How To Disinfect Your Phone (No, Don't Use Bleach!)

Janelle Yong
Tue, 10 Mar 2020 00:00:00 Z

Here's how you can de-germ your phone without damaging it

PHOTO: UNSPLASH

With the ongoing threat of COVID-19, cleaning everything is the new rage, from countertops and railings to bags and wallets. Of course, we can’t forget about the one thing that everyone uses a thousand times a day: Our phones. Believe it or not, your phone can be far dirtier than a toilet seat (just think of all the germs you’re spreading across the screen with each tap or swipe), so disinfecting your device every so often might be prudent.

While Apple and Samsung previously advised against using cleaning wipes on your phone, Apple has now updated its recommendations to say that Clorox or 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes are suitable for disinfecting your phone. Just make sure you wipe gently and dry whatever disinfectant liquid remains on your phone’s surface once done.

Don’t have disinfectant wipes? Here are some other guidelines for cleaning your phone.

Use only a soft, lint-free cloth

That means no using towels, paper towels or other abrasive cloths. And no, scrubbing your phone screen with the hem of your T-shirt is not a good idea.

Avoid excessive wiping

It’s tempting to try to scrub off all the “battle scars” your phone has acquired from being repeatedly dropped face-down, but those scratches are there to stay. Wiping the same spot for 2 hours is only going to damage it further.

Unplug all external power sources, devices, and cables

We don’t want any electrifying accidents, do we?

Keep liquids away from your phone

This should (hopefully) be common sense, but please don’t dunk your phone in water unless you’re planning to get a new model tomorrow.

Don’t get moisture into any openings

Even if your phone looks fine on the outside, even small amounts of moisture in openings like the charging port can damage your phone.

Don’t spray cleaning agents, aerosol sprays or bleach on your phone

Sure, it might make your phone look all shiny and polished, as long as you don’t mind it being damaged beyond repair.

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