The last few years has put a spotlight on something we all should be concerned about anyway: germs. While the best way to prevent getting sick is to wash your hands thoroughly and often, there's another thing we all should be doing to stay healthy: cleaning smartphones.
A 2022 Gallup poll found that over eight in 10 adults keep their smartphones with them all day — and many do so all night. With so much up-close-and-personal time, screens tend to get dirty.
Smartphone screens should be cleaned immediately if it comes into contact with materials that might cause stains, such as ink, dyes, makeup, dirt, food, oils and lotions. But what’s the best way to clean a generally grimy screen? Here’s some advice from Jessica Ek from the American Cleaning Institute.
How often should I clean my phone?
You might be surprised by how often experts suggest cleaning your phone! "Dirt, oil or germs from hands can mark up cell phones," Ek explains. "Wipe the screen at least daily with a microfiber cloth."
Also, your phone case can trap dirt and grime along the edges. Take the cover off weekly and use a disinfectant wipe to clean it.
Can I use alcohol wipes to clean my phone?
"Check with the manufacturer," says Ek. "For many phones, it is safe to use a disinfectant wipe."
What should I use to clean my phone?
Before you begin, check your owner's manual for any cleaning instructions specific to your device.
As she mentions above, Ek suggests using a microfiber cloth on the screen and a disinfecting wipe on the case, both inside and out. Let it dry completely before putting the case back on.
How to clean your phone screen
- Take off your case.
- Use a disinfectant wipe with 70% alcohol. (Note: Apple recommends avoiding cleaning products with bleach, hydrogen peroxide or other abrasives.) To avoid damaging your smartphone, do not submerge your phone or get any cleaning fluids in any of the ports.
- Use only a soft, lint-free cloth, like microfiber, to wipe away smudges. Abrasive materials, such as rough cloths, towels and paper towels, could scratch the glass and damage the oil-repelling coating on the glass screen.
- Let everything air dry before you pop your case back on.
While all of this extra care and caution can be time-consuming, it's one of the best things you can do to prevent getting sick, so keep it up!
How we chose the best products for cleaning your phone
TODAY.com spoke an expert from the American Cleaning Institute about the best practices for cleaning your phone. Based on the guidance she provided, we found affordable and fan-favorite products to help you get the job done.
Meet the experts
- Jessica Ek is the senior director of digital communications at the American Cleaning Institute. She’s previously spoken with Shop TODAY about why you shouldn’t be using dryer sheets, how to clean puffer jackets and how to wash baseball hats.
