We carry our phones everywhere, from being tucked in your pocket as you head to work in the morning to serving as a distraction during your office lunch. Alongside traveling with you everywhere, that phone is accumulating numerous germs and bacteria from our hands and various surfaces. If you haven’t been cleaning your phone regularly, it might actually be more contaminated than a toilet seat.
The Federal Communications Commission recommends disinfecting your phone on a daily basis, but not all cleaning methods are secure. Aggressive chemicals and rough materials can ruin protective coatings and potentially damage your screen. To maintain both cleanliness and the integrity of your phone, using the correct cleaning methods is essential.
Fortunately, there are safe and efficient ways to sanitize your phone without causing any harm. We will guide you through the most effective methods and products for ensuring your device remains germ-free, whether you own an iPhone, Samsung, or any other model, no matter its water resistance level.
What are the top products for everyday cleaning?
After touching high-traffic surfaces in public—like door handles, public transport seats, grocery carts, and gas pumps—you might think you need a strong cleaner for your phone. However, you should steer clear of rubbing alcohol or products containing pure alcohol, as they can damage the protective coatings that shield your screen from oil and water.
Some people suggest crafting your own alcohol-water mixture, but getting the concentration incorrect can harm your phone. The safest choice is to use disinfectant wipes containing 70% isopropyl alcohol. For regular cleaning, you might consider a UV light product such as PhoneSoap, which eliminates 99.99% of germs and bacteria. You can also look to phone manufacturers and cellular service providers for recommendations.
Apple currently permits the use of Clorox Wipes and similar disinfectants, which were previously discouraged before the pandemic due to concerns they might be too abrasive for the screen’s coating. AT&T recommends spraying a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution onto a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe down your device. Samsung also advises using a 70% alcohol solution with a microfiber cloth. Always ensure your phone is powered off before beginning the cleaning process.
What are the optimal methods for eliminating fingerprints, sand, and makeup?
At times, your phone may require a more thorough treatment than just a general cleaning. The usual daily cleaning routine might not suffice to eliminate stubborn grains of sand after a trip to the beach or tough makeup stains.
Eliminate fingerprints
Fingerprint smudges are unavoidable since your skin produces oils. Each time you handle your phone, the screen will accumulate fingerprints. The safest method to keep your screen free of prints is by using a microfiber cloth. For a more intensive clean, moisten the cloth with distilled water (never apply water directly to the screen) and wipe down the surface. This technique is effective for both the back and sides of your phone as well.
Alternatively, consider a microfiber screen cleaner sticker that adheres to the back of your phone for convenient cleaning.
Remove sand and small debris
Grains of sand and lint can easily become trapped in your phone’s ports and crevices. To clean it out, we recommend using Scotch tape. Press it along the seams and speaker, then roll it up and gently insert it into the ports. The tape will help remove any debris, which you can simply dispose of after use.
For smaller speaker openings, gently use a toothpick or a small vacuum crevice tool to extract the debris. These tools are also effective for other small devices or hard-to-reach areas in your vehicle.
Clean makeup from your phone screen
When applying makeup and skincare products, such as foundation and moisturizers, you’ll likely leave residue on your phone screen. While makeup removers are effective for your face, they’re not suitable for screens due to potentially harmful chemicals. Instead, opt for a screen-safe makeup remover like Whoosh, which is gentle on all screens and alcohol-free.
Alternatively, use a damp microfiber cloth to clean your phone, and then wash the cloth afterward. Ensure the cloth is only slightly damp to avoid soaking your phone with water.
What if my phone is water-resistant?
For phones that are waterproof (rated IP67 and above), it is advisable to use a damp cloth to clean the device rather than immersing it in water or rinsing it under a faucet—regardless of the claims about its ability to withstand submersion for a specific duration.
After cleaning, use a soft cloth to dry your phone, making sure to gently dry all ports and speakers. While your phone can handle some exposure to water, immersion could lead to moisture entering the ports, which might slow down the charging process. Bear in mind that water resistance is designed for unforeseen accidents, not for swimming or frequent cleaning.
Things to avoid when cleaning your phone
We’ve discussed why makeup remover and rubbing alcohol should not be used, but that is not an exhaustive list of harmful cleaning substances. Here are a few more items and products you should never use for cleaning your phone:
- Hand sanitizer: The fragrances and ethyl alcohol found in many of these products can be damaging to your phone.
- Window or kitchen cleaners: Strong cleaners can remove the protective coating on your device, leaving it more susceptible to scratches.
- Paper towels: The paper can tear, causing debris to worsen the situation, and their rough texture can scratch your screen.
- Dish and hand soap: Most soaps need to be mixed with water, and since it’s best to avoid water on your phone, using just a damp cloth is safer.
- Vinegar: Similar to cleaners and alcohols, vinegar can strip the protective coating from your phone screen.
- Compressed air: Direct and forceful air can harm your phone’s ports, particularly the microphone. Apple explicitly advises iPhone users against using compressed air.