Cleaning your phone from viruses and bacteria should be on your daily to-do list. For starters, your iPhone or Android is one of the items you touch most — and one of the most frequently overlooked. In other words, your phone can be a breeding ground for viruses, bacteria, and fungi — all great reasons to clean your phone during COVID-19.
So, how do you clean your phone from potential virus droplets and other contaminants? Washing your hands regularly may not be enough to keep commonly-touched surfaces clean. Here are a few tips for cleaning your iPhone screen and case during COVID-19 times.
Disclaimer: The following is not medical advice. It was written for informational purposes only. If you have questions about your health, please speak with your physician. See the CDC (Center for Disease Control) website for up-to-date information on the coronavirus pandemic.
The iPhone screen has its own protective coating and oil-wicking technology. Though this is not enough to prevent the spread of germs on your phone, it can be damaged by cleaning products. This is why it’s critical to use a screen protector — and why you should never use harsh chemicals like bleach on your device.
Of course, do not use harsh chemicals such as bleach to clean your device. Why should you have a screen protector? Your iPhone screen has its own protective coating and oil-wicking technology. Though this is not enough to prevent the spread of germs on your phone, it can also be damaged by cleaning products. We do not advise using cleaning products without a screen protector.
Don’t forget to clean it — especially if you are interacting with those who are at risk for COVID-19. The virus may live on hard surfaces for days.
Your germaphobe friend was right: Research suggests that your cell phone screen and case are filthy. One study puts forth that the average iPhone screen is seven times dirtier than a toilet. Published before the COVID-19 outbreak, it found a few (very scary) germs living on cell phones including:
Even in pre-pandemic days, chances are, your phone was filthy. Today. it’s more important than ever to know how to clean your phone of viruses and bacteria.
Even if you’re washing your hands regularly, COVID-19 experts warn that commonly-touched surfaces, like a cell phone screen, can be a breeding ground for germs. Though it is unlikely that your phone has coronavirus on it if you have not interacted with others, specifically those at risk for COVID-19, it is an excellent idea to keep your screen and case clear.
Cleaning your iPhone was always important — even more so during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The CDC, WHO, and state-level governments are urging people to take preventative measures against getting the COVID-19 pandemic. This means more than just staying home and washing your hands: The government advises people to clean commonly touched surfaces. What do you touch more than your iPhone?
There are two ways that COVID-19 is transmitted: Though person-to-person contact and through inanimate objects that an infected person has touched. How long do germs live on surfaces? Research on the coronavirus specifically is contradictory:
One thing we know for certain: We all touch our iPhones a lot. The best course of action is to keep our favorite tech as virus and bacteria-free as possible.
It depends on your habits. In general, cleaning your device daily is a good idea.
The most significant source of danger is if someone were to cough or sneeze on your phone, leaving microscopic droplets. Those who work remotely, interact with new people, and maintain good hand washing and social distancing habits may not need to clean their phone too frequently.
However, an essential worker who comes into contact with many people, especially those at risk for COVID-19, may benefit from more than daily cleaning. Additionally, it is unlikely that your phone has traces of COVID-19 unless you have been in contact with someone diagnosed with the virus.
In the meantime, keep cleaning your device and screen, along with other common touch points around the home. These may include door handles, other electronics, kitchen appliances, and so much more.