Ultimate Guide to Cleaning your Phone. How-to’s, tips, & FAQs CA

Introduction

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Have you ever wondered—perhaps fleetingly—just how dirty your phone really is? Consider this: we use our phones constantly, carrying them everywhere from the train to meeting rooms, placing them on café tables, and yes, even taking them into the bathroom (don’t pretend you don’t). Every surface we touch transfers its germs and bacteria to our phones, and in turn, our phones pick up unwanted microbes from surfaces and other people.

Studies have revealed that phones can harbour significantly more bacteria than a public toilet seat. Recent Harvard research on COVID-19 has indicated that the virus can survive for 2-3 days on materials like plastic and stainless steel—common components of our phones. The virus may even persist longer in cooler conditions, with ongoing studies continuing to shed light on its behaviour.

Given these alarming findings, it’s crucial to clean your phone at least once daily and to sterilize it a few times a month—or more often if you’re feeling unwell or if there’s a risk of picking up germs. In these uncertain times, especially with the ongoing concerns about COVID-19, taking extra precautions is essential. So, make it a habit to keep your phone clean!

Table of Contents

Just How Dirty is My Phone?

In perspective, according to the Seattle Times, your phone can harbour up to approximately 25,000 bacteria per square inch (about 6.5 cm²). That’s about 20 times more than a toilet seat, 10 times more than a pet food bowl, 6 times more than a checkout touch screen, and 4-5 times more than a doorknob. Quite frankly, it’s alarming.

• Bacteria on Your Phone: 25,000+ per square inch
• Bacteria on a Toilet Seat: 1,200 per square inch

How to Clean and Disinfect Your Phone

There are numerous methods and materials available for keeping your phone clean. Some of these are everyday items you might already have at home, while others are specialised cleaning products. Each method varies in effectiveness, with some focusing on removing grease and dust and others on disinfecting thoroughly. Here’s a rundown of the different approaches you can use to clean your phone, including the pros and cons of each method.

Phone Cleaning Methods

• Home Materials DIY
  
• Rubbing Alcohol and Water
• Antibacterial Wipes
• Alcohol-Based Wipes
• UV Light

How to clean your phone with DIY home materials

Often, you can clean your phone using materials you have at home, with varying degrees of success.

Microfiber or soft cloths

Microfiber and other soft cloths are commonly used for cleaning phones. Similar to cleaning eyeglasses or other screens, these cloths can effectively remove grease, smudges, and fingerprints from your phone.

Instructions

1. Wash your hands.
2. Remove the phone case and wash it separately.
3. Dampen the cloth with a small amount of water, optionally with a bit of soap mixed in.
4. Gently wipe the cloth over the entire phone—front, back, and sides—ensuring you cover every surface.
5. If using soap, use a clean part of the cloth to wipe over the phone again to remove any soap residue.

Pros

• Easy to do
• Materials are commonly available in most households
• Effectively cleans smudges, grease, and other residues
• Portable and convenient for cleaning on the go

Cons

• May not fully eliminate bacteria and viruses from the surface
• Excessive water could potentially damage the phone

Rubbing Alcohol and Water

This method is a more thorough DIY approach for cleaning and sterilizing your phone. Although the materials may not always be at home, once acquired, this method is cost-effective and highly efficient.

Tools and Ingredients

• Water
• Microfiber cloth
• Spray bottle
• Isopropyl alcohol (70%)

Instructions

1. Wash your hands.
2. Mix water and isopropyl alcohol in a 1:1 ratio and pour into a clean spray bottle.
3. Shake to combine.
4. Spray the solution onto a microfiber cloth—ensure it’s damp but not soaked.
5. Remove the phone case.
6. Wipe the entire phone with the damp cloth—front, back, and sides.
7. Use a cotton swab dipped in the solution to clean ports and speakers, being careful not to make them too wet.

Pros

• Highly effective at cleaning and disinfecting, killing most bacteria and viruses
• Cost-effective, with ingredients that are inexpensive and long-lasting
• More environmentally friendly due to less packaging waste

Cons

• Requires accurate mixing of ingredients
• Risk of making the cloth too wet, potentially causing damage
• Less portable, better suited for home use

Vinegar and Water Mix

A mixture of vinegar and water is a well-known household cleaning method. Vinegar is a natural cleaner that has been shown to combat bacteria and viruses effectively. This method is accessible and easy to use.

