Statistics show that Americans, on average, spend 5.4 hours on their phones daily. Given our heavy reliance on these devices, it isn’t surprising to know that they’re among the dirtiest things in the world. Even filthier than a toilet seat, doorknob, your pet’s eating bowl, or the soles of your shoes! In fact, an average touch phone has 25,000 germs per square inch. Eew. That is why it is so important to learn how to clean your phone. You only need a few things to keep your phone clean every day, including cell phone cleaning wipes. However, you want to make sure you’re using high-quality disinfectant wipes that will get rid of the viruses and bacteria lurking on your phone. In this guide, learn the right way to keep your phone clean and free from germs.
Cleaning Supplies for your Cell Phone
A soft cloth or microfiber cloth
The first step on how to clean your cell phone is picking the right tools. Topping the list is a microfiber cloth. Unlike regular cloth, tissue, or paper, this type of cloth contains very small fibers that won’t cause any scratches on your touch screen. It also collects dust, dirt, grime, and little debris from your phone.Distilled water and white vinegar
You don’t always need an expensive cell phone cleaner to get rid of those nasty germs and viruses. Remember you shouldn’t use any harsh chemicals, such as those that contain alcohol or ammonia. For a simple, safe, and cheap cleaning solution for your phone, mix some distilled water and vinegar in equal proportions. Don’t apply it directly to your phone. Rather, lightly dip a part of the microfiber cloth to the solution and wipe down your screen.Disinfecting wipes
But what if you’re on a plane or in the car and you don’t have access to some microfiber cloth or vinegar-water solution? “How do I clean my phone?”, you might ask. Make sure you have a pack of disinfecting wipes in your bag. It’s the easiest and most convenient way to clean a phone screen.Cotton swabs
The best way to clean phone screens is by using disinfecting wipes. But for the tight corners and (USB or charger) ports, you should always use cotton swabs.Steps to keep a Germ-Free Cell Phone
Below are the steps on how to clean touchscreen phones:Unplug your phone
The first step on how to clean your phone from viruses is to make sure no cords (headset, charger, or USB connector) are attached to it. These things need to be cleaned too, but first, you must focus on the device itself.Wipe surfaces with cleaner
Lightly spray the microfiber cloth with your vinegar-water solution (or a commercial phone cleaner if you’re using one). Again, do not apply the cleaner directly on your screen. Wipe down your entire phone, front and back. For small areas like the attachment ports, buttons, or camera lens, use a cotton swab to remove dirt.Clean cases and covers separately
Part of learning how to clean a cell phone is cleaning the cover or casing. These should be cleaned and sanitized separately before reinserting to your phone.Allow the phone to dry
The last step on how to clean phones is to dry them. You can leave your device sitting until it dries (which should only take a minute or two) or wipe it down using a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
Sanitizing Your Phone Case
When cleaning your mobile phone case, you should consider what it’s made of. Different materials require different cleaning approaches.Silicone Cases
For silicone cases, the best phone cleaner is simply warm water with a bit of dishwashing soap. Just submerge your case and then, using a soft cloth, scrub the entire surface especially the textured edges. Rinse and dry.Plastic Cases
To clean a plastic phone case, wipe it down with distilled water and vinegar solution (you can also use distilled water and alcohol). For tight areas like buttons and camera lens opening, use a cotton swab. Dry the case using a lint-free cloth. Make sure the case is completely dry before reinserting your phone to it.
Leather Cases
Knowing the right way on how to clean phone cases made of leather is important to avoid possible damage. Leather should always be cleaned with saddle soap and a leather conditioner. Again, dry it completely before use.
Cleaning Cell Phone Accessories
Even if you regularly clean your phone, if you don’t disinfect its accessories, you’re still vulnerable to disease-causing germs. Follow these tips to clean your phone from viruses:Earbuds
Make use of a cell phone sanitizer to clean your earbuds. Start by brushing the wax out of the earbud, holding it with the mesh facing down so any debris can easily fall off. If you still see dirt, wipe it off using a cotton swab. Use a solution of distilled water and 70% isopropyl alcohol (in equal proportions) as your cleaner because it dries up easily than water alone, preventing potential damage.Chargers
Wipe phone chargers using the same alcohol-water solution you used for your earbuds. Thoroughly wipe clean the head, power connectors, the USB receptacle, and cable. Allow it to completely dry before using.
