Cell phones have become essential in our daily lives, as they allow us to keep in touch with our relatives, friends, and loved ones at all times, while also being helpful as entertainment tools and work resources. There are many options in the market, and iPhones are one of the most popular choices among the general population.
According to studies, the average American checks their phone every twelve minutes. It’s common for us to take our phones wherever we go and touch them frequently. Hence, it’s not complicated for these devices to become nests of germs and bacteria. In fact, another study found that at least 17,000 gene copies can be found on one smartphone.
Even worse, other studies have found that a cell phone can have ten times more bacteria than a toilet seat.
Most of the bacteria that attach to our phones aren’t necessarily harmful. However, there is always the possibility that your device might be harboring potentially dangerous pathogens that could put your health at risk. This issue becomes especially worrying for people that work in the food service or healthcare industry.
Given this information, what can you do to keep your iPhone screen as clean as possible at all times?
How to wipe an iPhone clean
The screen is an essential part of an iPhone, as it allows you to take full advantage of your phone. Hence, your hands are in constant contact with the screen, making it easy for it to become dirty.
There are tons of ways to clean the screen of your smartphone without damaging it. Of course, you should never use solvents or strong chemicals to clean your screen. Doing so will only damage your screen, and you will either have to opt for a screen replacement or get a new phone.
Here we have some of the many ways you can consider wiping an iPhone clean. Although some of these methods can be obvious for some, there are a few things that you should consider if you want to make sure that your iPhone is free of bacteria at all times.
Before you start, make sure that your phone is disconnected and turned off.
Microfiber cloth + Soapy Water
The standard option is to use a microfiber cloth. You can easily find these pieces of fabric at any store at an affordable price. Any other scratch-resistant fabric can also be helpful if you can’t find microfiber cloth around your area. Make sure it is lint-free as well.
You can damp a small portion of the microfiber cloth with soapy water and rub it through your screen as you feel necessary. We recommend scrubbing for at least 20 seconds. Wipe it clean again with a dry portion of the microfiber cloth to eliminate the water and soap residues, and you’re good to go.
This is the best way of disinfecting your iPhone screen. Soap and water are your best allies when it comes to getting rid of bacteria and germs, as they will make it easy to wipe them off the screen within a few seconds as the soap molecules adhere to these microorganisms and make it easy to remove them from any surface.
Antibacterial wipes
Another option you have is to use antibacterial wipes. These wipes are moisturized with a special solution that is capable of killing the germs present on most surfaces. Plus, the fabric is soft enough to preserve the smooth and delicate touch of your iPhone screen.
All you need to do is rub the wipe through your iPhone’s screen, leave it to act for a few seconds, and you’re good to go. Your iPhone will be disinfected.
Microfiber cloth + 70% isopropyl alcohol
Again, the best option to get rid of germs is to use soapy water. However, we will always be in situations where access to such resources will be impossible. Hence, if you want to make sure that your phone is free of bacteria and potentially harmful pathogens at all times, make sure to carry a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution with you wherever you go.
Make sure that the alcohol you have possesses this exact percentage – it is necessary for it to be able to kill the bacteria and germs in your phone.
While alcohol is a good option while you’re on the go, keep in mind these substances (and similar liquids, like bleach or vinegar) are powerful enough to weaken the protective coating of your iPhone screen. Therefore, it could lead to a broken phone screen in the long run.
Other options
While the above methods are the most effective for keeping your phone clean at all times, there are other techniques you can also take into account to make sure that your phone is clean at all times. Some of the most effective are the following:
- You can use a microfiber cloth damped with distilled water. Scrub your phone with it, and let it air dry for a few seconds. You can use it to clean either side of your phone, but make sure not to squirt the water directly on your device.
- It’s also possible to find microfiber screen cleaner stickers. All you need to do is stick them to the back of your iPhone and remove it whenever you need to clean your phone.
Recommendations
There are tons of ways to keep your iPhone as clean as possible, and some of them may be more effective than others. However, there are a few things you should avoid while trying to keep your iPhone clean if you want to make sure that your device lasts for a long time.
Here we list some of the general recommendations, dos, and don’t you should know while trying to wipe your iPhone clean.
- Avoid using hand sanitizers, window cleaners, kitchen cleaners, rubbing alcohol vinegar, and makeup remover. These substances contain strong chemicals that may end up harming the protective coating of your iPhone’s screen.
- Dish soap and hand soap are excellent options to keep your phone clean. However, you should never apply those directly to your phone – make sure to always combine them with water before cleaning your phone. Use a damp cloth to wipe your phone clean, then.
- Compressed air may be a good option to clean certain devices, but your phone is not one of them. It can harm different parts of your iPhone, such as the microphone or speakers.
- Again, avoid using the strong cleaning agents you use to clean your house every day, as they may end up running your phone’s screen.
Read more: Does a wet wipes pouch really work?
How often should you clean your iPhone?
We always carry our phones with us. Despite that, it’s very common for us to forget about cleaning them. The best thing to do is to clean your phone every day, even if it’s not thoroughly disinfection. We advise you to carry a microfiber cloth with you all the time so you can wipe your iPhone clean whenever you notice that the screen has gotten too dirty.
On the other hand, you can perform an in-depth cleaning session on your phone every one or two weeks. Doing so will allow you to keep your phone clean and the harmful agents away from your device.
Tips to keep your iPhone clean
We all can agree that cleaning your phone now and then is necessary. Still, a few changes in your daily habits can also be helpful if you want to make sure that your phone is free of harmful pathogens most of the time. Here are some of our recommendations:
- Don’t use your phone while on public transit. If you often commute on public transit and often keep your phone in your hands, then it is very easy for the germs to stick to the screen, especially if you consider that you touch railings and handles now and then.
- Don’t use your phone in the restroom. It’s a very common habit to use our phones while we’re in the restroom – however, it’s very common for harmful germs to be lurking in your bathroom. Even if you clean your hands after using the toilet, it’s very easy for all these pathogens to stick to your phone.
As you can see, a few changes in your daily habits can help you make sure that your phone is clean at all times, allowing you to avoid harmful agents from attaching to it when you’re unaware of it.
Conclusion
This post has explained different ways to wipe an iPhone clean. If you truly want to get rid of bacteria, your best options will always be soap and water. However, if you’re on the go, make sure you carry 70% isopropyl alcohol and a microfiber cloth to make sure that your phone is clean at all times.
It’s important to make sure that your iPhone is clean, as it may reduce the risk of contracting diseases. Plus, it may also help you preserve your device’s life and extend it considerably.