Even before the coronavirus, we were all aware of germs, and the need to keep ourselves and our environment clean. However, the germs that live on our phones were never a consideration. With COVID-19, the cleanliness of our phones have come under scrutiny.

 

Thanks to COVID-19, more commonly known as the coronavirus, social distancing and frequent handwashing have become the norm, and self-isolation and quarantining now part of everyday conversation, as (so far) tried and true ways of slowing down the rate of infection. Increasingly, we are also being encouraged to wear face masks, which offer another layer of protection to ourselves and to those around us, and you may even see individuals wearing latex gloves, especially in places like the supermarket, once again, all in an effort to protect themselves from infection.

However, even with all of those precautions, there may be glaring omission, which is still leaving us open to infection: our mobile/cellular phone.

For many of us, our phone is an extension of ourselves. It is first thing we reach for when we wake up in the morning, and the last thing we put down before we go to bed at night. In the intervening period, it is either on our person or within arm’s reach. It is also the device we use to most: to check our emails; to make voice calls; to listen to music; and watch videos/movies, to name a few. So, we are handling our phones all of the time – putting it in bags and cases, resting it on surfaces, and then, putting close to our faces.

Truthfully, and before the coronavirus, we were not encouraged to clean disinfect our phones. The most that was suggested was to use a damp, lint-free cloth to wipe it down, with very little or detergent. The concern was that the cleaning chemicals used would strip the oil-repellent (oleophobic) coating on phones, destroying the finish, and making them even more susceptible to fingerprint smears.

 

Sanitising your device

However, with COVID-19 staring us all in the face, and with recent research indicating that the virus is able to survive on surfaces for up to nine days, phone manufacturers are now advising that we can indeed clean our phones, but still with caution:

  1. Unplug all external power sources, devices, and cables.
  2. Use a soft, lint-free cloth.
  3. Avoid abrasive cloths, towels, paper towels, or similar items.
  4. Don’t spray or apply cleaners directly onto the phone. Don’t get moisture into any openings.
  5. Avoid excessive wiping, which might cause damage.

With regard to the cleaners that can be used, 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe or disinfecting wipes are recommended. Do not use aerosol sprays, bleaches, or abrasives, and ethanol-based cleansers and sanitisers, such as Purell, should also be avoided.

 

Still be vigilant with hygiene

Although you can, and may wish to, disinfect your phone on a somewhat regular basis, it is still crucial to practise good hygiene. Handwashing – with soap(!) – social distancing and self-isolation are even more important to reduce your chances of infection. Further, and out of abundance of caution, you may wish to also consider using your phone in a hands-free mode, such as using the speaker, or with earbuds, in order to avoid putting the phone to your ears and in close proximity with your face.

Stay safe and be smart!

 

 

Image credit:  Myriam Zilles (Pixabay)

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