How to Disinfect Your Cell Phone During Cold and Flu Season

It's that time of year again, cold and flu season. And while you may be taking all the necessary precautions to avoid getting sick, you might not be giving your cell phone the same treatment. After all, we take our cell phones everywhere with us, including places where germs are known to lurk (think: public restrooms). So, it's no surprise that our phones can end up being full of bacteria—yuck!

But don't worry. There are some easy ways to disinfect your cell phone and keep it germ-free. Read on for step-by-step instructions from FixIt Mobile, computer, and cell phone repair specialists in West Valley City, UT, on how to clean your phone the right way.

Power Down Your Phone

Most of us are guilty of neglecting to power down our mobile phones before cleaning them. But did you know that this simple step can help prolong your device's life?

When you clean your phone with the power off, you're less likely to subject delicate components to moisture and potential damage. In addition, powering down your phone before cleaning will help prevent liquid cleaners from seeping into hidden crevices and causing corrosion.

Take It Out of Its Phone Case

After you power down your phone, remove your phone from its case. This will give you better access to all the nooks and crannies where dirt and grime can build up.

Wash Your Hands

We all know that our cell phones are covered in germs. In fact, studies have shown that they can be even more bacteria-ridden than a toilet seat.1 So it's important to ensure you wash your hands before cleaning your phone. Otherwise, you could end up spreading more germs around.

Remove Surface Dirt

Start by using a soft, lint-free cloth to remove any surface dirt, fingerprints, or debris from your phone's screen. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the finish on your phone.

Use the Right Disinfectant Cleaner

Gently wipe the outside of the phone down with an anti-bacterial wipe. You can also spray a soft cloth with an alcohol-based disinfectant cleaner containing 70% isopropyl to clean your phone. Just make sure that the ratio of 70% alcohol is correct. This is important to kill any germs on the phone's surface. Pay close attention to areas where you typically rest your fingers (think: the home button, power button, volume controls, etc.).

Avoid getting moisture into any of the ports. However, make sure to read the manufacturer's instructions before using these products on your device.

Wipe Away Excess Moisture

Once you're finished cleaning, use a dry portion of your cloth to remove any excess moisture from your phone because moisture can damage the phone. Make sure to dry your phone entirely before putting it back in its case.

Clean Your Cell Phone Case

Look at your cell phone case. Check to see if there are any major dirt or grime buildup areas. If so, you can soak the case in warm, soapy water for a few minutes before scrubbing it with a soft toothbrush or cloth.

After you've removed any major buildup, rinse your case thoroughly with clean water. Then, dry it off with a soft cloth. Once the case is dry, you can use a microfiber cloth to buff away any remaining dirt or fingerprints gently.

For a finishing touch, you can use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove any lingering residue. Allow the case to air dry completely before snapping it back onto your phone. With just a little care, you can keep your cell phone case clean and looking like new for years to come.

And that's it! Your cell phone is clean and disinfected. Repeat this process as often as necessary, especially if you think your phone may have come into contact with someone sick.

Try a Cell Phone Repair Technician

There are many reasons why people take their phones to cell phone repair businesses to have them cleaned. One reason is that these businesses have the tools, special cleaning solutions, and equipment necessary to do a thorough job.

They also have the experience and expertise to thoroughly clean a cell phone without damaging the charging port, headphone jack, and SIM card slot. Taking it to a cell phone repair technician ensures that your phone will be cleaned correctly and safely.

In addition, cell phone repair businesses like FixIt Mobile in West Valley City, UT,  typically offer other services like screen repairs and battery replacements. This means that you can take care of all your phone's needs in one place, which is convenient and saves time. If you're in the West Valley City, Utah area looking for someone to clean or repair your cell phone or computer, contact FixIt Mobile. 1. https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/newsevents/news/2011/mobilephones.html