We , disinfect shopping carts, and wipe down tables at cafes. But what about our phones? We touch them dozens of times a day, including at the dinner table and in the bathroom. Meanwhile, these essential devices are often teeming with a variety of germs.
So, when was the last time you wiped down your , and what did you use?
Experts warn that using the wrong cleaning products or tools can damage your phone’s protective coating, ruin waterproof seals, and even impair its touch sensitivity.
Phones Definitely Need Cleaning
First off, screens get covered in fingerprints and smudges, so they need to be wiped down for both aesthetic and functional reasons.
The second factor is the connection between dirt on your phone and potential health issues. Every time microbiologists take swabs from mobile devices, they consistently find hundreds of types of bacteria and viruses.
While not all of them cause illness, the potential for that exists, as confirmed by Mina Jha, head of the technology cluster at Central Queensland University (CQUniversity, Australia).
We use our phones in the bathroom, bring them close to our mouths, and touch them while eating, among other things. And while we wash our hands multiple times a day, our phones rarely receive the same level of care.
Some Cleaning Products Can Damage Your Phone
But if you’ve finally decided to disinfect your phone, don’t damage it in the process!
You might think that a quick wipe with a household cleaner or hand sanitizer is a great way to keep your phone clean. However, many of these products can damage its surface and internal components, according to Science Alert.
Manufacturers of iPhones and smartphones do not recommend using bleach, hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, aerosol sprays, window cleaners, or wipes with high alcohol concentrations (more than 70 percent) on their devices.
Most are coated with an oleophobic layer—a thin film that protects against fingerprints and smudges. Harsh chemicals like alcohol, acetone, or ammonia-based cleaners can damage this coating, making the screen more susceptible to stains and reducing its touch sensitivity.
Vinegar, due to its high acidity, can cause corrosion on aluminum or plastic edges. Bleach and hydrogen peroxide are too aggressive for the delicate materials used in consumer electronics.
Wipes with high alcohol content can dry out plastic, making it brittle.
Therefore, if a cleaning product is aggressive enough for a kitchen counter, it will likely be just as harsh on your phone.
What’s the Solution?
In fact, properly cleaning your phone is a simple and inexpensive process. You just need to follow the experts’ recommendations. But first and foremost, before cleaning, you should disconnect it from the power source and remove any protective cases and accessories.
Most tech companies recommend using wipes soaked in less than 70 percent isopropyl alcohol, soft microfiber cloths, and anti-static brushes with soft nylon bristles or horse or goat hair for cleaning delicate areas like speaker grilles and charging ports.
Never spray liquid directly onto your phone, as moisture can seep in deeply, leading to short circuits or corrosion.
Submerging your phone in any cleaning solution is risky even for waterproof models: seals that prevent water ingress, such as rubber gaskets, adhesives, nano-coatings, and silicone layers, can quickly degrade.
Avoid using paper towels, napkins, or rough fabrics that can scratch the screen or clog openings with lint.
And also, don’t rub the surface too hard: this can damage the protective coating.
How Often Should You Clean Your Phone?
While there are no strict rules regarding how often to clean your phone, it should be thoroughly wiped down at least once a week with careful use.
If you regularly take your phone on public transport, to hospitals, gyms, or saunas, make sure to take care of it more frequently.
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