Tell us what you think – email the Editor

After the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, we’re all a little more cautious about the things we touch. One of the most touched items you own is probably your phone! Here is some great advice about how to naturally disinfect your car!

The way viruses, sickness, and flu often spread is through touching surfaces. Therefore, cleaning your phone has become very important, especially if you allow someone besides yourself to handle your device.

Natural Disinfectant Practices for Phones & Touchscreens

You don’t want to use a dripping antibacterial wipe on your devices. Not only is it harmful on your devices to have so much moisture put on them, but it also not recommended to use harmful chemicals or solvents.

You’ll want something much more natural to use. Additionally, you should use a microfiber rag that is damp. However, don’t overuse it to where it’s wet. The goal is to wipe the germs away, not continue spreading them around.

You can make your own disinfectant spray using apple cider vinegar! This is a great natural way to make a disinfectant without using chemicals that are harmful to you and your devices.

Another option is to use isopropyl alcohol wipes that contain at least 60% alcohol. Not only will the alcohol disinfect but the moisture quickly evaporates!

Here are some helpful instructions for disinfecting your phones, tablets, and other devices.

How to Naturally Disinfect a Phone or Touchscreen

First, make sure that your phone or device is unplugged before attempting to clean it.

Never spray your device directly. You do not want to get moisture into the openings of your phone as it could damage the internal components.

Use a dry microfiber cloth to remove surface debris and fingerprints. You do not want to leave scratches or use a paper towel or rough cloth that is too abrasive.

AmazonBasics Blue and Yellow Microfiber Cleaning Cloth. View on Amazon

Make sure to wipe down not only the screen but also the sides where your hand holds the phone or device. Also, don’t forget your volume and power buttons. If you use a phone case, it’s a good idea to remove it and clean it in addition to your phone.

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In today’s day, we touch or use phones more than anything. Mainly during this COVID-19 lockdown, we use it to stay in touch with our family members, friends, or even to keep in touch with your co-workers for the office work. Most of us have our phones in our hands from the time we wake up and sleep with the phone in our hands. But how often do you clean? Or when was the last time you cleaned it?(1)

Most of us are indeed following the protocols of maintaining physical distance, sanitizing hands, wearing masks, not touching the face, and not going out. We are disinfecting our homes and taking every possible measure that we can so that we do not get infected or spread the infection. But, many sources since the beginning have stated that glass or fiber or metal can carry the coronavirus. Our phone the one which we use every day and the most used item is made up of these materials. So, why are we not cleaning it? The virus can stay on the phone from anywhere between a few hours and up to nine days.

Not only viruses, but the phone can carry a variety of other germs, which may be harmful. Hence, cleaning it from time to time can protect us from coronavirus and other infections as well. Because getting sick in this situation of lockdown or isolation can be a little hard to deal with.

Image:Shutterstock

How to Disinfect the Phone?

Cleaning or disinfecting the phone is not the same as sanitizing hands or disinfecting home. Besides, different gadgets are made up of different materials, and sometimes the same method may not be useful in cleaning different types of devices. So, we have to use various cleaning approaches based on the materials.

Apple stated that we could use 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipes or Cholrox wipes to clean their wide-range of phones. Do not use bleach or submerge them in cleaning or other detergents, which can ultimately damage the phone. Avoid getting moisture or liquid in any of the openings as it can damage the phone.

Samsung is offering phone cleaning services in some countries, but it may be challenging to go out during the lockdown. So, cleaning it by yourself is the only option. It was also suggested that UV-C light could also disinfect your phones, but it does not guarantee if it can kill the coronavirus on it. Even if it did, accessing UV-C light machines can be challenging. So, using similar methods to those of Apple products can be helpful.

Do not use pure alcohol or other alcoholic solutions that you use to sanitize or disinfect homes because it can strip off the coatings on your phone screen. Without these screen protections, your phone can be easily damaged with oil or water drops. Below listed are some tips by Apple, which are pretty basic. So, to start off, you can follow these tips to clean or disinfect your phones.

• Do not use towels, paper towels, abrasive cloths, which may otherwise damage the phone.
• Use soft and lint-free cloths.
• Excessive or high-pressure wiping can cause severe damage to the phone.
• Make sure that the devices are unplugged from all the external sources and turned-off.
• Make sure not to spray the cleaners directly onto the phone, as it may quickly get into the openings.
• Do not use aerosol sprays, detergents, or other home cleaning solutions.
• You can also use q-tips to clean the surfaces or pores.

