These days, many people are concerned about germs lingering on surfaces, such as countertops and doorknobs. But one of the germiest things you ever come in contact without during the day is your very own smartphone. We use these devices constantly while rarely thinking about cleaning them, which could cause you to get sick if you touch your mouth after scrolling through your phone.
So, here are some tips for cleaning your smartphone and other high-touch electronics to keep yourself as healthy as possible.
Smartphone Cleaning Process
To clean your phone, first turn it off and make sure it’s unplugged. Then wash your hands with warm, soapy water and wipe all surfaces of the phone with an antibacterial wipe or soft cloth sprayed with an alcohol-based disinfectant. The disinfectant should contain 70% isopropyl alcohol to kill germs. Avoid getting any liquid into the phone’s ports to prevent damage.
Remember the Phone Case and Accessories
In addition to your phone, don’t forget about your phone case and accessories you use, such as earbuds and chargers. You can clean these things in the same way as described above for the phone, and try to do so once per day. For the phone and accessories, spray cleaners onto a soft cloth and not directly onto the devices. Never submerge your device in liquid, use paper towels for cleaning, or use 100% alcohol products to avoid damage.
For an all-natural approach to washing away germs, we recommend Seagate Olive Leaf Surface Cleaner for cell phones and many other surfaces in your home. It contains food-grade ingredients derived from plants that will cause no harm to anyone in your household. Our two-ounce size is perfect for cleaning your phone while out and on-the-go.
Preventing Smartphone Germs
Even if you clean your phone and accessories daily, there are still other things you can do to prevent sickness caused by germs on devices. It’s a good idea to keep a paper shopping list when you’re at the grocery store instead of using a mobile app so that you aren’t constantly touching store surfaces and your phone. You might choose to use a credit card rather than a mobile pay option on your smartphone to keep germs off of your phone. Another suggestion is to use a hands-free device while making phone calls so that you don’t have your phone touching your face while you talk. Also, after using your phone or computer, wash your hands before having a snack.
Other Electronics to Clean
However, it’s not just your phone that can cause the spread of germs because there are many other commonly used devices that are high-touch surfaces. These include tablets, your computer keyboard and mouse, and television remote controls. Tablets, computer mice, and remote controls can be cleaned in the same way as cell phones. For a computer keyboard, turn it over to shake out any debris and then use compressed air to get out the rest. Then you can use a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution sprayed on a cloth to wipe down the keys and computer screen.
We hope this article has motivated you to clean your phone and devices a little more often. Every little bit helps when you’re trying to stay healthy this season!