Constantly Handled, Rarely Cleaned
The smartphone is a device that we use every day and handle constantly, with clean or dirty hands. We leave it on the desk, put it in the kitchen, and sometimes even take it to the bathroom… and yet, we often neglect to clean it. In 2018, a British study even pointed out that the mobile phone is, on average, three times dirtier than a toilet bowl. The reason is simple: we clean the toilet bowl more often than our smartphones, which turns out to be rather strange. The study also revealed that a third of those surveyed had never cleaned their mobile devices.
According to some studies, the coronavirus can survive for tens of hours on surfaces such as plastic and steel, and the glass on a smartphone screen is also a potentially risky surface. A mobile phone can therefore carry the virus that causes COVID-19, but we must put this information into perspective. Indeed, a smartphone is a personal object that we rarely lend to others. If you are sick, touch your mobile phone, and leave the virus on it, keeping your device to yourself limits the opportunity to transmit it to someone else. A good reason not to lend it.
This observation also applies to other viruses, such as those that cause gastroenteritis. In any case, it is useful, if not essential, to clean your smartphone frequently.
Clean Your Smartphone Completely
Effectively cleaning a smartphone or tablet involves more than wiping the screen. Do not neglect any part of the device, including its exterior and protective case. Start by removing the device from its case and disconnecting its accessories. If you have a plastic or silicone case, you can clean it with soap and water, then wipe it dry with a soft cloth. For imitation leather or leather cases, choose a dedicated product or use a soft, damp cloth to avoid damaging the material.
Then move on to the smartphone itself. A wipe intended for cleaning computer screens may suit your smartphone. Read the packaging carefully to check for restrictions, and avoid excessively wet wipes that may allow liquid into small openings, such as the speaker. Wipe the device dry with a soft cloth to prevent streaks, then place the smartphone or tablet back in its protective case.
Smartphone Hygiene: The Pitfalls to Avoid
Cleaning your smartphone or tablet regularly helps maintain good hygiene, but you should avoid some common mistakes. First, this may seem obvious, but it is better to clarify: do not place your device under running water! Even if the manufacturer advertises water resistance under IP67 or IP68 standards, avoid deliberately immersing it in water, as you could damage it.
Another product to avoid when cleaning your device is hand sanitizer! Just because it works for hand hygiene does not mean it suits your smartphone or tablet. Follow your device manufacturer’s cleaning instructions, including guidance on whether you can use alcohol-based wipes. Avoid bleach and corrosive household cleaning products. Only use household disinfecting wipes if your device manufacturer permits them, as unsuitable products can damage the screen coating or the device’s exterior.
In Summary
Keep the habit of cleaning your mobile devices regularly, ideally every day. Washing your hands and then immediately touching a dirty tablet or smartphone can transfer germs back onto your hands.
Ideally, choose cleaning products suitable for your device and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. This simple habit helps keep your devices clean and usually takes only a few seconds, so why not do it?
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