If you’re like most people, your phone has likely been clogged with germs and dirt. The good news is there are easy ways to keep your smartphone clean so it doesn’t harbor all sorts of infections.
The key is to be gentle and avoid harsh chemicals. Using window cleaners, household cleaners, compressed air, aerosol sprays, solvents, ammonia, or abrasives to clean your phone could damage its screen and internal components.
1. Microfiber cloth
Microfiber cloths are an easy, effective way to keep your phone clean. They absorb dirt and lint better than paper towels or tissue paper and are safe for most touch screens.
They’re also easier to wash than other cleaning cloths. Just rinse them after every use, wash them in warm or hot water with a mild detergent, then tumble dry on low heat.
Most microfiber cloths are made from a mix of polyester and polyamide, which are woven into fibers up to 20 times smaller than regular cotton. This creates a very porous material that allows liquids and dirt to get in and out quickly while absorbing more of them than ordinary cloths.
2. Alcohol wipes
Alcohol wipes soaked in 70% isopropyl alcohol are an excellent choice for sanitizing and cleaning surfaces, including phones. They are also effective for removing fingerprints and residue build-up on glass, which can cause streaks.
They are also a popular disinfecting product in many commercial settings because they can kill bacteria and viruses resistant to conventional antiseptics. They are especially effective for hard-to-clean surfaces like door handles, touchpads, and equipment in crowded public spaces.
However, using a damp microfiber cloth to clean your phone or an alcohol-based wipe can diminish the coatings on your phone’s screen and scratch it. So, it’s best to stick with a screen protector, a thin glaze that keeps the screen more fingerprint-resistant and prevents the coating from wearing away over time.
3. Disinfectant wipes
Using disinfectant wipes to clean your phone can be effective, mainly if you use them frequently. But you should be aware of the risks involved with these products, as they can strip away a special coating on your screen’s surface.
According to a 2012 study, your smartphone is covered with ten times the amount of bacteria found on the average toilet seat. It’s a hotspot for germs, so it must be cleaned regularly.
Luckily, new cleaning products that are specifically designed for electronic devices are easy to use and safe for your screen. Apple recently updated its support page to say Clorox Disinfectant Wipes and 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes are acceptable for use on iPhones’ hard, nonporous surfaces.
4. Distilled water
Using distilled water can be a great way to clean your phone. This process uses the water’s natural boiling process to remove minerals, salts, and other organic materials that can clog devices.
This procedure also kills bacteria and germs that can cause a variety of illnesses. It’s especially helpful for those with immune system issues, like cancer patients and organ transplant patients.
You can buy bottled distilled water at most grocery stores, or make it at home with a simple process. The process involves boiling water, collecting the steam, and then condensing it back into liquid form.
5. Dry cloth
A dry cloth is one of the best ways to wipe down your phone. It’s convenient and it works just as well as a regular wipe.
If you don’t have a microfiber cloth, it’s also easy to disinfect your phone with a diluted solution of water and rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol at about 60-70 percent) in a spray bottle. Just spray it lightly and then wipe down your screen.
You can also use a dry cloth to wipe down your phone case and chargers. However, it’s important to avoid using abrasive cleaners on your phone and case because they can cause scratching to the glass or other surfaces.
