Our phones are a huge part of our daily lives – we take them with us everywhere. But very few of us bother to clean our phones regularly. According to a 2017 study, our smartphones are home to a large range of viruses and bacteria. These include E. coli, Staphylococcus Aureus, and Streptococcus.
Of course, with the global Covid-19 pandemic, Coronavirus is also a huge concern. But don’t worry – washing your hands regularly with soap and water is the best way to fight Coronavirus. Unfortunately, when it comes to mobile phones we can’t exactly scrub them in the sink.
Good hygiene is vital, as well as disinfecting items that we regularly touch. So, how do we clean our mobile phones effectively? Get Phone Repairs has put together this comprehensive guide to help you keep your mobile phone clean.
What should I use to clean mobile phones?
There are a variety of different cleaning supplies we can use to clean mobile phones – alcohol solutions, wipes, etc. But the best way to clean your mobile phone is with good old-fashioned soap and water.
The best advice is to use a damp, lint-free or microfibre cloth – the kind you get to clean a pair of glasses. Simply add some soap and use it to give your phone and its case a good wipe down. We recommend lathering it a little, like you would when washing your hands. Then wipe away the bubbles with another damp, soap-free cloth.
Of course, mobile phones are electronic devices so try not to use too much water. Use just enough to allow you to wipe the soap across your device and then wipe it off again. You wouldn’t want to end up with a big phone repair bill.
Avoid antibacterial wipes and gels
If you’re in a pinch, you can use antibacterial wipes or gels to clean your phone. But be careful. Most modern phone screens use an oleophobic layer to deter smudgey fingerprints. Using alcohol-based cleaning solutions can actually damage this layer, so we advise you not to use these where possible.
Simply put, soap and water is the most effective phone cleaning solution. And it doesn’t risk damaging your screen, either.
Do you use a screen protector on your phone? Some high-end screen protectors also have their own oleophobic layer, so the same advice applies there, too. However, if you picked up a cheap pack of 3 from ebay, you should be fine. After all, it’s likely little more than a thin layer of plastic attached to the front of your phone. We still recommend using soap and water where you can. Using antibacterial wipes and gel could still affect the screen underneath if your screen protector has been fitted incorrectly.
Which cleaning products should I avoid?
Most smartphone manufacturers recommend avoiding any cleaning products which contain bleach – such as all-purpose disinfectant sprays. You also shouldn’t use any rough cloths – these can scratch or damage your phone screen. This could then result in needing a professional phone repair.
Even if it doesn’t cause a visible scratch, you could end up with micro-abrasions over time. This would effectively dull your mobile phone screen.
Both Apple and Samsung advise against using harsh chemical cleaners to clean your mobile phone. They claim that heavy-duty commercial cleaning supplies can damage their screens and even scratch the glass fronts.
How to clean and disinfect your phone
- Remove your phone from its case and turn it off.
- Polish with a microfibre cloth. You should gently wipe all the surfaces of your phone with your microfibre cloth. This includes the phone screen, back and any sockets. This won’t kill any germs but it will loosen dirt, grime and germs from the surface of your phone.
- Apply a damp cloth with a small amount of soap. Alternatively, use an anti-bacterial wipe. Make sure the cloth or wipe isn’t too wet before using it. If using soap and water, use a damp, non-soapy cloth to clean off any soapy residue. Avoid openings such as charging port or speaker grille.
- Allow the phone to air dry for 5 minutes. This allows the phone to dry by itself without excessive rubbing. This should allow most of the moisture to evaporate.
- Dry of any excess water with a clean microfibre cloth. You should try to use a separate cloth altogether or keep one side dry for this purpose. You could also use a kitchen towel to lightly dab any excess moisture.
- Clean your phone case. Essentially, you should follow the same steps, but this time cleaning your phone case. Following the steps separately will ensure that both phone and case have been cleaned and disinfected completely.
- Once you’re done, pop your phone back in its case.
How often should I clean my mobile phone?
Ideally, you should wipe down your phone on a daily basis. Then, give it a thorough clean at least once a week. This should help avoid the build up of dirt and grime and keep any germs or bacteria at bay.
Of course, with the current Coronavirus pandemic, wealso recommend cleaning your phone every time you go outdoors. Take extra care to clean your phone if you have recently used it near other people.
How do I keep my phone clean?
Even if you clean your phone regularly, it can still be exposed to germs and dirt. Regular use of your phone can naturally cause dirt and grime to build up on your handset once again.
Here are our top tips to reduce dirt and germs:
- Wash your hands often. It may seem like obvious advice but keeping your hands clean is essential to keeping a clean phone. Wash your hands regularly throughout the day to stop germs and bacteria building up on them. This will stop you transferring them to the surface of your mobile phone.
- Avoid using your phone on public transport. If you can, try to avoid getting your phone out on the bus or train. Any germs or bacteria on handrails, seats or other surfaces are easily transferred to your hands. These then end up on your mobile phone.
- Don’t use your phone in the bathroom. It may be tempting to check your emails while you’re on the bog, but it’s not exactly hygienic. A 2011 study by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine showed that 1 in every 6 mobile phones show traces of fecal matter. Don’t be one of them.
By following our guide on how to clean your mobile phone, this should ensure your smartphone remains sparkling clean. If you want to discuss phone-specific cleaning products, our phone repair companies can help.
