Time to clean. Find out how to clean your devices.
Believe it or not, recent research and articles claim that smartphones harbor more bacteria than toilet seats. This is a shocking fact, especially since these devices come into direct contact with your hands and face for most of the day. That said, it is important to always clean them thoroughly.
If you stop to think about it, your smartphone spends a lot of time on public transport, in the kitchen and in the bathroom. After interacting with various environments, the cell phone is in direct contact with your skin.
So, to ensure you don't neglect your health, it's worth checking out these tips on how to keep your devices cleaner, the right way.
Health issue
A 2017 study analyzed 27 teens' phones and found that the screens of these devices harbor viruses and bacteria such as E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and the highly contagious bacteria Streptococcus.
Professor Charles Gerba, an expert in epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of Arizona, has concluded that viruses can remain active on hard surfaces for hours or even weeks. This could be an even greater problem in winter, when the circulation of viruses, such as influenza, worsens. This could be a health hazard.
Smartphones and tablets often serve different purposes, but they have similar finishes and their surfaces are usually coated with glass, plastic and aluminum. Substances that are susceptible to the accumulation of viruses and bacteria. cleaning process and the care required is therefore essentially the same.
When should I clean?
Like any other device, the frequency with which you clean your smartphone or tablet depends largely on your habits and routine. However, you shouldn’t despair if you forget to clean your device for a while. If you frequently travel on public transport or are used to using your phone or tablet in the bathroom, you may need to clean your device more regularly.
On the other hand, if you rarely go out and are used to using your device with clean hands, this frequency may be a little less. A quick wipe of the entire device with a soft cloth daily is sufficient. In winter, add disinfectant wipes twice a week.
Necessary tools
It doesn’t take much effort to keep your smartphone or tablet clean. Great results can be achieved using products you already have at home or can easily find in stores and supermarkets.
See below:
- Soft, lint-free cloth: Microfiber cloths are perfect for this job.
- Disinfectant Wipes: Choose products that have been shown to be able to clean phones and tablets. An isopropyl alcohol-based product like 70% might be a good choice.
- Detergent: Preferably neutral.
- Wooden stick: Helps with dirt in small areas.
Be careful when cleaning
There are a few things to keep in mind before proceeding. Even if your device is waterproof, don't get it wet or submerged in cleaning products. Don't use compressed air or spray detergent of any kind directly on your phone or tablet. Instead, if necessary, wipe your device with a cloth dampened with a non-abrasive cleaner. Also, don't use bleach or products containing hydrogen peroxide. Also, avoid over-cleaning your device when disinfecting it, as this could damage something.
Step by step
First, unplug your device, turn it off, and remove it from the case. If there’s dirt or dust in the charging port or on the earbuds, try to remove it with a wooden toothpick. It moves smoothly and gently. Then, wipe the entire surface of your device with a microfiber cloth before using any products or solutions. Fingerprints and smudges can be removed with this step alone. But don’t overdo it! If there’s dirt or debris between the cloth and the surface of your device, it will scratch your device if you rub too hard.
If there is still dirt, wipe the surface of the appliance with a slightly damp soft cloth. If the stain persists, prepare a new solution with water and a little detergent, moisten a soft cloth and wipe the appliance. Dry with a dry cloth.
Now, to disinfect the machine, wipe the entire surface with a disinfectant wipe. One wipe is enough to kill all the bacteria on the surface. Now wipe it with a soft, dry cloth to remove any remaining moisture from the device. Do not use the same cloth that you used before. Finally, let the device rest for 5 minutes before using it again.
