It's no secret that cell phones get dirty over time; in fact, they have been shown to harbor 10 times more bacteria than toilets. But fear not. There are many solutions to clean and care for your device. From antimicrobial screen protectors to UV sanitation and screen cleaning kits, it's not hard to find the method that best suits the way you use it.
We are going to tell you how to do it even without spending money on new products. We will divide it into ways to clean your screen and the rest of your cell phone.
Cleaning the screen
The cell phone screen is where stains, fingerprints and oils can accumulate along with bacteria. Apple, Samsung, and Google have suggestions on how to better clean your screen. The most common tip to get started is to turn off the device (and make sure it's not plugged in)
When you're ready to clean, start with a soft, lint-free cloth; abrasives such as paper towels can damage the screen. For dust and stains a dry cloth will generally suffice. It's okay to dampen a small portion of the fabric with water or screen-safe cleaner if you need more cleaning. Just make sure to keep liquids away from the connections. Never spray liquid directly on the phone, as it could leak and cause damage. Also avoid household cleaners and wipes with ammonia or hydrogen peroxide.
If you don't have a suitable cleaning cloth or solution, there are many kits available. One such kit is the Bryson Screen Cleaner Kit ($ 16.95; amazon.com) . It 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 you can moisten with the liquid. For a more portable cleaning kit, the Woosh! Screen Cleaner Kit is worth checking out . ($ 15.99; amazon.com) . Includes three microfiber cloths and two spray bottles (3.4oz and 0.3oz) of a custom-made cleaning solution for cell phone screens. This pocket kit is easy to carry around with you.
And finally, there are the iCloth Lens and Screen Cleaner wipes ($ 19.99, originally $ 23.49; amazon.com) . This kit comes with 100 individually wrapped wipes that do a quick job with smudges, dust, fingerprints, and other everyday dirt. The wipes are made of a soft fabric, pre-moistened with a 75% purified water formula. Carry a handful wherever you go to keep your cell phone sparkling clean.
Covers and ports
Of course, your screen is not the only part of the cell phone that can get dirty. In the likely case that you use a phone case, Apple has tips on how to clean them. However, regardless of type, you should always start by removing your iPhone (or other phone model) from the case. Also, they advise never to use abrasive household cleaners.
When it comes to silicone cases, Apple suggests using a soft, lint-free cloth. Lightly dampen and then gently wipe the exterior and interior. If you have a leather case, it may suffer a slight color change over time, this is normal. A clean cloth with warm water and mild hand soap is the best alternative for these times. You can also use a dry cloth or even cleaners made specifically for leather.
When you're looking for a quick clean, we recommend the Otterbox Mobile Device Care Kit ($ 4.81; amazon.com) . This kit includes an arsenal of cleaning supplies for your device: 9 alcohol wipes, a microfiber cloth, 3 different port cleaning brushes and a sticker, all in a handy case that easily fits in a pocket or purse. After a washcloth, a cloth scrub, and a few port checks, your phone should feel like new.
Finally, if germs are your goal to eliminate, a box with UV-C light can be your best ally. It will destroy bacteria and germs with a few minutes bath in UV light. This does not harm your phone but is very effective against microbes. This Matrix Cell Phone Sanitizer Case ($ 74.99; amazon.com) is powered by USB-C and charges the cell phone wirelessly at the same time.
Preventive care
Sometimes it is better to stop a disaster before it happens. That's where Zagg's Glass Elite VisionGuard + comes in. 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 in the air and light.
If that wasn't enough, you also have Zagg's ClearPrint technology, which resists fingerprint build-up by dispersing finger oils evenly over its surface. Another benefit is the Eyesafe layer that blocks high-energy visible blue light, which can contribute to eyestrain. You can buy for various devices here.
And one last tip: a great way to keep your cell phone clean is to wash your hands. How many times have you taken out the trash or eaten and then used your device without thinking? We don't suggest washing your hands every time you text, but keeping your fingers clean can do wonders for a build-up of fingerprints, grime, and germs on the screen.
Note: The above prices reflect the price at the time of publication of the article.