If you are planning to use rubbing alcohol, you can dilute it in the water and use it to clean the phone. You can also prepare a disinfectant solution by mixing 50% white vinegar with 50% water.

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When cleaning a phone, make sure that you wear disposable gloves. Also, wash your hands thoroughly once done if you are at home or out for shopping groceries, text, or share it via message instead of passing the phone to others.

In general, using cleaning solutions directly on the screen may damage the phone. So, before using these tips, you may check the type of material of your phone and if using this solution does any damage to it. Also, you can go to the manufacturer’s website and see if they have any cleaning tips that you can use.

You may use similar methods to clean phone cases. Make sure that you remove the cover and then disinfect or clean it. Also, do not forget to clean the backside of the phone.

Bottom line

As we all know, phones carry more germs than we all could ever imagine. And we often use our phones while eating or watching TV or even while working. Sometimes when eating snacks, we may use our phone and then even without cleaning it. So, it is essential to keep your phone clean and disinfect it from time to time.

Data collected during SARS-coronavirus outbreak, which is related to the current COVID-19, stated that the virus can live on a glass slide, similar to phone screens, for 96 hours.

There are plenty of instructions on how to ensure you wash your hands for the requisite period of time, the right hand sanitiser to use, and how to avoid contact with surfaces where coronavirus can linger. However, it’s highly likely that the first thing people are doing is picking up their phone, and it is common knowledge that phones are gross. So should you be worried about contracting the virus through your phone?

Data collected during SARS-coronavirus outbreak, which is related to the current COVID-19, stated that the virus can live on a glass slide, similar to phone screens, for 96 hours. But given that phones are, at this point, an extension of our hand, it doesn’t need to be obsessively cleaned, say experts. “We don’t need to be obsessively washing our phones right now. If people are coming into contact with coronavirus patients, then, yes. Wash your phone all the time. Not because there is evidence that it will transmit via a phone but because there is no evidence that it won’t,” Emma Hayhurst, a microbiologist at the University of South Wales, told the Wall Street Journal.

Dr Sankar Swaminathan, Infectious Diseases Division chief at the University of Utah School of Medicine, told Wirecutter, “Unless you hand your phone to someone else, that’s probably the least likely thing to get contaminated by someone else.”

However, if you do want to clean and disinfect your phone, this is how you should go about it:

> Make sure your phone is unplugged, and the case is removed.

>Wet a microfiber cloth and use mild soap (do not apply soap directly to your screen, mix it in water) to wipe down your phone, and then clean with a clean cloth.

> Whatever cleaner you use, regardless of whether your phone is waterproof – make sure you don’t get it in any of the openings, as that could damage your phone.

> Do not dip or dunk your phone in any cleaner.

> Do not use bleach on your phone.

> Avoid using tissue paper as it can damage phone screen.

> Do not use any kind of spray, as moisture can enter the phone’s openings.

> Phone companies have told users not to use chemicals, and to only clean their phone with a microfiber cloth.

> Apple recently updated their support page to recommend that iPhone users can use a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe to clean their phone (In India, antiseptic clean wipes may meet this criterion). More on how to clean your Apple devices here.

> Google also recommends that Pixel users use ordinary household soap or cleaning wipes to clean their devices.

> Samsung is reported to offer phone cleaning services (with UV-C light) for owners of Galaxy phones, and is expected to expand this service to India soon.

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How to Disinfect Your Phone

Billions of people use mobile phones around the world and according to a study, 68% of phones are contaminated. With COVID-19 being transmitted from touching surfaces, there is a risk of passing the virus to others through mobile phones. Therefore, it is important to know how to disinfect your phone

Statistics show 51% of people use phones a few times per one hour, with 22% checking it every other minute. Most use the device at least every day. Thus, disinfecting your phone can curb the spread of the virus around the world. Here is everything you need to know about cleaning your phone.

Germs and Mobile Devices

Some people may think there is no risk of contamination because they do not share their device, but this is far from the truth. Phones can get contaminated in many ways.

