How often should you clean your smartphone?

Most users carry smartphones everywhere, including public transportation, restaurants, and even toilets. According to Dr. Meena Jha at Central Queensland University, many people wash their hands many times a day but neglect to clean their phones.

Researching 26 smartphones in 2022, Lotti Tajouri, a molecular biologist at Bond University (Australia), discovered 11,163 organisms (5,714 bacteria, 675 fungi, 93 protists, 228 viruses, 4,453 bacteriophages) on the device surface. Therefore, the phone needs to be properly cared for to ensure aesthetics, functionality and health for the user.

Theo BGRcleaning includes wiping and disinfecting. Users can wipe daily To remove oil from the skin, dirt and other adhesions. Meanwhile, disinfection helps completely eliminate bacteria on the phone, which is complicated but should be done done weekly.

For normal cleaning, users can wipe the smartphone with a dry microfiber cloth. But when dealing with stubborn stains or disinfecting, moisten a cloth with diluted isopropyl alcohol (50% concentration) and gently wipe the phone. Users can also use soft materials instead of microfiber towels such as wet tissue or cotton cloth. Wipes containing ethyl alcohol are also an option but are less recommended because they take longer to dry. BGR recommends disinfecting after taking phone calls in public, looking up recipes in the kitchen, or scrolling through the phone in the toilet.

Smartphones are quite fragile, so using the wrong method or material when cleaning can be harmful, especially for people with good cleaning habits. Harsh chemicals can corrode the phone screen’s protective layer and seep into gaps, causing internal damage. Both Apple and Samsung recommend against using bleach, hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, aerosol sprays, glass cleaners, or high-alcohol wipes (over 70%) on their devices.

Apple’s cleaning instructions state that some alcohol-based wipes, such as Clorox, are safe to use on its products. However, you should avoid using them if you clean your phone multiple times a day because alcohol can damage the oleophobic coating. In case you must use an alcohol-containing solution, dilute it with water, then moisten a cloth to wipe it instead of pouring the solution directly onto the screen.

Users should also avoid using materials with rough surfaces on touch screens, as they can cause scratches. It is necessary to ensure that all materials are soft, clean, and do not irritate the skin when rubbed. Avoid using low-quality toilet paper, paper towels, and most clothing fabrics. You can wipe it with a wet cloth, but it’s best to use a microfiber cloth if you want to keep the screen long-lasting.

Theo Cnetwith IP67 waterproof phones (can withstand being immersed in water for about 30 minutes at a depth of one meter) or more, users should still wipe the device with a damp cloth instead of washing it with water, then dry it with a soft cloth, making sure all ports and speakers are dry. Water resistance is only for accidental use, not for swimming or regular cleaning.