Several studies carried out in recent years attempt to demonstrate that smartphones are real nests for bacteria. The results also show that the screen of some devices sometimes contains more bacteria than toilet glasses. From a health point of view, it is essential to clean it regularly. Here are some tips to learn how to properly disinfect your smartphone without damaging it..
Disinfecting your smartphone: what to do and what not to do
While we are currently going through a critical period in terms of health (virus, influenza, coronavirus), the public authorities keep reminding us of the importance of washing your hands regularly. However, no specific instructions have been given regarding smartphones.
As you know, these electronic devices follow us everywhere, including in the toilets. A study carried out in 2012 by the University of Arizona is also interested in the germs present on mobile phones..
The conclusions are final. The results showed that smartphones contained 10 times more bacteria and viruses than toilet seats. What good then wash your hands with soap or hydroalcoholic gel every hour, if it is to touch a dirty touch screen.
You may get re-infected immediately. Should we panic? No. There are a few simple hygiene rules to apply to protect yourself from any contamination. The easiest way is to conscientiously wash your smartphone..
Why is putting your phone underwater a bad idea?
More and more smartphones sold on the market are labeled Waterproof. However, these devices are not truly waterproof. The seals on these phones lose their effectiveness over time.
The brands themselves recommend that their customers avoid submerging their phones in water. The manufacturers' guarantees do not cover water damage or the oxidation of the components due to contact with a liquid.
Putting your phone under tap water is therefore a very bad idea. Your phone's case may not withstand the pressure of the water. Similarly, the use of overly aggressive products such as certain alcohol-based wipes could damage the screen coating or the protective film.
Wash your smartphone properly
Fingerprint sensor, edge-to-edge touchscreen, ultra-thin case, anti-scratch and anti-fingerprint screen coating, smartphones have never been so sophisticated and fragile. Before promoting their longevity, it is therefore necessary to take great care.
For example, do not use alcohol, disinfectants, wipes, or abrasive materials. The use of these substances may damage it. Instead, prefer a soft, lint-free cloth (microfiber) moistened with soapy water, as recommended by many manufacturers, such as Apple and Samsung.
- Unplug all cables connected to your phone
- Turn off your device completely (power off)
- Remove the phone from its case
- Take your lint-free microfiber cloth like those used to clean the lenses of your glasses. Avoid old rags and paper towels which may create micro scratches
- Lightly dampen the cloth in warm, soapy water
- Wipe the screen, the back surface and the buttons on the edge with this cloth
- Be careful not to get moisture into the openings of the device such as the USB charging socket or the speaker grille
If your phone is fitted with a protective cover or case, also remember to clean it. Do not hesitate to consult the instructions for use accompanying the protective casing to find out which product is used.
If this seems restrictive but you still want to disinfect your smartphone, be aware that there are commercially available UV-C lamps in which we slide the phone. The light emitted by the lamp eliminates 99.9% of the germs present on the screen of the smartphone.
The disinfectant box has a charging port to recharge the battery while it is cleaning. It is also equipped with an audio-acoustic amplifier to hear alarms and notifications during the disinfection process.