Odds are you’ve heard by now that your phone is… well, kind of disgusting. Here are some quick statistics: According to TIME, most cell phones are dirtier than a toilet seat — and in one study, high schoolers phones were found to have more than 17,000 gene copies on their phones’ screens. Phones are gross (even if you don’t bring your phone into the bathroom).
When it comes to getting rid of germs quickly, most of us reach for a container of disinfecting wipes. They’re effective, easy-to-use, and get rid of germs and messes quickly. But should we be using them on our phones?
Representatives from Clorox, a leading disinfecting wipe brand, say they are unable to promote the use of Clorox products (including its disinfecting wipes) on electronic devices. Whether you’re team wipe or not, here are three things you should know, including safer ways to disinfect your phone.
- Disinfecting wipes may contain chemicals that can damage smartphones’ screens.
- The dampness of the wipes is an issue, too: Even if you haven’t considered the chemicals in the wipes as an issue before, the liquid solution that saturates the wipes (something you probably have noticed) can be a problem, too. You wouldn’t put a liquid-soaked rag on your smartphone, would you? Then you probably shouldn’t use a wipe, either.
- You should be using a microfiber cloth to wipe your phone instead.
That said, it makes the most sense to avoid using liquid disinfectants directly on your device. A way to go is to use protective casing to protect your phones including the screens from germs. The protective casing can be easily disinfected and your phone is protected.
