When and how to clean your phone

In a recent blog post, we looked at when and how to use hand wash and hand sanitiser, with particular attention paid to the extra hygiene precautions we should all be taking to prevent the spread of infection during the Covid-19 pandemic.

One surface that is commonly neglected in everyday life, is that of our trusty smartphones. Regular cleaning of our phones is recommended as touch screens and phone cases are frequently touched surfaces. In a recent survey it was found that the average person touches their phone a whopping 2,617 times daily.

Some may argue that it’s not necessary to clean our phones if we practise good hand hygiene before we pick them up but with such frequent contact, it is advised to wipe down cases and touch screens as part of our daily routine, especially in the current climate.

So how do we clean our phones?

Previously, mobile phone manufacturers have been reluctant to advise owners to use disinfectant products on their phones. However, since the coronavirus pandemic, Apple and Google have updated their advice to recommend 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes for keeping your phone spick and span. Avoid using these on leather or fabric to prevent spoilage Other manufacturers may have different recommendations so it is always worth checking their website for advice to avoid damage to your handset.

Apple is advising the following for its products:

• Use a soft, lint-free cloth.
• Avoid excessive wiping.
• Unplug all power sources, devices, and cables.
• Keep liquids away from your device.
• Don’t allow moisture to get into any openings.
• Avoid aerosol sprays, bleaches, and abrasives.
• Avoid spraying cleaners directly onto your device.

How often should we clean our phones?

If you practice good hand hygiene, it is recommended that cleaning your phone once a day should be sufficient. If you are placing your phone on a potentially contaminated surface, then more regular cleaning may be required depending on how often the phone is touching the surface.

Additionally, if your phone has been in the vicinity of anyone who has coughed or sneezed, it is advisable to wipe down your handset as microscopic droplets containing viruses, including Covid-19, could settle on the phone.