Phone disinfection - tips

Video: Here’s how to disinfect your iPhone

Content

Steps
Advice
Warning
What you need

Phones often have a lot of germs on their surfaces that can make you or someone sick. For a quick and convenient cleaning, use an alcohol swab or an alcohol-based tissue to disinfect the phone. You can also wipe dirt and grease off with a soap and water absorbent cloth. If you are particularly concerned about a pathogen or virus, an alcohol solution is the most effective method. Note that alcohol over time can damage the phone screen, so don't use alcohol as often as necessary even if disinfection is necessary. A screen protector can also prevent this problem. UV sterilizers are also very effective, but expensive. Disinfect your phone regularly to keep it safe and free from germs!

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Use soap and water for basic disinfection

Turn off your phone and unplug the power cord. Hold down the power button on the side of the phone until it turns off. Wait for the phone to completely turn off before cleaning it so as not to damage the internal components. If the charger is plugged in, unplug the power supply during cleaning to prevent electric shock.
- Do not disinfect the phone while it is on as it may cause electric shock.
Remove the phone cover. Since bacteria can live inside the phone case, remove it while cleaning. If your phone cases have many pieces, separate them so you can clean each part. Keep the phone and case apart to prevent them from re-infection.
- Be careful when removing the case of the phone as it is easily damaged.
Mix a few drops of dish soap and warm water in the bowl. Fill the bowl with warm water. Add 1-2 drops of dish soap and stir until the solution is mixed and foamy.
- Choose antibacterial soap if you have one, as it will kill germs more effectively.
Another choice: You can use hand soap if you don't have soap available.
Apply a fine towel to the solution and wring it out. Soak a fluffy towel quickly in soapy water and lift it up before it becomes soaked in water. Use your hand to squeeze the towel vigorously to drain the water so as not to absorb the phone water.
- Avoid using paper towels or dishcloths to clean the screen so that it is scratched.
Scrub the surface of the phone with a towel to remove germs. Start from the screen and wipe the entire phone in a circular motion. Be careful when cleaning microphone locations, cord ports and buttons, as water can get inside and damage components. After you're done wiping the front, turn the phone over and wipe the back.
- If your phone is waterproof, it's okay to have some water near the slots or buttons, as it is less likely to be damaged.
Use a clean cloth to wipe away any damp spots on the phone. Place the phone on a dry, fluffy cloth that blot the surface of the phone. Make sure to dry any remaining water on the phone so it won't get damaged.
Clean rubber or leather phone cases with soapy water. Soak a fluffy towel in soapy water and wring it out again. Wipe the inside and outside of the phone case to remove any dirt or dust stuck in it. Focus on corners or small crevices as bacteria can colonize them.
- Avoid immersing the phone case in the solution so as not to damage the material.
- If you have a leather phone case, use a leather conditioner to keep it soft.
advertisement

Method 2 of 4: Kill pathogens with alcohol

Turn off and unplug the phone. You need to unplug the phone so that there is no electric shock during cleaning.Press the power button on the side of the phone and hold it down until you see a screen pop up. Wait for the phone to completely turn off before wiping it off.
- If you wipe the phone while it is on, the circuit in it may be short.
Remove the phone cover and set aside. Tease off the edges of the phone case to remove. Pull the phone out of the case and set aside while cleaning. If your phone covers are made up of pieces, separate them so that you can thoroughly clean them.
- Keep the phone case away so you don't accidentally re-contaminate it during cleaning.
Fill the bowl with equal amounts of alcohol and warm water. Choose alcohol with a minimum concentration of 60-70% to be able to effectively kill most pathogens. Fill the bowl with alcohol and warm water, then stir until the solution becomes homogeneous.
- You can buy alcohol in pharmacies.
Warning: Over time, alcohol can remove the protective layer that prevents fingerprints and water resistance on your phone's screen, so limit how often you use alcohol when cleaning.
Moisten a fluffy towel with a cleaning solution. Choose a lint-free fabric to prevent the phone screen from getting scratched. Wet a fluffy towel in alcohol solution and wring out the water. Make sure the towel is not soaked so that the phone does not get damaged.
- Do not use paper towels or dishcloths as these can scratch the phone.
Wipe the surface of the phone from bottom to top with a cloth. Wipe the front of the phone in a circular motion and press gently. Work slowly around the jacks, buttons and speakers so that liquid does not seep in and damage components. Turn your phone over and wipe the back in the same way.
- Wash your hands before wiping the phone so as not to contaminate it afterwards.
Use a tissue if you need to disinfect your phone when going out. You should choose the one designed specifically for cleaning electronic equipment as they are less likely to damage your phone. Focus on areas with tight borders or small channels where bacteria can build up. Do not use paper towels to wipe the inside of the slots as you may damage the device.
- You can buy electronic toilet paper towels at electronics stores, and they usually kill about 99% of the bacteria and viruses on your phone.
- Take a tissue with you every time you go out so your phone can be disinfected on the road.
Jonathan Tavarez
Cleaning Specialist & Founder, Pro Housekeepers Jonathan Tavarez is the founder of Pro Housekeepers, a high-quality cleaning service for residential and commercial customers nationwide. Pro Housekeepers employs a select staff of staff and rigorous training methods to ensure high standards.
Jonathan Tavarez
Cleaning Specialist & Founder, Pro Housekeepers
The expert said: Alcohol-based paper towels can disinfect screens and phone cases, but avoid using solutions like vodka, vinegar or ammonia as they are not recognized by WHO as effective disinfectants. Conventional UV lamps also will not disinfect surfaces.
Pat the phone dry with another fluffy towel. Lay the towel on the table and place the phone in the middle. Gently blot the phone with a towel so that no standing water remains. Make sure the device is completely dry so that you do not get damaged.
- You do not need to dry your phone if you use a paper towel.
Disinfect phone cases made of wood or plastic with alcohol solution. Dip a washcloth in the solution and wring it out. Clean the inside and outside of the phone case, making sure to disinfect each piece. Pay attention to the bezel or small grooves on the phone case because bacteria can build up there.
- Avoid using alcohol to clean leather cladding, as it can dry out the skin.
- If you have trouble cleaning fine grooves, try a toothbrush with a bristle bristle.
advertisement

