The Right Way to Clean Your Cell Phone and Accessories

Photo: (Photo : Edward Jenner from Pexels)

Cellphones have one of the most commonly touched surfaces. Due to the pandemic, it is important to keep your phone sanitized; follow the right way to clean your cell phone and accessories.

What you should NEVER use to clean and disinfect your cellphone

While EPA added ammonia, bleach, hydrogen peroxide, lactic acid among its recommended COVID-19 disinfectant list, these are not suited for cleaning electronics. Also, avoid using these cleaning products:

  • Window cleaners

  • Household cleaning products

  • Paper towels

  • Makeup remover

  • Compressed air

  • Vinegar

  • Hand or dish soap

  • Harsh solvents

How to clean your cellphone

First, you need to power down your phone and remove it from its protective case, if you are using any. The phone case and other accessories should be cleaned separately.

Mix an equal amount of distilled water and 70% isopropyl alcohol. According to Apple, it is safe to use 70% alcohol wipe or Clorox Disinfecting wipes to clean your iPhone. It is important that you use distilled water as hard water may contain abrasive particles.

Spray the mixture onto a lint-free microfiber cloth. Remember to spray just the right amount and never apply the mixture directly to the phone. You don't want moisture from getting into any openings and damaging the electronic parts inside.

You may then wipe down the screen and the rest of the phone with the microfiber cloth. For small areas like the camera lens, buttons, and ports, you can use a cotton swab to clean them. Then wipe them down again using a slightly damp microfiber cloth. Allow the phone to air dry.

How to clean your phone accessories

As for the phone accessories, including earbuds and chargers, you can use the 70% isopropyl alcohol and distilled water mixture. Lightly spray the microfiber cloth with the mixture before using it to clean the accessories.

Silicone and plastic cases can be soaked in warm water mixed with a few drops of dishwashing soap. Put a weight on top of the case to keep it submerged. Then gently scrub the edges with a toothbrush. Dry the case with a lint-free microfiber cloth. Airdry the silicone case before inserting the phone. 

You can do the same if your silicone phone case is white and is only slightly dirty. However, if the phone is heavily stained and already starting to turn yellow, you may add a small amount of bleach to the cleaning solution.

Rubber phone cases can be cleaned using dish soap and water. Soak the case in the water mixed with soap while gently brushing the edges. You can use isopropyl alcohol or borax to remove tough stains, then dry it with a microfiber cloth. Cleaning paste made from baking soda and water is also a good alternative.

For leather phone cases, you need a mild cleaning solution to clean it. Use a mild cleanser on a damp microfiber cloth should do the trick. Clean the phone case using gentle, circular motions.  To wipe dry the case, you may want to use a terry cloth towel to reach the creases and cracks.

If you have a wood phone case, do not use liquid directly to the case. A simple dusting should be enough. However, if the case has sticky residue, you may use a cloth dipped into water mixed with a few drops of vinegar. Use a microfiber cloth to remove excess moisture.

Read next:

How to Clean Shower Doors

How to Keep Your Kids Safe On the Playground
How Do You Choose the Right Home Furniture?

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