What’s the one thing that never leaves your side? It goes into the bathroom with you as well as your kitchen. It often touches your face, your desk, and, well, just about any other surface within arm’s reach. Imagine the breeding ground this thing must be for germs; a cesspool of bacteria. We are talking about your phone, of course.
In this age of global travel and trade, it is more important than ever to cut down on possible infection routes and stop bacteria and viruses from spreading from person to person. Part of that means making sure your phone isn’t transmitting anything more than data. And if COVID has taught us anything, it’s making sure that you keep everything clean around you.
So, what’s the best way to clean your phone?
Cleaning Based On The PhoneÂ
Apple advises against using liquids or disinfectants on its devices. Instead, the iPhone maker offers a detailed list of how to clean your phone, depending on your model.
Motorola suggests using a microfiber cloth — the kind you might clean your glasses with — with a bit of water.
Google’s Pixel phone, the company has given the OK to use household soap if necessary. There are other ways you can safely clean your device, depending on the type of phone you have. You may need the following materials:
- Microfiber cloth
- Isopropyl rubbing alcohol
- Water
- Cotton swabs
- Cleaning gloves
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How To Clean The PhoneÂ
First, fully power down your handset and remove any accessories, like charging cables or headphones. If you use a case, take that off, too, so you’ll have full access to all sides of your phone.
Next, you’ll need a soft, lint-free cloth. Anything that won’t scratch or damage your phone. Dampen the fabric with a bit of water and wipe down the front and the back of your handset, using steady, circular motions to lift off the accumulated dirt. It’s a good idea to keep one end of your cloth dry or have a separate dry cloth at hand to remove excess moisture. This is especially important near ports and buttons, where water might interfere with your phone’s regular operation.
For more persistent marks and dirt, you can use gentle face or baby wipes or a little bit of household hand soap. If you opt for cleaning wipes, use them sparingly and make sure they’re approved for electrical devices. If not, a little soap, water, and a cloth will do just fine.
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Soap and water is also the preferred method of fighting any viruses that may be stuck to your phone. Hand sanitizers are popular, but experts generally believe they’re less effective. Some experts also recommend mixing a half-and-half solution of rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol at around 60-70 percent) and water. Wet your cleaning cloth rather than your phone to get rid of any stubborn bacteria. As long as you use these substances in small amounts and avoid harsh chemicals, you’re not going to damage your device.
Once you’ve dealt with the exterior, use cotton swabs and a few sharp, well-aimed puffs of air from your mouth to get dust and particles out of your phone’s ports. Avoid cans of compressed air, though, as the pressure can interfere with the insides of your phone.
When you’ve finished the cleaning process, leave your phone alone until any remaining moisture has had a chance to dry off naturally. Only then should you turn it on again and reattach cases and accessories. Putting it on a paper towel can help.
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