Khaberni - The smartphone is a fertile environment for germs, considering all the places you take it to, whether it's the gym, the kitchen or even the toilet, and it spends half of its life touching your face.
Research indicates that a phone screen is likely teeming with more bacteria than a public toilet seat, yet most of us go weeks without cleaning it even once.
If you don't sanitize your phone daily, you're carrying around a layer of dirt accumulated over months. The American Federal Communications Commission recommends daily cleaning of the phone, but be careful as using the wrong substances can permanently damage your phone's screen, according to a report by the specialized technology news site "CNET," which was reviewed by "Al Arabiya Business".
All you need to clean your phone is a soft cloth and a safe cleaning solution specifically designed to kill germs without damaging the phone.
You should avoid rubbing alcohol or products made from pure alcohol, as they can damage the protective layer that prevents oil and water from reaching your screen.
Some suggest preparing a mix of alcohol and water yourself, but not properly diluting it can harm your phone. The safest option is to use disinfectant wipes containing 70% isopropyl alcohol.
For daily cleaning, you can use a product that uses ultraviolet light such as "PhoneSoap," which eliminates 99.99% of germs and bacteria. You can also refer to the guidelines provided by phone manufacturers and telecommunications companies.
Apple now approves the use of Clorox disinfectant wipes and similar sanitizers, which was not recommended before the pandemic as they were considered harsh on the screen's coating.
Samsung also recommends using a 70% alcohol solution with a microfiber cloth. Always make sure to turn off the phone before cleaning it.
Removing fingerprints and sand
Sometimes, your phone needs special care when cleaning. The daily recommended cleaning process may not be sufficient to remove stuck sand grains after a holiday on the beach or tough foundation stains.
There is no escaping fingerprints because your skin secretes oils. Every time you hold your phone, fingerprints will accumulate on its screen. The safest way to keep your phone's screen free of fingerprints is to use a microfiber cloth.
For deeper cleaning, moisten the cloth with distilled water—never pour water directly onto the screen—and wipe the surface. This method is also effective for cleaning the back and sides of your phone.
Alternatively, try using a screen cleaning sticker made of microfiber, which sticks to the back of the phone to facilitate the cleaning process.
Sand grains and fuzz can easily get stuck in your phone's ports and crevices. To remove them, using tape is advised, whereby you should press the tape along the fold and speaker, then gently twist and insert it into the ports. The tape will pull out any impurities. Then you can easily dispose of the tape after cleaning.
For small speaker holes, gently use a toothpick or a small suction tool for crevices to remove debris. These tools are also effective for other small devices or hard-to-reach places in your car.
Things to avoid when cleaning your phone
Hand sanitizer: The fragrances and ethyl alcohol found in many sanitizers can damage your phone.
Window or kitchen cleaners: Strong cleaners may remove the protective layer from your phone, making it more susceptible to scratches.
Paper towels: Paper towels may tear, increasing the accumulation of dirt on your phone, and their rough texture may leave scratches on your screen.
Dish and hand soaps: Most soap types require mixing with water, and since water should be kept away from your phone, it's better to use a damp cloth.
Vinegar: Like cleaners and alcohol, vinegar removes the protective coating from your phone's screen.
Compressed air: Blowing concentrated and direct air into your phone's ports can cause device damage, especially the microphone.