Touching Surfaces

Every time a person touches a surface, they collect germs which are then passed to the phones when using it. The typical worker’s desk is even more contaminated than an office toilet seat. Unfortunately, this is where most people spend many hours. Though many wash their hand, the same cannot be done to the phone, thus there is the need to disinfect.

The other surfaces that can transmit the virus from hand to the phone include light switches, subway poles and ATMs.

Sharing a Phone

Some people can be carriers of the virus and do not show signs. Though people are practicing social distancing, families still meet as they share homes. Sharing a phone can happen and the virus can quickly spread. It is advisable to disinfect your phone before giving out and before getting it back.

Why Should You Disinfect Your Phone?

Getting rid of germs from your phone is essential to avoid the spread of germs. Many medical professionals agree that the phone should be cleaned at least once a day and people should form a habit of disinfecting their mobile devices more so during the current world pandemic.

Different Ways to Disinfect Your Phone

Disinfecting phones is one way to stay safe during this time. There are two effective ways to go about cleaning your phone and that is using recommended sanitizers and wipes. The solutions that contain 70% are suitable to use and are supported by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Alcohol-Based Wipes

Use alcohol-based disinfectant wipes with 70% alcohol, such as Lysol Disinfecting Wipes. The wipes kill 99.9% of flu and cold viruses and other antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as strep, staph and influenza. Wipes can also be used to clean different surfaces, including doorknobs, countertops, handrails, sinks and any surface where the virus can settle.

UV-C Smartphone Sanitizers

Another great sanitizing option for your mobile device are UV-C smartphone sanitizers such as PhoneSoap 3 UV Smartphone sanitizers. The device can be purchased for sanitizing the phone as well as charging it. The good thing is that it can get rid of 99.9% bacteria and germs using germicidal UV bulbs. The device can be used to sanitize anything that fits inside, including phone accessories, such as headphones and chargers.

Alcohol Pads

Lastly, you can use alcohol pads for the doctor. The pads that doctors use to sanitize the skin before injection can be used to disinfect the phones. Ensure the one purchased in alcohol-based.

Generally, when in doubt, one should follow the manufactures instruction, but many agree on using a 70% alcohol solution with a soft microfiber cloth.

Steps to Disinfecting Your Phone

Here are simple steps to follow in disinfecting the phone:

• Turn off your phone and remove the case.
• Use a microfiber cloth to remove crud and smudges to allow the sanitizer to get in contact with the phone.
• Wipe the phone using Lysol disinfecting wipes or any other recommended wipes, ensuring all parts are covered. When using alcohol-based disinfectant, avoid spaying the charging port to prevent damaging the device or causing electric shocks.
• Leave the phone to dry for at least five minutes. To get better results, you can even leave it for 10 minutes to allow the disinfectant to get rid of more germs. However, Lysol disinfecting wipes works in four minutes to eliminate 99.9% germs and bacteria.
• Then, wipe the device using a microfiber cloth. Leftover moisture should be dried up using a clean microfiber cloth. Avoid using the one used in step two unless disinfected first with an alcohol-based sanitizer.
• Clean the phone casing. The case can be washed with clean, warm water and soap as they are made with safe-to-wash materials.

Final Thoughts

Phones present imminent danger in the current world pandemic. Regular disinfections of your phone can keep your safe. Using the right products and following the necessary steps, as highlighted above, will help you get rid of 99.9% germs.

If you would like more information how to stay safe and clean during this time, visit sites such as the CDC, mentioned above, and the World Health Organization.

It is vital to keep your tablet and phone screens clean. It is crucial owing to both aesthetic and hygienic reasons to regularly clean and disinfect your phone screen as well as your tablet screen.

There are many ways to disinfect and clean the filters of your gadgets nowadays. Protect yourself from bacteria and other germs by maintaining the cleanliness of your devices. This article discusses the various ways in which you can keep your phone screen as well as your tablet screen clean and disinfected. Read on to find out more!

How to Clean Phone & Tablet Screen

There are specific ways to keep your phone screens and tablet screens looking brand new and clean. It aids in the functionality of your device because of its touchscreen.

