How to clean the phone to prevent the spread of the coronavirus

The mobile phone is one of the items that we have to disinfect properly to prevent the spread of Covid-19. What are the recommendations? Some companies revealed how to do it. 

Alerts due to the spread of Covid-19 around the world have forced states to take drastic preventive measures. From not leaving home, to washing hands and disinfecting the home, the actions that we can all carry out are simple but important. Now, should we also clean the mobile?

This question arises for a very special reason: most of us tend to have contact with its surface most of the time. In addition, we bring it to the face to take calls, to the mouth to send recordings and we even let others use it at some point.

Although so far there are no reports of cases of contagion from contact with these types of devices, scientists believe that, as with other similar viruses, it is possible that Covid-19 may remain on mobile screens. Therefore, it is convenient to clean them.

Recommendations for cleaning and disinfecting the mobile

it ‘s important to establish the differences between cleaning and disinfecting. In the cleaning process we get rid of dirt and some germs, without actually killing the latter. Instead, disinfection uses chemicals that help kill germs on surfaces.

Considering this, beyond removing the obvious dirt from the mobile, we must try to disinfect them to reduce the risk of the coronavirus spreading . Let’s remember that it is one of the elements that we use the most throughout the day, and also one of the ones that we ignore the most when it comes to cleaning. What can we do?

Avoid the use of aggressive chemicals

The mobile is one of the elements that we use the most throughout the day. Therefore, as a preventive measure against the crisis caused by the Covid-19, it is convenient to clean it.

First of all, we must bear in mind that the mobile has special characteristics that require care. Most of them have an oleophobic cover – repels oils – whose function is to help keep the screen clean and avoid marks such as fingerprints.

This layer requires special treatment, as its function is protective and can be affected by the application of chemical products . Knowing this, we must avoid the use of solutions with bleach or conventional cleaning agents.

Use soft cloths

The cloth that we use to clean the mobile phone must be made of soft, lint-free fabrics, such as those usually found in optics when buying new lenses. The use of highly abrasive pads, sponges or cloths can also cause damage and imperfections to the device.

Companies like Apple and Google have recommended turning off the phone before starting any cleaning process. In addition, to leave it completely clean, they advise moistening the cloth with a little soap and water. Of course, we must prevent moisture from entering the openings of the mobile.

Use disinfectant wipes to clean the mobile

Disinfecting wipes are a good option to disinfect the screens of mobile devices.

Due to the current problems caused by the coronavirus outbreak (Covid-19), Apple updated its website with relevant information on how to disinfect the mobile. In this regard, we are told that it is safe to clean the iPhone and its other products with disinfectant wipes. 

You can carefully wipe wipes soaked in 70% isopropyl alcohol or disinfecting wipes from the Clorox brand on the exterior surfaces of the iPhone. Don’t use bleach. Prevent moisture from entering the openings and do not immerse the iPhone in any cleaning agent. – they point out.

A solution of water and alcohol

In a publication for Health magazine , microbiologist Charles Gerba gives his own recommendations to clean the phone these days. According to the expert, we can use a microfiber cloth that is slightly moistened with a solution of 60% water and 40% alcohol.

With this preparation we must also be careful, since the mixture should not be applied directly on the smartphone because it can damage it. Ideally, use a small corner of the cloth to remove excess liquid.

Wash your hands frequently

Last but not least, we must again emphasize the habit of washing our hands several times a day. Entities such as the World Health Organization(WHO) highlight that the habitual washing of the hands with soap and water, or with an alcohol-based disinfectant, helps to inactivate the virus if it is present on the hands.

This, of course, complements the cleaning and disinfection of the mobile phone, whose contact with the hands is quite frequent. In fact, it is something we should do even when there are no alerts like the one we are going through.