How To Clean The Mobile Correctly

Washing hands frequently and disinfecting the home are simple but important actions that we can all take to prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria. Now, should we also clean the mobile?

This question arises for a very special reason: most of us tend to have contact with its surface most of the time. In addition, we bring it to the face to take calls, to the mouth to send recordings and we even let others use it at some point.

Although so far there are no reports of cases of contagion from contact with these types of devices, scientists believe that viruses can remain on mobile screens. Therefore, it is convenient to clean them.

Recommendations for cleaning and disinfecting the mobile

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is important to distinguish between cleaning and disinfecting. In the cleaning process we get rid of dirt and some germs, without actually killing the latter. Instead, disinfection uses chemicals that help kill germs on surfaces.

Considering this, beyond removing the obvious dirt from the mobile, we must try to disinfect them to reduce the risk of contagion by viruses or bacteria. Let’s remember that it is one of the items that we use the most throughout the day, and also one of the ones that we ignore the most when it comes to cleaning. What can we do?

Avoid the use of harsh chemicals

First of all, we must bear in mind that the mobile has special characteristics that require care. Most of them have an oleophobic cover – it repels oils – whose function is to help keep the screen clean and prevent marks such as fingerprints.

This layer requires special treatment, since its function is protective and can be affected by the application of chemical products. Knowing this, we must avoid the use of solutions with bleach or conventional cleaning agents.

Use soft cloths

The cloth that we use to clean the mobile should be made of soft, lint-free fabrics, such as those usually found in opticians when buying new lenses. Using highly abrasive scouring pads, sponges or cloths can also cause damage and imperfections to the device.

Companies like Apple and Google have recommended turning off the phone before starting any cleaning process. In addition, to leave it completely clean, they advise moistening the cloth with a little soap and water. Of course, we must prevent moisture from entering the openings of the mobile.

Use disinfectant wipes to clean the mobile

On the other hand, Apple also offers relevant information on how to disinfect the mobile. In this regard, they tell us that it is safe to clean the iPhone and its other products with disinfectant wipes. 

A solution of water and alcohol

In a publication for Health magazine , microbiologist Charles Gerba gives his own recommendations for cleaning the mobile. According to the expert, we can use a microfiber cloth that is slightly moistened with a solution of 60% water and 40% alcohol.

With this preparation we must also be careful, since the mixture should not be applied directly on the smartphone because it can damage it. Ideally, use a small corner of the cloth to remove excess liquid.

Wash your hands frequently

Last but not least, we must emphasize again the habit of washing our hands several times a day. Regular hand washing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based disinfectant, helps kill germs on the hands.

This, of course, complements the cleaning and disinfection of the mobile, whose contact with the hands is quite frequent.