The Ultimate Guide to Safely Cleaning Your Mobile Phone

The Hidden Truth About Your Mobile Phone’s Cleanliness

Did you know that your mobile phone harbors a staggering 25,127 bacteria per square inch? In comparison, a toilet seat has only 1,201 bacteria per square inch. This shocking statistic reveals that your mobile device is over 20 times dirtier than the average toilet seat. It’s quite unsettling, isn’t it? Mobile phones pick up bacteria from various surfaces and environments, making them one of the dirtiest items we use daily. This raises an important question: how do we effectively disinfect and sanitize our mobile phones, particularly in light of the ongoing concerns surrounding the Novel Coronavirus? Health experts recommend cleaning your mobile phone at least once a day as a precaution against harmful viruses and infections. But how should you do it? Is it safe to use liquids for disinfecting your mobile phone? Will rubbing alcohol effectively sanitize your device? Let’s explore these questions further.

Is Rubbing Alcohol Safe for Cleaning My Phone Screen?

Absolutely! Sterilizing agents like rubbing alcohol are among the most effective solvents for cleaning phone screens. Experts suggest that using 70% isopropyl alcohol is ideal for disinfecting mobile devices and other electronic gadgets. This concentration is deemed the safest because it contains the right balance of alcohol and water. While it efficiently disinfects surfaces, it also evaporates quickly, minimizing the risk of moisture damage to your device. When it comes to cleaning phone screens, rubbing alcohol is a practical and effective solution.

Can Alcohol Damage My Phone Screen?

Rubbing alcohol has been a trusted cleaning and disinfecting solution for years, and it works well for mobile devices too. However, it’s important to note that pure alcohol can strip away your phone’s oleophobic and hydrophobic coatings. These coatings are designed to repel water, oil, and moisture, preventing damage to the surface. If you allow a high concentration of alcohol to sit on your phone’s screen for too long, you risk causing harm to your device.

Is It Safe to Use 91% Isopropyl Alcohol on My Phone?

While technicians at mobile repair shops often use 91% isopropyl alcohol for cleaning gadgets, it’s advisable to stick to 70% isopropyl for regular at-home use. The higher concentration of 91% isopropyl alcohol, while effective for disinfecting, can potentially damage the protective coatings on your phone if used frequently. For occasional cleaning, however, it can be used without significant risk of harm.

Safety Precautions When Using 91% or 99% Isopropyl Alcohol on Your Phone:

• Keep 91% and 99% isopropyl alcohol away from any ignition sources.
• Exercise caution with these solutions as they are highly flammable in both liquid and vapor forms.
• Avoid inhaling the mist from 91% and 99% isopropyl alcohol, as it can be hazardous to your health.
• Ensure proper ventilation when using these solvents in enclosed spaces to prevent dizziness. Avoid ingesting or absorbing the solvent in any way.
• Never use rubbing alcohol or any liquid to clean your mobile phone when it is charging, as this poses a risk of explosion.
• While 91% and 99% isopropyl alcohol are safe for industrial applications, their use in household cleaning is not recommended.

How to Safely Clean Your Mobile Phone with Rubbing Alcohol

Since rubbing alcohol is a liquid, it’s crucial to use it sparingly on your gadgets. Here’s a step-by-step guide for cleaning your phone:

1. First, unplug your phone from all power sources and turn it off.
2. Using a microfiber cloth, gently wipe away any dust and dirt from your mobile device.
3. Shake the microfiber cloth to ensure it is clean and free of debris.
4. Spray a small amount of 70% isopropyl alcohol onto the cloth, enough to clean the phone without saturating it.
5. With the damp part of the cloth, lightly wipe your mobile phone.
6. After cleaning, check for any residual moisture; if present, use a dry cloth to remove it.
7. Once finished, you can power on your phone and resume using it.

Tip: It is advisable to clean your mobile phone and other frequently used tech gadgets at least once a day.

What to Avoid When Cleaning or Disinfecting Your Mobile Phone

• Never spray isopropyl alcohol or any liquid directly onto your phone.
• Avoid submerging your phone in rubbing alcohol.
• Ensure that no liquid gets into any open ports, including charging ports, headphone jacks, or speaker surfaces.
• Do not allow isopropyl alcohol to remain on your phone’s surface for more than 10 seconds, as it could be absorbed and cause irreversible damage.

Do Alcohol Wipes Harm My Phone Screen?

As you browse the gadget market, you’ll find numerous antibacterial phone wipes made from materials like cotton, wood pulp, rayon fibers, polyester, or polypropylene. The moisture in these wipes comes from rubbing alcohol and other preservatives designed to inhibit bacterial and mold growth. When it comes to safety, disinfectant alcohol wipes are safe to use on your phone as long as their alcohol content is between 50% and 70%. Anything above this concentration could damage the oleophobic coating on your screen, leading to wear and tear. Always check the alcohol concentration on the ingredient list before purchasing disinfecting wipes for your phone.

Can I Use Hand Sanitizer to Clean My Phone Screen?

Will Hand Sanitizer Damage My Phone Screen?

As long as your hand sanitizer is an effective disinfectant, it can be safely used on your phone screen. However, avoid pouring sanitizer directly onto your phone. Instead, apply 2 to 3 drops of hand sanitizer onto a microfiber cloth and use it to wipe your mobile device. When used correctly, in the right quantity and frequency, sanitizer should not damage your phone’s screen.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, we hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights into cleaning and disinfecting your mobile phone with rubbing alcohol. Don’t forget to apply the same cleaning techniques to your phone case and accessories. When out in public, try to minimize phone usage or ensure your hands are clean or sanitized before touching your device. This practice will help reduce the chances of your phone collecting harmful germs and bacteria.