Tech Experts Urge Regular Phone Cleaning Amid Rising Flu & Cold Season – Here’s How To Do It Safely
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Sydney, Australia – November 8, 2023 – As Australia heads into peak flu and cold season, health experts and tech manufacturers are reinforcing the importance of regularly disinfecting mobile phones – devices consistently identified as harboring significant levels of bacteria. A new analysis of cleaning guidelines from Apple, Samsung, and leading technology pedagogy experts reveals simple, effective methods to sanitize your phone without causing damage.
while the COVID-19 pandemic initially drove heightened awareness of phone hygiene, maintaining this practice remains crucial for everyday health. Our phones are constant companions,exposed to countless surfaces and,consequently,a breeding ground for germs.
The Science of a Clean Screen: What the Manufacturers Recommend
Cleaning your phone effectively doesn’t require expensive products. According to guidelines from major manufacturers, the key lies in using the right materials and techniques. Before beginning, always unplug your phone and remove any cases or accessories.
Here’s what the experts recommend:
70% Isopropyl Alcohol Wipes: This is the gold standard.Avoid wipes with higher alcohol concentrations, as they can damage screen coatings.
Microfiber Cloths: These soft cloths are essential for gently wiping surfaces without scratching.
Anti-Static Brushes: Soft-bristled brushes, made from nylon, horsehair, or goat hair, are ideal for cleaning delicate areas like speaker grills and charging ports. These can be purchased at electronics stores like JB Hi-Fi or online retailers like Amazon Australia.
During the pandemic, Apple specifically authorized the use of Clorox disinfecting wipes in addition to 70% isopropyl alcohol, emphasizing gentle submission to avoid coating damage or moisture ingress. Samsung echoes this advice,advocating for a lightly dampened microfiber cloth with a 70% alcohol solution,while explicitly warning against direct liquid application to ports.
Avoiding Damage: A Guide to Safe Cleaning
Incorrect cleaning can be more harmful than leaving your phone untouched. Here’s what not to do:
Never Spray Liquid Directly: Spraying any liquid onto the phone risks short circuits and corrosion within the device. No Submersion: Even water-resistant phones are vulnerable. The protective seals – comprised of rubber gaskets, adhesives, nano-coatings, and silicone layers – degrade over time, compromising their effectiveness. Apple’s water resistance ratings,for example,are tested under controlled laboratory conditions (IP68 rating for iPhone 15 models) and don’t guarantee protection against all liquids or prolonged exposure.
Skip the Paper Towels & Tissues: These materials can scratch the screen and leave behind lint that clogs ports.
* Don’t Overdo it: Excessive scrubbing can wear down protective coatings, making your phone more prone to fingerprints, smudges, and long-term surface damage.
How Often Shoudl You Clean?
There’s no hard and fast rule,but a weekly wipe-down is a good baseline for typical use. However,individuals who frequently use their phones in public spaces – such as on public transport in cities like Melbourne or Sydney,in hospitals like the Royal North Shore Hospital,gyms like Fitness First,or public restrooms – should clean their devices more often.
“If you’re serious about hygiene, cleaning not just your hands but one of the things you touch most every single day makes sense,” says Meena Jha, Head Technology and Pedagogy Cluster CML-NET at cquniversity Australia. “Doing it wrong can slowly damage your device. But doing it right is simple, affordable, and doesn’t take much time.”
Source: The Conversation – https://theconversation.com/your-phone-is-covered-in-germs-a-tech-expert-explains-how-to-clean-it-without-doing-damage-259908
© The Conversation.
