You keep your smartphone on you everywhere you go. It resides in a pocket, on a table, in the inner recesses of your couch (that’s typically where my phone hides.) It travels with you to work, to bed, and sometimes even to the bathroom. (Ew… but you know it’s true.)
Researchers suggest that the average smartphone has 10x more germs than a toilet seat. For health care professionals, the average is even worse. Our phones can accumulate thousands of germs per square inch, including fecal matter, E. Coli, and yes – the coronavirus.
“Mobile phones have become veritable reservoirs of pathogens as they touch faces, ears, lips and hands of different users of different health conditions,” researchers observed in a 2009 study of bacteria removed from personal calling devices.
What can you do to prevent your cell phones, your tablets, and your other devices from making you sick?
Follow the Manufacturer’s Recommendations
Different phones and devices may require different approaches because of the materials used. It is not recommended that you submerge any device in a cleaning solution or use a chemical on the screen unless the manufacturer recommends it.
Apple provides specific instructions for each model of the iPhone and iPad.
Samsung does as well.
Use a Microfiber Cloth
Microfiber cloths are easy to reuse, clean, and keep on hand. They don’t scratch your screen and they can remove a good majority of the germs you encounter.
Invest in a Phone Sanatizer
Phone Sanitizers, like PhoneSoap, use UV light to kill germs. PhoneSoap is said to kill 99.9% of the germs on your device, though it is only large enough to encase a cell phone or a small mobile device.
As you clean your screen, it is important that you also wash your hands and remain mindful of where you place your devices. Your phone may be your closest friend – but it may also be your grossest.