With the topic of proper hygiene and handwashing top-of-mind these days as COVID-19 continues to escalate around the world, it’s important to look at where we may be contributing to the spread of germs. One of those places are on the devices we use every day, smartphones and tablets, and you may not even realize just how filthy they are…
Experts warn that our smartphones are breeding grounds for germs and Mashable reported that every square inch of your phone has around 25,000 germs. That is more germs than a regularly cleaned TOILET SEAT. According to research firm Dscout, we touch our phones over 2,617 times a day! We put our phones near our faces, close to our mouths, and let’s be real – no matter how hard you try not to touch your face after touching your phone, it’s almost impossible when spending over 2 hours per day doing just that. We’re sure you can see the problem here.
To add to the importance of regularly cleaning your smartphone and touch devices, a recent study found that the COVID-19 virus can live up to 9 days on smooth glass, plastic and stainless surfaces, like a smartphone.
Don’t worry though, you can (AND SHOULD) clean your devices to stop the spread of germs.
Here are some tips to safely clean your smartphone and other devices without damaging them:
1. Turn off the device and unplug from any power sources.
2. Clean the device using a soft lint-free cloth with either soapy water (40% dish soap and 60% water) or a rubbing alcohol solution (40%-70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol and 60%-30% water). Don’t soak the device, just dip the cloth into the solution and wipe down.
** Phone manufacturers also say its safe to use disinfecting wipes, like Lysol or Clorox, making it even easier to keep that gross phone clean! **
3. Gently wipe the front and back of the device – don’t forget to take off any cases and wipe them down too. Avoid any openings like the charge ports and speakers.
Note: Avoid using bleaches, aerosol sprays or abrasive cleaners and cloths. Don’t spray directly on devices.
A couple more great tips for keeping your touch devices clean:
Always wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water – we should all be pros at this by now.
Limit the number of people coming into physical contact with your device. Sharing isn’t caring when it comes to germs!
Remember to clean your smartphone and handheld devices DAILY to keep you and your family safe.
