How to disinfect your phone

Is disinfecting your mobile phone even necessary? Apart from a few fingerprints, does it look as good as new? Well just because you can't see the dirt, it doesn't mean it's not there. Tiny dirt particles and pathogens are attracted to your phone like moths to a flame.

Even if you think you're being super careful with your phone, over time dirt will still get trapped on the screen and on the back of the phone, in tiny gaps around the edges, and in the ports.

According to experts, the surface of a smartphone is too smooth and too dry to serve as a breeding ground for germs. But even if this is true, it can't hurt to keep your mobile phone clean - it's more hygienic and above all, it looks better.

You’re probably wondering "how do I disinfect my phone and what should I use?". But don't worry – it’s as easy as washing your hands and hopefully you’re already a pro at that! 

If you want to clean and disinfect your mobile phone, you only need these three things: A damp cloth to wipe your phone, a dry cloth to dry your phone, and a disinfecting cleaning spray (preferably without alcohol and other harsh ingredients). For the cloth you’re going to use to wipe your phone, we recommend a special display cleaning cloth, which can also be used to disinfect a smartphone display. Suitable alternatives are microfibre and glasses cleaning cloths.

To thoroughly disinfect your mobile phone, it's best to use a disinfectant or cleaning spray. Just make sure to avoid alcohol-based cleaners as they can damage the screen's grease-repellent coating. So instead buy a gentle antibacterial and antiviral hygiene spray. These products are inexpensive and tackle germs just as well as sprays containing alcohol or soap.

If you’ve accidentally used an alcohol-based cleaner, don’t worry. Your phone is robust and can withstand a lot, but just don’t make a habit of this.

Before you get started, make sure you remember to unplug your smartphone from the charger and turn it off completely. Also, make sure it doesn’t come into direct contact with water or cleaning products. Remove coarse particles such as grains of sand by blowing hard onto the phone or using a strip of tape before you start cleaning. This will help you avoid causing any small scratches.

First dampen the cleaning cloth with water or the cleaning agent of your choice. Wring out the cloth so that it's not dripping but is just damp enough so that no wet marks are left behind.

Now clean the phone screen by wiping it gently and not applying too much pressure until any stains and watermarks are gone. For grease stains, this may take a little longer. Only clean the surfaces on the front and back and make sure that no moisture gets into any of the ports. Finally, polish the display and the back of the phone with the dry microfibre cloth until your phone glistens once again.

Now is the time to disinfect your mobile phone, paying particular attention to the display. Use an antibacterial hygiene spray for this. Spray onto the cleaning cloth and carefully wipe the front and back of the phone with it. Then use the second cloth to wipe everything dry.

Now you know how important it is to disinfect your smartphone regularly, but there are also some things you can do to prevent it from getting contaminated in the first place. This includes special mobile phone cases made of an antibacterial material that prevent germs from multiplying. Another idea is to apply a special screen protector after disinfecting your smartphone and use a flip cover that covers the screen.

Another good idea is to not pick up your phone when you are in the bathroom, eating or cooking, exercising, or putting on make-up.

Now, if you're in a cleaning mood after disinfecting your mobile phone and you suddenly also want to know how to disinfect your shoes, how to remove sticker residue or how to clean plexiglass? The you are right where you need to be our articles will help you out!