With your phone being used everywhere — from the kitchen to public transportation — it needs regular cleaning more often than you might think.

The amount of pollution on phones

Studies have shown that most phones contain E. coli bacteria and other species, including Bacillus cereus, which is responsible for severe food poisoning. In a previous study, high school students’ phones were found to contain a high average of microbes, regardless of the type of phone or the gender of the user.

When should you clean the phone?

Experts advise wiping the phone daily, especially after it has touched multiple surfaces during the day. Daily deep cleaning is not required, but routine wiping keeps the device clean and reduces exposure to bacteria.

The best ways to clean the phone

Manufacturers, such as Apple and Samsung, recommend starting with a lint-free microfiber cloth, and a cloth made for camera lenses can also be used.

Steps to clean the phone:

1. Turn off the phone and disconnect it from the power source.

2. Remove the phone from any protective cover.

3. Gently wipe the phone to remove smudges and fingerprints, and don’t forget the camera lenses and edges of the phone.

4. Prepare a solution of 70% isopropyl alcohol mixed with water (50/50 or 70/30) and put a small amount of it on a cloth.

5. Wipe the phone from the front, back, and sides, avoiding the phone’s openings.

Modern sterilization alternatives

UV-C sterilizers can be used to sterilize your phone effortlessly:

What to avoid when cleaning the phone

• Avoid cleaning your phone in the bathroom to reduce exposure to bacteria.
• Do not use hand sanitizer directly on the phone as it may damage the components.
• Avoid compressed air and harsh paper towels.
• Do not use glass cleaners or household chemicals that may remove the screen protection layer.

Source: Daily Mail