Our mobile phones connect us to the outside world and maybe the items we have the most contact with throughout the day. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused Americans to pay attention to their own health and safety, and telephone health issues have attracted increasing attention.
Health experts recommend cleaning the phone at least once a day, just in case. Before you begin, contact the manufacturer for guidance on how to clean the equipment. Apple and many Android device manufacturers have provided similar advice:
- Unplug the device before cleaning it.
- Use a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with soap and water.
- Don’t spray cleaners directly onto the device.
- Avoid aerosol sprays and cleaning solutions that contain bleach or abrasives.
- Keep liquids and moisture away from any openings on the device.
Although it is safe to use disinfecting wipes on many devices, remember that people with alcohol, bleach, or vinegar may wear a protective coating on the screen of their smartphones.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides additional advice on cleaning and disinfecting mobile equipment, especially during the COVID-19 crisis. If the equipment manufacturer does not provide instructions, CDC will use an alcohol wipe or spray with an alcohol content of at least 70% to disinfect the touch screen.
You can also take steps to minimize your mobile device’s exposure to germs and coronavirus.
- When outside of your home, keep your phone in your pocket, purse, or car.
- When shopping, use a written shopping list, not a list kept on your smartphone.
- Use a credit card for payment, preferably a contactless one, and not the mobile payment option on your smartphone.
- After being in public places, only touch your phone after you have washed or sanitized your hands or removed gloves you have worn.
- Use a hands-free device when making calls so that your phone is not pressed against your face or face mask.