You need to pay heed upon these tips and techniques to let your phone be top-notch when it comes to hygiene. The methods have been stated as follows:

1) Wipe Screen with Microfiber cloth

This method of using microfiber cloth is an effortless way to clean your gadget screens. Do not be intimidated by the term itself. It is very easily accessible. In case you wear eyeglasses, the cloth you get along with your glasses is a microfiber cloth.

Because the spectacle of touchscreens is very fragile and sensitive, using a microfiber cloth is a great idea. This is because microfiber cloth does not cause any scratching while cleaning the glass surface.

If the screen is quite dirty, then you may add a few drops of water and then wipe the glass surface with a microfiber cloth. Just remember to switch off your device before cleaning it!

2) Screen Cleaning Kits

Screen cleaning kits consist of Q-tips or felt-tipped swabs of various widths and sizes. This is great for cleaning the edges, the speaker grills, earpiece as well as the ports of your phone and tablet. Since the swabs are pointed, it is easy to clean these delicate and intricate areas of your phone with ease. However, you must be sure that no fiber is left behind on the parts you’re cleaning using the swabs.

3) UV light

One of the best ways to disinfect your phone or tablet screen is by using UV light! The best thing about using UV light to clean your phone or tablet is the fact that it won’t destroy the oleo-phobic coating of your device!

UV light kills bacteria residing on your phone or tablet screen in a short time. It only takes a few minutes to work! You can disinfect your phone by placing it inside a UV light bath. It looks like a small, tanning bed. UV light is present on the base and lid of the bath. In case you use a cover or case for your tablet or phone, it is advisable to disinfect them in the bath separately.

4) Use Protective Case that has Antimicrobial properties

When it comes to having clean Phone and Tablet, you should opt for those protective cases that comprise the antimicrobial properties in them. Such cases can reduce microbes by up to 99.99%, plus it will also be quite effective in insulating your phone from the drop damages.

5) Choose Liquid Screen Protector & Cleaner

By opting for a liquid screen protector and cleaner, you will clean and safeguard your table or phone through a Nano-coating solution. It is quite useful in repelling liquids as well as fingerprints. Such screen protectors are also scratch-resistant, plus they are antimicrobial.

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What we Should not Use while cleaning and disinfecting Phone & Tablet Screen

There are certain products you should steer clear of when it comes to cleaning your phone. These include Clorox wipes and Lysol wipes. Other products contain alcohol, bleach, and vinegar, along with powerful disinfectants.

These products are beautiful for using to clean the sides of your gadget as well as the back. However, the moment these products touch your screen, it is very harmful. It destroys the oleophobic coating of your gadgets.

Bottom Line!

Keeping your devices clean and free of germs is very important. Read this article and remember to clean your tools regularly! We hope the aforementioned tips and techniques will help you with cleaning and disinfecting your phone and tablet screen. Did we miss any of the key ways that you use for maintaining the hygiene of your phone or tablet?

About Author

I’m Pramod Kumar Yaduvanshi, creator and editor in chief of PCMobitech. I mostly write about Computer, Smartphone, VPN, Security related articles and tips & tricks etc. Follow me on: Twitter.

In recent weeks, the Coronavirus Pandemic has brought a lot of attention to the importance of cleanliness and the prevention of spreading germs. From wearing masks in public to sanitizing our groceries, we are doing more and more to eliminate our chances of potentially spreading or contracting this disease. You may be surprised to learn that one of the biggest germ distributors is, actually, our phones. Did you know that studies show that your phone is approximately seven times dirtier than a toilet on any given day?

When you think about it, it does make sense. We are constantly checking it and taking it everywhere we go. The germs on every surface we touch are ultimately shared on our devices when we check the time, a notification, or make a phone call.

During this pandemic, the CDC suggests that we disinfect our daily used items, such as our phones and electronics, regularly. Corvus Janitorial Systems would like to share some of our tips to safely disinfect your high-touch, everyday devices.

Follow Manufacturer’s Guidelines

First and foremost, make sure that you are following your specific devices’ manufacturer’s recommendation. For example, Apple specifically says for its users to not use any type of cleaning products on its devices’ surfaces.

Utilize a Wipeable Cover

If the specific phone or electronic that you have does not allow any types of soaps or cleaners to be used, the next best option is to get a cover that does.

