The average person spends upwards of 4 hours on their phone each day, but when was the last time you cleaned your phone? Smartphones are among the most used electronic devices, and that’s due to their multi-functionality and how they go everywhere with us throughout the day! Considering just how frequently you handle your phone, combined with all of the bacteria from surfaces that you place, it’s no surprise how dirty it can actually get!
Before you touch your phone or hold it to your face, here are several easy ways that you can clean your mobile phone and kill those germs.
Importance of Regular Phone Cleaning
Smartphones are one of the dirtiest items we touch daily, with some studies suggesting that the average phone carries over 25,000 germs per square inch. That’s significantly more than items like doorknobs or even toilet seats. Given how often we handle our phones, these germs can pose a serious health risk, contributing to issues like acne breakouts, skin infections, and even the spread of illnesses such as the common cold or flu.
Beyond health concerns, regular cleaning is essential for maintaining your phone’s performance. Dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate in crevices and ports, potentially interfering with charging and causing long-term damage. Furthermore, dirty screens reduce touch sensitivity, making your phone less responsive over time.
By cleaning your phone regularly, you not only protect yourself from harmful bacteria but also ensure that your device continues to perform at its best. For those who are concerned about both health and device longevity, regular phone cleaning is a simple but effective solution.
Don’t Just Use Any Type of Cleaner
Once you take a moment to really pay attention to all the potential germs that are probably lingering on your phone, we realize it can be hard not to opt for the strongest chemical cleaner that you have nearby. However, it’s important to avoid using anything with harsh chemicals. These can end up causing more harm than good to the device, and they’re not safe for your skin, either.
Instead, opt for a specifically purposed and tested screen cleaner. Apply a small amount of spray to a soft microfiber cloth and gently wipe the screen – it doesn’t take a lot! Don’t worry about harming your phone, either, so long as it carries an IP water rating. This means that it is designed to be submerged in water at a certain depth. Of course, be careful about how much cleaning solution you apply, as some screens may have coatings that are more sensitive to chemicals.
Follow Manufacturer Guidelines for Safe Cleaning
Modern smartphones are all-screen, which makes keeping them clean a priority since touchscreens collect dirt and fingerprints quickly. When cleaning your device, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to avoid damaging your phone’s water resistance or sensitive components.
For detailed cleaning instructions, refer to:
These resources provide safe and effective tips tailored to your specific device.
Use Tape for Crevices
For hard-to-reach areas where crumbs or debris may be lodged, try using a piece of tape. Tear off a small piece and gently press it along spots like the rails or edges of a phone, such as around power, volume, or mute switch buttons. Stick, lift, and remove.
Important Note: Never use tools like cotton swabs or similar items inside openings or ports, as this can push debris further in or cause damage. Stick to safe cleaning methods outlined in your phone’s manufacturer guidelines.
Use a UV Ray Sanitizer
Amidst the ongoing stresses of the pandemic, many folks purchased UV ray sanitizers to minimize the transference of bacteria onto and from their smartphones. To keep your daily driver as clean and hygienic as possible, these are an ideal option, and we can’t recommend them enough!
Buy from a reputable brand with good reviews to ensure that you have a safe, well-made product that is highly effective. The key to UV sanitizer boxes and cases is that you want the ultraviolet light to not be visible when they are in use (so no silly windows for the sake of a cool design), and that both sides of the phone are being treated at the same time.
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Clean Your Phone’s Software and Data for Better Performance
Of course, fighting bacteria is only one kind of clean when it comes to the world of smartphones. Keeping your favourite device snappy and responsive, prolonging the need to upgrade, is just as important. For this reason, keep the amount of ‘bloatware’ to a minimum; it’s generally a good idea to delete unwanted apps and files straight away. This can free up storage space as well, which is great for iPhone owners who go with a base model’s lower capacity. Many Android phones benefit from this practice as well since their operating systems tend to come with a whole bunch of applications that you likely won’t use. Of course, virus scans and manufacturer-provided cleaning tools are also highly useful.
