It is no secret that cell phones get dirty over time; In fact, it has been shown to house 10 times more bacteria than WC. But do not fear, as there are many solutions to clean and care for your phone. From antimicrobial screen protectors to ultraviolet sanitation and screen cleaning kits, it is not difficult to find a method that you like. And if you have the right materials at home, you don't have to spend a penny.
In fact, we are going to tell you how to do it. We will divide it into ways to clean your screen and your complete phone, and then we will finish with preventive measures such as washing your hands. If your hands are clean, they will not transfer so much dirt and germs to your phone. And just as we list phone maintenance, we also list what not to do, so be sure to consider these tips before you start cleaning.
Cleaning your screen
The phone screen is where spots, fingerprints and oils can accumulate, along with bacteria. Apple, Samsung and Google have suggestions on how to better clean the screen. The most common advice to start is to turn off your device (and make sure it is not plugged in, even if it has an IPX rating). It also doesn't hurt to make sure there are no liquids nearby.
When you're ready to clean, you'll want to start with a soft, lint-free cloth; Abrasives such as paper towels and towels can damage your phone's screen. When you want to remove dust and stains, a dry cloth will usually be enough. It is okay to moisten a small portion of the fabric with water or a safe screen cleaner if you are looking for a better cleaning. Just be sure to keep liquids away from the ports of your phone. Never spray liquid directly on your phone, as it may leak and cause damage. You should also try to avoid household cleaners and wipes with ammonia or hydrogen peroxide. When you are ready to rub, make it soft, as strong scrubbing can also damage your screen.
If you do not have a suitable cloth or cleaning solution, there are many kits available for this purpose. One of these kits is the Bryson Screen Cleaner Kit ($ 16.95; amazon.com). The kit comes with a 16-ounce bottle of cleaning fluid that is safe to use on all types of screens. In addition, you will receive a microfiber cloth that can moisten with the liquid to get to work. For a more portable phone cleaning package, it's worth checking out the Woosh Screen Cleaner Kit! ($ 15.99; amazon.com). Three microfiber cloths and two spray bottles (3.4oz and 0.3oz) of a custom-made cleaning solution for phone screens are included. This pocket kit is easy to carry around so you can clean your screen on the go.
And finally, there are the iCloth Lens and Screen Cleaner wipes ($ 19.49, originally $ 23.49; amazon.com). This kit comes with 100 individually wrapped wipes that do a quick job of stains, dust, fingerprints and other everyday dirt. The wipes are composed of a soft fabric, pre-moistened with a 75% purified water formula. Carry a handful wherever you go to keep your phone clean and shiny.
Cases and ports
Of course, your screen is not the only part of your cell phone that can get dirty. In the likely case of using a phone case, Apple has advice on how to clean a variety of them. However, regardless of type, you should always start by removing your iPhone from the case. Also, they advise never using abrasive household cleaners.
When it comes to silicone covers, Apple suggests using a soft, lint-free cloth. Moisten slightly and then gently clean the exterior and interior. If you have a leather case, you may experience a slight color change with age. Similarly, Apple warns that cleaning this case can also affect its color. They suggest the use of a clean cloth with warm water and a mild hand soap for leather covers. You can also use a dry cloth with a mild cleanser, or even cleaners made specifically for leather.
If you have a transparent case, Apple advises you to gently clean the inside and outside with a soft, lint-free cloth without moistening it. And finally, for iPhone Smart Battery Cases, you can use a soft, lint-free cloth dampened to clean the outside of the case. Just make sure the cloth is dry when cleaning the internal Lightning connector.
When you are looking for a quick clean on the go instead of a sitting at home session, we recommend the Otterbox Mobile Device Care Kit ($ 7.95; otterbox.com). This kit comes in pink or black and includes an array of cleaning materials for your phone. You will receive nine alcohol wipes, a microfiber cloth, three cleaning brushes from different ports and a sticker to boot, all in a practical case that easily fits in a pocket or purse. There are few ports that brushes cannot handle. And after a washcloth, a cloth scrub and some port checks, your phone should feel like new.
Finally, if germs are your main goal, PhoneSoap has it covered. The company specializes in boxes where you can place your phone that will destroy bacteria and germs with ultraviolet light after closing the lid. This does not damage your phone and only takes five to ten minutes, depending on the model. PhoneSoap Pro, for example, takes only five minutes to eliminate 99.99% of the germs in your phone , such as E. coli and the flu virus ($ 119.95; phonesoap.com). The Pro is designed to fit even the most bulky phone cases, not to mention any other items that fit inside, such as house keys and headphones. You can read all about PhoneSoap Pro and technology in our evaluation.
