Yes, wash your hands. But like clean your phone, too. 

The NBA suspended their season. Universities have gone on Spring Break early. SXSW was cancelled. And many states have announced state of emergencies. Coronavirus – or COVID-19 – is on the rise. The main goal is to stop the spread and to stop it fast. 

Since we were young we were taught to wash our hands. We are not saying stop doing this. In fact, wash your hands more than usual to stop germs. We are saying wash your hands and disinfect objects and surfaces that are frequently touched. Because if you’re like us, you’re likely to be working from home indefinitely. Being quarantined in the four small walls of your home can take a toll on your sanity. Reaching for your phone for entertainment or to conduct work calls are now your norm. Meaning your phone is getting dirtier and dirtier by the minute. 

Did you know cell phones carry ten times more bacteria than toilet seats? Shocking, we know. Most of us neglect cleaning our smart devices but in wake of the COVID-19 craze, this has to become a daily ritual. If you’ve never cleaned your phone or need a refresh, we compiled the top tips below. Stay safe and read on. 

Unplug first

Before you start cleaning, double check your device is off and not in an outlet. 

Microfiber cloth

In order to not damage your screen, invest in a soft and lint free cloth. Lightly wet the cloth and wipe over your phone. It’s important it’s a cloth versus a paper material like a tissue or paper towel – these materials are too harsh and could cause multiple scratches. If you don’t have a microfiber cloth, Apple also suggests Clorox wipes. Just beware of openings like charging ports. You’ll want to avoid getting moisture in these areas to keep all functions working properly. 

Do not spray

Yes, most phones are water resistant, but directly spraying fluid on your device could cause a lot of trouble. All smartphones have built-in screen coatings. Their purpose is to prevent oil and grease from our hands to stick to our phones. Of course over time the coating wears off but spraying a cleaning agent will only strip it away faster. 

Think long term

If you have a spare $80, you might want to Amazon yourself a UV-C light. These are little boxes that your phone will sit in. Once inside, UV-C light is then blasted to disinfect your phone by breaking down germs and bacteria. 

Like all illness, prevention is key. Make sure you keep up with phone cleaning. Better to do more cleaning then less! 

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Image via Thrillist.