If you cannot afford a phone cover that will allow you to disinfect your phone properly, we’d suggest placing your device in a sandwich bag if you are going out of the house. Let’s say you are going to the grocery store. Before leaving your home, you can put your phone in a resealable sandwich bag. While you are at the store, you can still use your phone, but the germs from your hands will not be transferred to it. Then, when you arrive back home, wash your hands thoroughly, then retrieve the phone from the bag. It’ll be like you never left!

Wipes and Sprays

If your device’s manufacturer’s guideline allows you to utilize disinfectant or a cleaner (or if you have a wipeable cover), then the CDC suggests that the safest way to keep your phone and electronics disinfected is to use wipes or sprays that have a minimum of 70% alcohol.

Fears of spreading COVID-19 have led to a shortage of disinfectant wipes. If you can’t get your hand on any of those, here are some other suggestions:

● Use a damp paper towel with gentle soap
● Try a damp paper towel with rubbing alcohol and water
● Dampen a paper towel with any disinfectant spray cleaner

Use the paper towel or wipe to disinfect all surfaces of your device or phone. Make sure you are careful not to get any on the open surfaces (headphone jack, etc.). Once you have finished, dry devices thoroughly.

In Conclusion…

The thought of potentially spreading or contracting COVID-19 can be really scary. These are unprecedented times that have us taking unprecedented measures. Keeping your phone and devices clean can truly make a huge impact on the spreading of germs. Ultimately, this will bring us one step closer to flattening the curve and getting us through this difficult time. While this isn’t a comprehensive list of all the ways to disinfect your phone and electronics, we hope we’ve provided you with a great starting point for keeping germs at bay.

This piece is meant simply to inform, not to provide any legal or medical advice.

It is important for users to clean their smartphone to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Here’s how to disinfect your phone or tablet.

Coronavirus infections in India continue to jump, prompting health authorities to begin considering special measures in case of a COVID-19 outbreak. Amid growing concern over the coronavirus outbreak, we are constantly told to wash our hands, keep a sanitiser with you every time you step out of home and cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. But no one tells us that our smartphones can spread Covid-19.

According to an analysis from the Journal of Hospital Infection, coronavirus can live on surfaces like glass, metal or plastic for up to nine days. Meanwhile, The University of Arizona found back in 2012 that mobile phones carry 10 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. That means keeping your smartphone clean is one thing you cannot ignore

But cleaning your smartphone or a tablet can be tricky. Considering how delicate the screen on the phone is, you need to be extra careful while cleaning your device. Don’t worry — there is a right way to disinfect your phone or tablet.

Here’s how you can clean your smartphone or tablet without damaging the screen or internals.

How to disinfect a phone or a tablet

Here’s the process you need to follow, recommended by Apple and Samsung

Apple

Apple has updated its support page for how to clean its devices like the iPhone or iPad. The company now says it’s ok to disinfectant wipes to clean your iPhone and other Apple devices. Previously, Apple advised users not to use cleaning products because they sometimes damage the special coating or screens that prevent fingerprints.

How to clean your iPhone or iPad

*Make sure you unplug your iPhone or iPad before cleaning them.

*In case you are using a disinfecting wipe, gently wipe down the hard surfaces with the cloth.

*If you don’t have a disinfecting wipe, you can wipe the screen and surfaces with a soft, slightly damp, lint-free microfiber cloth.

*Don’t use aerosol sprays, bleaches, or abrasives that might scratch the screen.

*Don’t spray cleaners directly on the phone.

How to clean your Android smartphone or tablet

Different manufacturers have different instructions for disinfecting your smartphone without damaging it, so it is advisable to check your manufacturer’s website.

How to clean your Samsung smartphone

*Unplug your Galaxy smartphone before cleaning it.

*Gently wipe the glass smoothly with a clean and soft cloth. This will remove all fingerprints or dusts from your mobile or tablet screen

*If required dampen the corner of a cloth with a small amount of clean water and gently wipe your phone with the cloth going up and down the screen.

*You can use the dry corner of cloth to remove any excessive moisture left on the smartphone.

*Avoid using Windex or any cleaning solutions with strong chemicals.(The Indian Express)

Your couch is probably that one place you sit most during your whole day.

Who doesn’t love to enjoy a movie with some popcorn and lying on the couch? Well, I definitely do.

However. It is important to keep your couch clean and disinfected all the time.

