How to Disinfect a Smartphone: Step-by-Step Guide

To fight viruses, particularly the coronavirus disease COVID-19, Rospotrebnadzor recommends regularly disinfecting your mobile device. The press service emphasized that a phone, which we practically never take out of our hands (in various places), can be one of the main sources of bacteria and viruses. We explain how to keep your smartphone clean without causing damage during the process.

Wash Your Hands

The main recommendation you shouldn't forget is frequent handwashing. Before disinfecting your phone, make sure to wash your hands and then rinse them afterward after each use of the phone. To eliminate bacteria, lather your hands for at least 20 seconds. Specialists recommend either counting the time or for convenience, singing the well-known song Happy Birthday twice.

Use the Right Antiseptic

Secondly: regularly treat your phone with antiseptic products, especially in areas where the device's body contacts your face. If you have a case, remove and treat it separately (it's better to do without one). For fighting influenza and respiratory viruses (including coronaviruses), it's best to use alcohol-based wipes and gels. Among the most common products that effectively fight the coronavirus are ethyl and isopropyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and sodium hypochlorite. Chlorhexidine is more suitable for protection against bacteria but can be used in extreme cases.

To avoid damaging the speakers and other openings in the phone case (e.g., cracks on the screen), gently clean the device with a lint-free cloth soaked in a disinfectant solution.

Important

You should disinfect your phone after every trip to the city and visiting public places.

Don't Forget About the Case

The phone case should be cleaned separately several times a day. Plastic, silicone, and metal models can be washed under water with soap or dishwashing detergent.

Don't Share the Device

On metal, glass, ceramic, and plastic surfaces, the coronavirus can survive for several days at room temperature. The virus often settles on surfaces along with tiny droplets when an infected person coughs or from hands that previously touched items like door handles, elevator buttons, and so on. That’s why you shouldn’t share dishes or pass the phone to close ones without first disinfecting it.

Try an Alternative

If you're not satisfied with chemical disinfection, consider alternative protection methods. The first option is to place your phone in a sealed polyethylene bag and dispose of the bag after each trip outdoors. The second option is more expensive — purchasing a device that sterilizes your phone using UV light. For example, PhoneSoap is a device resembling a tanning bed for phones. PhoneSoap cleans 99% of bacteria from your phone in just ten minutes. This portable sterilizer will serve you for many years.