Method 3 of 4: Use a UV sterilizer

Buy UV sterilizers online or at electronics stores. Look for a light model large enough to cover the entire phone, otherwise this method won't work. Compare the features and reviews of each to find an affordable lamp.
- A phone UV light sterilizer is a small box with a UV light that kills 99.9% of the bacteria and viruses on your phone.
- You can buy this for almost 2 million VND, and more efficient lamps also have a higher price.
Place your phone in the sterilization light and close the cover. Open the cover of the disinfection device and place the phone face down on the base. Make sure the phone is not facing the edge of the device or you will not be able to close the cover. Slowly close the lid to turn on the UV light and disinfect the phone.
- You can either leave the case in place or remove it. UV rays will also kill any pathogens on phone cases.
- Read the user guide carefully as you may have to do a few extra steps when cleaning your phone.
Tips: Many UV sterilizers also include a plug-in plug so you can plug in and charge your phone while cleaning it.
Leave the phone in the sterilizer for 5 to 10 minutes. Look for the indicator light on the outside of the device case to see if it works. Leave the phone in it and close the lid for effective disinfection. After about 5 to 10 minutes, the indicator lights will turn off so you know it's time to remove your phone.
- The UV light will turn off by itself if you open the lid at any time during the phone sterilization process.
- If you remove your phone too soon, germs may still be on the surface.
Wash your hands before removing the device from the sterilizer. Use warm water and soap to wash your hands for 15 to 20 seconds. Rinse the soap and dry your hands before opening the lid of the UV sterilizer. Take out your phone and use it normally.
- Use a dry hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- If you do not first disinfect your hand, the phone may become contaminated immediately when you take it to take it out.
advertisement

Method 4 of 4: Keep your phone free of germs

Wash your hands often to prevent germs from spreading to the phone. Always use warm water and soap when washing your hands to kill viruses and bacteria. Rub the soap on your hands for about 20 seconds, making sure to rub the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your fingernails. Wash off soap with warm water and use a dry cloth to wipe your hands.
- Make sure to wash your hands before handling food, eating, caring for the wound, or caring for the sick person. Also, wash your hands after using the toilet, blowing your nose or handling trash.
Warning: Avoid splashing the palm of your hand as you can spread germs and bacteria.
Use a dry hand sanitizer if you don't have soap and water. Find a dry hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol so that you can kill bacteria and viruses effectively. Use a certain amount of the coin solution in the palm of your hand and rub your hands together, making sure the fingers and underneath the fingernails are brushed. Brush until the solution is completely absorbed into the skin.
- Dry hand sanitizer may not kill all the germs on your hands.
- If possible, wash your hands as this will disinfect more effectively.
Use a headset to keep the phone from reaching your ear. Choose headphones with integrated microphones so you can still answer the phone. Keep your phone in your pocket or on a table so you don't have to touch it often. When you need to listen to the phone, plug the headset in so that you don't have to face the phone screen face to face.
- If you don't have a headset, keep the phone away from your mouth and use the speakerphone to minimize the chance of spreading germs.
Avoid bringing your phone to the bathroom if possible. Keep the phone in another room when using the toilet. If you need to bring your phone, keep it in your pocket or backpack. Don't touch the phone until you are done and wash your hands. advertisement

Advice

Disinfect your phone every day to reduce the chance of spreading germs.

Warning

Avoid touching your face after using your phone to reduce the chance of getting infected or spreading bacteria and viruses: //www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html
Limit alcohol when cleaning your phone because alcohol can remove the protective layer on the screen, which works against fingerprints.
Do not use vinegar to disinfect. This is not an EPA registered disinfectant and its ability to kill bacteria and viruses is low (80% and 90%, respectively). It cannot destroy all pathogens.