Use a Preventive Case
One of the best ways for keeping your phone clean and clear of any crumbs, debris and bacteria are by protecting it with a case. A protective phone case can shield your phone against daily dirt and grime and, of course, can look great while adding your own personal touch so that you always know you’ve got the right phone.
How Often Should You Clean Your Phone?
The frequency of phone cleaning depends on how often and where you use your device. In general, it’s recommended to wipe down your phone daily if you’re in high-touch environments like offices, public transportation, or gyms. A weekly deep clean, which includes sanitizing the screen and cleaning out ports, is also advised, particularly if your phone comes into contact with a lot of surfaces or if you handle it frequently during meals.
For users who mostly work from home, a more relaxed cleaning schedule can be followed. A quick wipe-down every few days and a monthly deep clean should be sufficient. However, if you take your phone outdoors frequently or handle it with dirty hands, you’ll want to clean it more often to avoid grime build-up.
Maintaining a cleaning schedule can help prevent performance issues like overheating, slower response times, or reduced battery life. Whether you’re using an Android or iPhone, regular cleaning of both the hardware and software is key to a healthy phone.
How to Disinfect Your Phone Safely
Disinfecting your phone properly is crucial to eliminating bacteria without causing damage. The safest approach is to follow the cleaning guidelines provided by your phone’s manufacturer to ensure you protect sensitive components like the screen’s oleophobic coating.
For detailed instructions, refer to:
Alternatively, use a screen-safe disinfecting wipe or a microfibre cloth with a compatible cleaning solution designed for electronic devices. Always turn off your phone and remove cases or accessories before cleaning, and avoid getting any moisture near ports or buttons.
During cold and flu season, regular cleaning helps reduce the risk of spreading germs, making it an important habit for staying healthy.
Best Practices for Cleaning Your Phone Internally
While external cleaning is important, keeping your phone’s internal storage organized and clean is equally crucial. A cluttered phone, filled with unused apps and files, can slow down performance and drain your battery faster. To keep your device running smoothly, regularly delete unused apps and clear out cached data.
On iPhones, you can use the “Offload Unused Apps” feature, which automatically removes apps that haven’t been used in a while while retaining their data. Android users can take advantage of built-in storage management tools to clear out unnecessary files and optimize performance.
For added protection, run virus scans periodically to ensure your phone isn’t carrying any harmful malware or viruses. Removing bloatware – pre-installed apps that you rarely use – will also improve speed and battery life.
Should You Use Phone Cleaning Apps?
Phone cleaning apps promise to help optimize performance by clearing out cache, freeing up space, and improving battery life. However, these apps are often unnecessary and, in some cases, can even be harmful. Many third-party apps require extensive permissions, which can pose a privacy risk by accessing sensitive data on your device.
Experts typically recommend using your phone’s built-in cleaning features, like Android’s storage management tools or iPhone’s Offload feature. These tools are optimized for your specific device and don’t carry the same risks as third-party apps.
While cleaning apps may seem like a quick fix, they often do more harm than good. Stick to trusted methods like manual cleaning and built-in features to keep your phone running at its best.
Preventive Measures for Keeping Your Phone Clean
Prevention is the best way to keep your phone clean and functioning well.
- Start by investing in a germ-resistant phone case and screen protector. These accessories can help prevent the build-up of dirt and bacteria while also protecting your phone from everyday wear and tear.
- Another useful habit is wiping down your phone with sanitizing wipes after heavy use or when you’ve been in a public area.
- And, of course, always wash your hands before handling your device to minimize the transfer of germs.
By taking these simple preventive steps, you can keep your phone looking clean and minimize the risk of bacteria build-up.
Keep Your Phone Clean and Performing Its Best
Regular cleaning, both inside and out, is key to keeping your phone in top condition. By following these best practices, you can reduce bacteria build-up, improve your phone’s performance, and extend its lifespan. Whether it’s disinfecting your screen, clearing out unused apps, or investing in preventive accessories, a little effort goes a long way in maintaining your device.
For professional phone cleaning and performance optimization, visit us at Mobile Klinik. Find your nearest location today!