Materials

• White vinegar
• Water
• Container or spray bottle
• Soft cloth

Instructions

1. Mix water and white vinegar in a 1:1 ratio (adjust if necessary) and pour into a spray bottle or dip the cloth into the mixture.
2. Gently rub the phone with the damp cloth, ensuring it’s moist but not overly wet.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Vinegar is commonly available in households
• Proven to kill a range of pathogens, including the flu virus

Cons

• Not very portable for use outside the home
• May not fully eliminate all bacteria and viruses
• Risk of damaging the phone if the cloth is too wet

Antibacterial or Disinfectant Wipes

If mixing your own cleaning solution isn’t your preference, ready-made antibacterial or disinfectant wipes are a convenient option. As of March 2020, Apple updated its guidelines to indicate that Clorox Disinfecting Wipes can be safely used on the non-porous surfaces of your devices, provided you avoid getting the wipes into any openings.

Clorox disinfecting wipes claim to kill 99.9% of bacteria, germs, and viruses on surfaces. You can find the list of ingredients for Clorox wipes here.

Other antibacterial or disinfectant wipes are also available, but it’s crucial to check the labels to ensure they are not corrosive or bleach-based, as these can damage your phone.

Instructions

1. Remove a wipe from the pack and gently wipe all edges and surfaces of the phone.
2. Allow the phone to air dry.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Convenient multi-packs
• Travel-friendly and portable

Cons

• The container may not be very portable
• Not proven to kill the COVID-19 virus

Alcohol-Based Wipes

Apple has also endorsed the use of 70% alcohol-based wipes for cleaning devices. Alcohol has long been known for its disinfecting properties, dating back to ancient Egypt. It works by denaturing proteins, disrupting the structures of bacteria and viruses.

How to Use

1. Remove a wipe from the packet and gently rub all edges and sides of the phone.
2. Allow the phone to air dry; the alcohol will evaporate quickly.

Pros

• Portable sachet packets are easy to carry or distribute
• Effective in killing bacteria and viruses
• Stays viable in the packet for extended periods

Cons

• Packets can be small
• Packaging may be excessive

UV Light-Based Cleaning

Ultraviolet (UV) light is an advanced method for killing microorganisms. It’s widely used in medical settings and has recently been adapted for cleaning phones and other small gadgets. Companies like PhoneSoap offer UV devices specifically designed for this purpose.

Pros

• Disinfects effectively without the need for cleaning agents
• Safe and natural

Cons

• Expensive
• Not easily portable
• Requires time
• Won’t remove grease or fingerprints

How to clean phone cases

Phone cases, being in constant contact with various surfaces, can also harbour germs and bacteria. The cleaning method depends on the material of the case. Always test a small area first to ensure that the cleaning method doesn’t damage the case.

Hard, Gel, and Silicone Cases

These cases are generally durable and can withstand hot or warm water. Cleaning them is straightforward:

Instructions

1. Submerge the case in warm soapy water with a bit of dishwashing liquid.
2. Use a soft cloth or non-abrasive brush to gently clean the case.
3. Rinse with cold water to remove any soap residue.
4. Allow the case to dry in a ventilated area.

Pros

• Effective at removing bacteria and viruses
• Can be cleaned thoroughly

Cons

• Prints or logos may fade over time
• Excessive water could potentially damage printed designs

Leather and Faux Leather Cases

Leather cases require more careful handling:

Instructions

1. For Faux Leather:
   • Use the same method as for Hard, Gel, and Silicone Cases.
2. For Real Leather:
   • Use a leather-specific cleaner, avoiding regular dishwashing soap.
   • Clean the non-leather parts with one of the phone cleaning methods.
   • Follow the instructions on the leather cleaner or conditioner.

Pros

• Maintains the quality and appearance of the leather

Cons

• Real leather can become dry or cracked with improper cleaning

Skins and Screen Protectors

Skins and screen protectors can be cleaned with any of the aforementioned methods. However, be cautious with skins, as the ink may fade or run over time.

For screen protectors, they may loosen at the edges, potentially harbouring bacteria. It’s advisable to replace the screen protector if it starts to peel, and thoroughly clean the screen before applying a new one.

