And with your phone being used everywhere — from the kitchen to public transportation — it needs more regular cleaning than you might think.
Studies have shown that most phones contain E. coli and other bacteria, including Bacillus cereus, which is responsible for severe food poisoning. A previous study found that high school students' phones had a high average number of microbes, regardless of the phone type or the user's gender.
Experts recommend wiping your phone daily, especially after touching multiple surfaces throughout the day. A deep cleaning isn't necessary every day, but routine wiping keeps the device clean and reduces exposure to bacteria.
Manufacturers, such as Apple and Samsung, recommend starting with a lint-free microfiber cloth, though a cloth specifically designed for camera lenses can also be used.
Turn off the phone and disconnect it from the power source.
Remove the phone from any protective cover.
Gently wipe your phone to remove smudges and fingerprints, and don't forget the camera lenses and edges of the phone.
Prepare a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution mixed with water (50/50 or 70/30) and apply a small amount of it to a cloth.
Wipe the phone from the front, back and sides, avoiding the phone's openings.
Modern sterilization alternatives
UV-C sterilizers can be used to sterilize your phone effortlessly:
Simplehuman Cleanstation : Sterilizes 99.9% of germs in 30 seconds.
PhoneSoap Basic : Sterilizes 99.99% of germs in 10 minutes using UV-C lights and quartz glass.
What to avoid when cleaning your phone
Avoid cleaning your phone in the bathroom to reduce exposure to bacteria.
Do not use hand sanitizer directly on the phone as it may damage the components.
Avoid compressed air and harsh paper towels.
Do not use glass cleaners or household chemicals that may remove the screen protection layer.