Preventive care
Sometimes, it is better to stop a disaster before it happens. That's where Zag Glass VisionGuard + Elite comes into play. Not only is it scratch resistant, but this glass screen protector has antimicrobial properties that kill 99.99% of bacteria on contact. This works with Kastus smart surface technology, which alters the cell walls of bacteria after they come into contact with the surface. The process feeds on moisture from the air and light.
If that wasn't enough, it also has Zagg ClearPrint technology, which resists fingerprint buildup by dispersing finger oils evenly over its surface. Another advantage is the Eyesafe layer that blocks visible high-energy blue light, which can contribute to eyestrain. You can buy by device here, or see some of the popular devices below. Availability will vary: we will continue to update this article as necessary.
- Apple iPhone 11, iPhone XR (TK; zagg.com)
- Apple iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone Xs, iPhone X ($ 49.99; zagg.com)
- Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone Xs Max ($ 49.99; zagg.com)
- Google Pixel 4 ($ 49.99; zagg.com)
- Google Pixel 4 XL ($ 49.99; zagg.com)
For Samsung devices, there is the Ultra VisionGuard +, a super thin film screen protector. While this film does not present the strength of tempered glass or ClearPrint technology, it still comes with antimicrobial technology and the Eyesafe coating.
- Samsung Galaxy S20 5G ($ 44.99; zagg.com)
- Samsung Galaxy S20 + 5G ($ 44.99; zagg.com)
- Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G ($ 44.99; zagg.com)
If you're looking to stop spills and dust, and protect your phone from scratches and falls while doing so, the Otterbox Defender series case is the way to go. One of the best ways in which this case keeps your phone clean is the port covers on the bottom. These can prevent dirt and dirt that would otherwise obstruct its ports. The multi-layer design also keeps your phone safe from dust and dirt, fits with an internal hard shell and an outer case and cover.
Unfortunately, the Defender series has no screen for the latest phone models, but Otterbox's Amplify Glass Edge-2-Edge screen protectors can solve that problem for iPhone users. The ultra-strong screen protector is resistant to scratches and falls, making it a great complement to the Defender series case. Pixel 4 and 4 XL users can enjoy the Amplify Glass screen protector, which shares the properties of Edge-2-Edge, but does not extend to the corners of their phone. Of course, if your phone is included in the Defender series, the edges of your phone are already covered. You can buy Defender Series cases per device here.
- Apple iPhone 11 Defender Series ($ 60.95; otterbox.com)
- Apple iPhone 11 Pro Defender Series ($ 60.95; otterbox.com)
- Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max Defender Series ($ 60.95; otterbox.com)
- Samsung Galaxy S20, S20 5G Defender Series ($ 60.95; otterbox.com)
- Samsung Galaxy S20 +, S20 + 5G Defender Series ($ 60.95; otterbox.com)
- Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G Defender Series ($ 60.95; otterbox.com)
- Google Pixel 4 Defender Series ($ 60.95; otterbox.com)
- Google Pixel 4 XL Defender Series ($ 60.95; otterbox.com)
- Screen Protector for Apple iPhone 11, iPhone XR Amplify Glass Edge-2-Edge ($ 59.95; otterbox.com)
- Apple Glass 11 Pro Amplify Glass Edge-2-Edge screen protector ($ 59.95; otterbox.com)
- Apple Glass 11 Pro Max Amplify Glass Edge-2-Edge screen protector ($ 59.95; otterbox.com)
- Google Pixel 4 Amplify Glass screen protector ($ 49.95; otterbox.com)
- Google Pixel 4 XL Screen Protector Amplify Glass ($ 49.95; otterbox.com)
Above all, an excellent remedy to keep your phone and yourself clean is to wash your hands. How many times have you taken out the trash or eaten and then used your phone without thinking? We do not suggest that you wash your hands every time you send a text message, but keeping those fingers clean can do wonders for the accumulation of fingerprints, dirt and germs alike.
Be sure to check this guide from time to time as we update it. It is always a good time to start cleaning your phone to make it shine like new.
Note: The prices above reflect the price at the time of publication of the article.