Pros

• Keeps skins and screen protectors clean and functional

Cons

• Risk of ink fading on skins
• Screen protectors may need replacement if they become loose

What Not to Use to Clean Your Phone and Phone Case

While many cleaning methods can effectively clean and disinfect your phone, some substances can damage your device, particularly its oleophobic coating (which repels fingerprints and oils). Here’s what you should avoid:

• Bleach
• Ammonia
• Abrasive Powders
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Aerosol Spray Cleaners
• Window Cleaners
• Regular Household Cleaners
• Harsh Solvents

Tips and Tricks for Keeping Your Phone Clean

• Wash Your Hands Regularly: Most contaminants on your phone come from your hands. Keeping them clean helps keep your phone cleaner.
• Avoid Sharing: Minimize giving your phone to others or placing it on public surfaces.
• Clean Frequently: Clean your phone multiple times a day if you use it frequently or are in public areas.
• Clean the Phone Case: Regularly clean your phone case along with the phone itself.
• Use Your Phone Less: Avoid using your phone in the bathroom or holding it unnecessarily.

Where to Buy Phone Cleaners

Most cleaning materials are readily available at local stores. Here’s a guide on where to find them:

• Microfiber Cloths – Convenience stores and supermarkets
• Soap – Convenience stores and supermarkets
• Vinegar – Convenience stores and supermarkets
• Isopropyl Alcohol – Hardware stores and pharmacies
• Spray Bottles – Hardware stores
• Antibacterial Wipes – Supermarkets and online
• Alcohol-Based Wipes – Online
• UV Phone Cleaners – Online

How to Clean Your Phone Video

FAQs

• Is a mobile phone dirty?
  Yes, mobile phones can harbour up to 18 times more bacteria than a public restroom.
• Can COVID-19 survive on a mobile phone?
  Yes, studies have shown that COVID-19 can survive on surfaces, including mobile phones, for several hours or even days.
• Can you clean COVID-19 from your mobile phone?
  Yes, regular cleaning of your phone can help remove or inhibit the virus.
• Should you clean your phone?
  Yes, given that phones are touched frequently, they should be cleaned or sterilized multiple times a day for optimal hygiene.
• How often should I clean my phone?
  If you’re frequently outside or in public areas, consider cleaning your phone whenever you wash your hands.
• What products can I use to clean my phone?
  Refer to the guide above for effective cleaning methods and products.
• What will disinfect my phone?
  Natural substances like vinegar, rubbing alcohol, UV light, and some specialized wipes can disinfect phones. Avoid substances that may damage your phone.
• Should I clean my phone case?
  Yes, since it comes into contact with many surfaces and hands.
• Should I remove my phone case?
  You don’t need to remove the case but should ensure it’s cleaned regularly along with your phone.
• Should I clean my tablet and laptop?
  Yes, tablets and laptops should also be cleaned and sterilized, as they are frequently touched and exposed to potential pathogens.
• What about my phone’s oleophobic coating when cleaning it?
  The oleophobic coating diminishes over time with use. Harsh cleaning methods can accelerate this. Use recommended cleaning methods to avoid damaging the coating.
• Can you use soap on your phone?
  Avoid using soap directly on your phone. If using soap, mix it with water and apply it with a cloth, being careful to prevent liquid from entering ports or buttons.
• Does UV phone cleaner work?
  UV light is effective for disinfection and is used in medical settings. Some specialist phone cleaning devices use UV technology.
• Can you use Clorox wipes on your phone?
  Apple has confirmed that Clorox Disinfecting Wipes can be used on Apple devices. This guidance is likely applicable to other devices as well.
• Can you use Lysol wipes on your phone?
  There is no specific guidance from phone manufacturers regarding Lysol wipes.
• Can I use alcohol-based wipes to clean my phone?
  Yes, 70% alcohol-based wipes can be safely used according to Apple’s guidelines.
• Are alcohol-based wipes safe?
  Alcohol wipes, typically containing 70% isopropyl alcohol, are safe and effective. The high alcohol concentration helps them evaporate quickly.

Helpful References

• Coronavirus Resource Center by Harvard
• How to Clean Your Apple Products, Apple
• Your Cell Phone is 10 Times Dirtier Than a Toilet Seat, Time
• Does Alcohol Kill Bacteria? Sciencing

Bhushan Lele

Bhushan spent the last 15+ years building businesses and learning what really matters to customers. At Custom Logo Cases, we help brands turn everyday tech accessories into high-quality, on-brand marketing tools.