How to Disinfect Your Mobile Devices to Protect Against Germs

What’s the one item you have all day with you and are constantly touching? Yup, that’s your cell phone. We are all guilty of it, which means we are still exposed to the germs that accumulate on our phones.  

Now, think about how often you clean your cell phone. The Dirty Truth, a report compiled by Vital Vio, an antibacterial LED-light company, examined the gaps and risks in U.S. cleaning habits. They polled 1,200 Americans over the age of 18 about their cleaning habits and found that about a quarter of people said they have NEVER cleaned their cell phone. 41 percent admitted to holding their phones in their mouths when their hands were full. Yuck!

Furthermore, 80 percent of phones in homes with a child stricken with the flu have the virus on them. That can include tablets as well. Viruses can survive on these objects anywhere from a few hours to a few days. According to the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, one out of six phones contain fecal matter. You can see how easy it is to get sick from your phone especially considering how close at times your phone is to your face, and the number of times you are touching your mouth and face after using your phone.

You’re probably grossed out by now and looking at your phone in a whole new light. Fear not! There are actions you can take to keep your phone disinfected.

What’s the best way to sanitize your mobile device?

For disinfecting, both Apple and Google recommend using a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes to gently wipe the exterior surfaces of your iPhone or Android phone. Don’t use bleach and avoid getting moisture in any openings. Definitely don’t submerge your mobile phone in any cleaning agent. If you need to do a deep clean of your iPhone or iPad, you can follow Apple’s Cleaning Your iPhone Guide. Google also has detailed mobile phone cleaning instructions online.

Basic instructions for cleaning your phone or tablet include:

• Turn off your phone or tablet
• Use a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth to wipe off your phone
• If material is still present, use a soft, lint-free cloth with warm soapy water.
• Avoid getting moisture in openings.
• Don’t use cleaning products or compressed air.

Note that most mobile devices, like the iPhone have a fingerprint-resistant oleophobic, oil-repellent coating, and harsh cleaning products will diminish the coating and scratch your iPhone.  When in doubt check the manufacturers recommendations on-line first.

How many times should you clean your phone?

That depends on how often you use your phone, where your phone has been and what you have touched. For example, maybe you were handling meat at the grocery store or holding a subway pole on your way home. If you are active on your phone, it is good practice to clean it twice a day. Once before lunch, along with washing your hands, and once at the end of the day.

What’s the best way to keep your phone clean?

Needless to say, wash your hands often. Limit passing your phone around to other people, and also try to use Bluetooth technology as well as headphones to keep your phone away from your face.

We all know to wash our hands before we eat, but have you thought about cleaning your phone if you are going to use it while you are eating? Maybe that’s a new habit you want start, or better yet, leave your phone behind. 

At Stratix, we have in place a sanitizing process for mobile devices coming into our warehouse to keep both our employees and customers safe.

COVID-19 Mobile Resources

Together with our partners in mobile, we bring you resources including documents on device cleaning, working remote, loan & stimulus programs and more to navigate through COVID-19.

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