Especially during the cold season, your couch needs thorough cleaning after someone having a cold visit to your house.

As couches are made of different materials, it is important to know the proper way to clean and disinfect them.

I will show you a few ways and also will add a few tips related to disinfecting a couch.

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1. Vacuum your couch before disinfecting it

It is important to vacuum your couch thoroughly before you go straight into disinfecting it.

You will need to get rid of the dirt and crumb, sticking on the couch.

Focus more on the corners of the couch. It is quite hard to clean those corners. If you can get rid of the dirt and dust, the process will be easier.

2. Look at the tags of your couch before jumping into any of the methods

As different couches are made of different materials, it is important to look at the tags.

The tags will show symbols whether you can clean your couch with water, or steam or use harsh chemicals.

W – If there is a W written on the tag of your sofa, it means you can use water to clean and disinfect your couch.

WS – If there is a WS written on the tag, it’s good news for you. You can use both water and solvent-based cleaners to clean your couch.

S – You should be careful if there is an S in the tag. It means you cannot, in any way, use water to clean your couch.

X – It means you will not be able to use anything but vacuum your couch.

Once you understand the labels written on the tags of your couch, the disinfecting process will become a lot easier.

3. Choose a reliable disinfectant

When it comes to using a disinfectant, it is important to choose a good one. Always read the ingredients first before using any product.

If the disinfectant you chose has bleach in it, ignore using it. Bleach can cause huge damage to your couch and discolor it.

Do not use any product that has bleach in it.

You can use products like Lysol disinfectant spray. These sprays work effectively to kill 99.99% of the germ and bacteria hiding in your couch.

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4. Make sure to use a fabric-safe disinfectant

If your couch is made of regular fabric, you can use a normal disinfectant to clean it. Before spraying the disinfectant on your couch, see if it is fabric safe or not.

You can also use such products to disinfect your bed.

5. Apply the disinfectant on a small portion to test

You can try out the product in a small portion of the couch just to see if it causes any damage.

Sometimes, due to the sensitivity of the material of the couch, many good products can cause damage.

That is why I will always suggest you test on a small part first. Choose a spot that is not visible from the outside.

For example, choose a spot from the backside of the couch.

6. Use vinegar to disinfect leather couches

If your couch is made of leather, you can use vinegar to disinfect it. Leather is sensitive material, and you cannot take the risk of using any harsh chemical in it.

That is why a lot of individuals use vinegar to disinfect leather couches. Make a mixture of one part vinegar and one part water.

Then, take a clean piece of fabric and soak it in the mixture.

Wring the cloth well to prevent dripping. Give a few wipes to your entire couch and dry the couch by using an absorbent towel.

That us how you disinfect a leather couch without harming it with harsh chemicals.

7. Add a few drops of lemon juice with the disinfectant

You probably know already that lemon works as a disinfectant. Lemon is a natural disinfectant that can work effectively when added to other disinfectants.

If you are using a commercial disinfectant to clean your couch, you can add a few drops in the spray bottle. Or you can add in your homemade disinfectant as well.

8. Purchase an upholstery steam cleaner

If your couch is suitable for steaming, you can purchase an upholstery steam cleaner.

Before going into the process, see the manufacturer’s instruction. If it says that steaming is okay, go for it.

Also, follow the previous method of steaming in a particular spot to prevent damage just in case.

The manufacturer’s guide should include the process of steaming your couch.

Also, open your windows and doors before starting the process. After you are done steaming, let the couch air dry.

Take a table fan and place it in front of your couch. It will let the couch dry out completely.

9. Disinfect the slipcovers out in the sun

The UV rays work great at killing any type of germ or bacteria. If you use slipcovers, it is important to disinfect them as well.

If your slipcover allows cold water wash, then you can clean the slipcover and then let it dry in the sun.

Hang the slipcovers out in the sun for around 3-4 hours.

Sun will effectively kill the bacteria and germ stuck in the slipcovers. You can do it once every month to keep your couch neat and clean.

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These are the few ways that will help you to clean and disinfect your couch.

You should always remember to read the instruction before jumping into the disinfecting process.

You can cause huge damage to the material of your couch if you don’t know which product or method to use.

Let me know if you have any other queries related to disinfecting your couch. I will be happy to help you.