How to disinfect your smartphone?

Germs and bacteria proliferate on our smartphones, screens, tablets, keyboards, computer mice, cables or headphones. In view of the current health emergency, it is essential to carry out an effective cleaning of electronic devices in order to reduce the risk of spread of Covid-19:

As the Coronavirus spreads day by day, we now know that only absolute containment and impeccable hygiene can prevent the risk of contamination. In addition to repeated handwashing, we must also carry out regular disinfection of our electronic devices.

The smartphone is the first concerned, we take it absolutely everywhere, and even washing our hands regularly, sometimes we touch it with our fingers "dirty. ”
According to a University of Oregon study, more than 7000 bacteria can be found on our touch screens.
As a reminder, the Covid-19 virus stays on average 6 hours on our clothes, and between 12 hours and 4 days on inert surfaces. We let you imagine how difficult it is to guarantee total protection, which is why it is absolutely essential to do everything possible to reduce the risks.

What are the rules to follow to clean your smartphone?

– Latex or fabric gloves do not avoid the risk of contamination (if need be, they reduce the reflex of touching the face), and you cannot use the touch screen when wearing them.
There are however special tactile gloves, which contain silver wire to use your smartphone even with covered hands:
> Under breathable second skin tactile gloves, € 11.99 at Amazon

– Do not use strong cleaning agents such as those dedicated to conventional surfaces (kitchen, bathroom)
According to Bitkom (Federal Association for Information Technology and New Media), detergents, soapy water, alcohol-based cleaners and window cleaners are prohibited for smartphones.

Choose an alcohol-free cleaning agent specific for smartphone screens and your other devices (tablets, computers, TV, etc.):

> Ecomoist cleaning kit 500ml + 2 microfiber towels, € 17.24 on Amazon

– Do not spray the product directly on the device and avoid contact with water. Phones are very sensitive to humidity and the manufacturer is not responsible for any damage.

How to disinfect your screens safely?

1. Safety first: to avoid the risk of short circuit, you must first switch off the device. If necessary, turn it off and disconnect all cables, and verify that it is "cold".

2. Gentle cleaning: moisten a lint-free micro-fiber cleaning cloth. Wring it out carefully and gently wipe the screen.

3. Delicate drying: after cleaning, proceed to immediate drying. For this, a soft cloth like those for camera lenses will be perfect.

> Double-sided microfiber cloths x5, € 10.49 on Amazon

What products are effective for disinfecting electronic devices?

There are specific, non-invasive disinfectants for the devices. Just like Bitkom, Apple and other brands did confirm that it was "possible”To use certain products to eradicate the germs of smartphones during this period of covid-19 particularly virulent.

It is recognized that solutions based on isopropyl alcohol (70%) are effective against bacteria and compatible with smartphones. If you buy it in liquid form, it will be necessary to impregnate a soft cloth with the product before passing it on the devices.

> 200 x disinfectant wipes 70% sterile, € 12.35 on Amazon

– As a precaution, think of protective films: this avoids scratches and damage due to alcohol-based disinfectants. Once the films are pasted, you can use the disinfectant more regularly.

> Find protective films for smartphones here

How to clean your phone while on the go?

To clean and disinfect the mobile phone outside your home, simple wipes for glasses are ideal. They kill most bacteria and germs. To slip into the bag!

> 100 x disinfectant wipes 70% first aid, glasses and screens, € 9.99 on Amazon

How to clean the sockets, cables and keyboards of the devices?

Most germs and bacteria also accumulate in the interstices and holes on the front or back of the smartphone.
To clean these areas, use a cleaning and antibacterial silicone paste. The texture adapts to the shape of the area to be disinfected, such as the output of the audio cables, the gap of keyboard keys, the device charging port, USB ports …

> Silicone cleaner for keyboard and electronic devices, € 13.99 on Amazon

5 tips to protect your phone longer

5 tips to protect your phone longer

In order not to have to clean your cellphone every five minutes, you can take these preventive measures:

1. Do not take your phone when you are in a public restroom
2. Do not touch your phone while cooking, and do not place it on the mixing table (even less in a restaurant)
3. Do not place your smartphone on equipment in sports halls
4. Do not touch it while applying makeup or creams to the skin
5. Do not use hydroalcoholic gels to clean your devices, they have no effect on inert surfaces

If in doubt, you can also take advantage of confinement to practice a digital detox … You will notice how liberating it can be!

Read also :

You can find official information on the Covd-19 on the WHO website


Video by Juliette Le Peillet