Tips for Disinfecting Your Phone During the COVID-19 Pandemic
How to Disinfect Your Phone
Billions of people use mobile phones around the world and according to a study, 68% of phones are contaminated. With COVID-19 being transmitted from touching surfaces, there is a risk of passing the virus to others through mobile phones. Therefore, it is important to know how to disinfect your phone
Statistics show 51% of people use phones a few times per one hour, with 22% checking it every other minute. Most use the device at least every day. Thus, disinfecting your phone can curb the spread of the virus around the world. Here is everything you need to know about cleaning your phone.
Germs and Mobile Devices
Some people may think there is no risk of contamination because they do not share their device, but this is far from the truth. Phones can get contaminated in many ways.
Touching Surfaces
Every time a person touches a surface, they collect germs which are then passed to the phones when using it. The typical worker's desk is even more contaminated than an office toilet seat. Unfortunately, this is where most people spend many hours. Though many wash their hand, the same cannot be done to the phone, thus there is the need to disinfect.
The other surfaces that can transmit the virus from hand to the phone include light switches, subway poles and ATMs.
Sharing a Phone
Some people can be carriers of the virus and do not show signs. Though people are practicing social distancing, families still meet as they share homes. Sharing a phone can happen and the virus can quickly spread. It is advisable to disinfect your phone before giving out and before getting it back.
Why Should You Disinfect Your Phone?
Getting rid of germs from your phone is essential to avoid the spread of germs. Many medical professionals agree that the phone should be cleaned at least once a day and people should form a habit of disinfecting their mobile devices more so during the current world pandemic.
Different Ways to Disinfect Your Phone
Disinfecting phones is one way to stay safe during this time. There are two effective ways to go about cleaning your phone and that is using recommended sanitizers and wipes. The solutions that contain 70% are suitable to use and are supported by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Alcohol-Based Wipes
Use alcohol-based disinfectant wipes with 70% alcohol, such as Lysol Disinfecting Wipes. The wipes kill 99.9% of flu and cold viruses and other antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as strep, staph and influenza. Wipes can also be used to clean different surfaces, including doorknobs, countertops, handrails, sinks and any surface where the virus can settle.
UV-C Smartphone Sanitizers
Another great sanitizing option for your mobile device are UV-C smartphone sanitizers such as PhoneSoap 3 UV Smartphone sanitizers. The device can be purchased for sanitizing the phone as well as charging it. The good thing is that it can get rid of 99.9% bacteria and germs using germicidal UV bulbs. The device can be used to sanitize anything that fits inside, including phone accessories, such as headphones and chargers.
Alcohol Pads
Lastly, you can use alcohol pads for the doctor. The pads that doctors use to sanitize the skin before injection can be used to disinfect the phones. Ensure the one purchased in alcohol-based.
Generally, when in doubt, one should follow the manufactures instruction, but many agree on using a 70% alcohol solution with a soft microfiber cloth.
Steps to Disinfecting Your Phone
Here are simple steps to follow in disinfecting the phone:
- Turn off your phone and remove the case.
- Use a microfiber cloth to remove crud and smudges to allow the sanitizer to get in contact with the phone.
- Wipe the phone using Lysol disinfecting wipes or any other recommended wipes, ensuring all parts are covered. When using alcohol-based disinfectant, avoid spaying the charging port to prevent damaging the device or causing electric shocks.
- Leave the phone to dry for at least five minutes. To get better results, you can even leave it for 10 minutes to allow the disinfectant to get rid of more germs. However, Lysol disinfecting wipes works in four minutes to eliminate 99.9% germs and bacteria.
- Then, wipe the device using a microfiber cloth. Leftover moisture should be dried up using a clean microfiber cloth. Avoid using the one used in step two unless disinfected first with an alcohol-based sanitizer.
- Clean the phone casing. The case can be washed with clean, warm water and soap as they are made with safe-to-wash materials.
Final Thoughts
Phones present imminent danger in the current world pandemic. Regular disinfections of your phone can keep your safe. Using the right products and following the necessary steps, as highlighted above, will help you get rid of 99.9% germs.
If you would like more information how to stay safe and clean during this time, visit sites such as the CDC, mentioned above, and the World Health Organization.
