Cleaning phone during COVID-19 lockdown

How many times do you pick up your smartphone each day?

We’re guessing it’s a lot. According to a recent study by Ofcom, people in the UK are said to check their phones once every 12 minutes. They’re practically stuck to our hands. Which is why, amidst the coronavirus pandemic, it’s more important than ever to ensure they’re as clean and germ-free as possible.

Here we take a look at some of the best ways to clean your phone, without causing damage.

 

3 ways to clean your phone safely

1. Alcohol wipes

Manufacturers – such as Apple and Google – have previously been reluctant to recommend antibacterial products for cleaning their phones. But with health officials encouraging people to sanitise their tech regularly, they’ve had no choice but to update their advice in this area.  

70% isopropyl alcohol wipes are said to be the safest option.

Simply wipe down all of the phone’s exterior surfaces, leave it to dry for 10 minutes and then remove any residual moisture with a microfibre cloth. As long as you avoid openings (such as the headphone ports and speakers), this will successfully clean your phone without causing harm.

2. Soap and water

It’s also possible to disinfect your phone using mild soap and water.

This won’t remove as many germs as an alcohol wipe, but it’s an effective alternative – and, importantly, it won’t lead to any damage. Dampen a microfibre cloth (preferably lint-free) with the soapy solution, gently rub the hard surfaces of the phone and then dry it off a few minutes later.

Again, you should take care to avoid the openings (especially if the phone isn’t waterproof) and make sure your cloth is only damp – and not wet – to prevent excess water on its surface.

3. Rinsing

Lastly, you can also clean your phone by rinsing it in clean water.

Crucially, this method is only suitable for smartphones that are waterproof. In fact, your phone will need to have a certified waterproof rating of IP67 or above for it to be safe.

Simply hold the device under the tap for a few seconds, leave it to dry for five minutes, and then wipe away the remaining moisture with a microfibre cloth. Never submerge the phone in water, as this can seriously harm the internal components, and try to avoid getting water in the openings.

 

What should I avoid when cleaning my phone?

When it comes to cleaning your phone, manufacturers have warned against the use of chemicals (e.g. bleach), hand gels and abrasive cloths. These can all wear down the screen’s protective coating and, if used consistently, they can potentially lead to scratches and other forms of damage.

That’s why it’s important to stick to one of the three methods outlined above.

But if you weren’t aware of this advice – and have accidentally damaged your phone during lockdown – don’t worry. Here at Tech Guys 360, we’re open as usual and offer a full phone repair service. Whatever the make or model of your phone, and whatever the nature of the damage, we can have it up-and-running again in no time. What’s more, we can also offer further advice and tips on how to clean your phone safely and effectively – and avoid similar issues in the future.

So, what are you waiting for? Give us a call on 01744 410554 or send an email to info@techguys360.co.uk with a few details about your problem and we’ll get back to you ASAP.