According to a survey conducted in December 2024, Americans spend over 5 hours a day on their smartphones. With that level of usage, it’s no wonder your phone can harbor bacteria – in fact, it frequently has more germs than a toilet seat. Since you use it constantly and hold it up to your face, incorporating regular phone cleaning into your routine is not just wise but essential for your health.
The FCC recommends disinfecting your phone every day, but not all cleaning methods are safe to use. Strong chemicals and abrasive materials could damage protective coatings and possibly harm your screen. It’s important to utilize the right cleaning techniques to keep your phone clean without compromising its integrity.
Fortunately, there are safe and effective methods to sanitize your phone without risking damage. We will guide you through the best products and techniques for maintaining a germ-free device, whether you own an iPhone or a Samsung, regardless of its water resistance level.
What are the best products for daily cleaning?
After touching highly-trafficked surfaces in public – like doorknobs, public transport seats, grocery carts, and gas pump handles – you might think you need a powerful cleaning solution for your phone. However, it’s best to steer clear of rubbing alcohol or products containing straight alcohol, as they can harm the protective coatings that shield your screen from oil and moisture.
Some may suggest creating a homemade alcohol-water mixture, but an incorrect concentration could damage your phone. The safest choice is to use disinfectant wipes containing 70% isopropyl alcohol. For everyday cleaning, you might consider a UV light device like PhoneSoap, which eliminates 99.99% of germs and bacteria. We can also refer to guidance from phone manufacturers and cellular service providers.
Apple has now approved the use of Clorox Wipes and similar disinfectants, which were previously deemed too abrasive for screen coatings before the pandemic. AT&T recommends spraying a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution on a soft, lint-free cloth and wiping down your device. Samsung also advises using a 70% alcohol solution combined with a microfiber cloth. Always ensure your phone is turned off before you begin cleaning.
What are the best methods for removing fingerprints, sand, and makeup?
At times, your phone may require a more specific cleaning method. The general procedure for daily cleaning might not suffice for removing stubborn grains of sand after a beach trip or persistent foundation stains.
Eliminate fingerprints
Fingerprint marks are unavoidable since your skin produces oils. Each time you handle your phone, your screen gathers fingerprints. The safest way to achieve a smudge-free screen is to use a microfiber cloth. For a more thorough clean, slightly dampen the cloth with distilled water (never apply water directly to the screen) and gently wipe the surface. This technique is also effective for the back and sides of your phone.
Alternatively, consider using a microfiber screen cleaner sticker that adheres to the back of your phone for convenient wiping.
Remove sand and tiny particles
Grains of sand and lint can easily become trapped in your phone’s ports and crevices. To eliminate them, we suggest using Scotch tape. Press the tape along the creases and speakers, then roll it up and gently insert it into the ports. The tape will draw out any debris, which you can then dispose of easily.
For smaller speaker openings, delicately use a toothpick or a small vacuum crevice tool to remove the debris. These tools are effective for cleaning other small devices or hard-to-reach areas in your vehicle as well.
Clean makeup off your phone screen
If you wear makeup or skin care products like foundation and moisturizers, you will leave residue on your phone’s screen. While makeup remover can work for your skin, it’s not safe for your screen due to potentially harmful chemicals. Instead, opt for a screen-safe makeup remover like Whoosh, which is alcohol-free and gentle on all types of screens.
Alternatively, use a slightly damp microfiber cloth to clean your phone and wash the cloth afterward. Ensure your cloth is only lightly wet to avoid soaking your phone in water.
What if my phone is waterproof?
For waterproof phones (IP67 and above), it’s advisable to clean the device using a damp cloth rather than submerging it or running it under water—even if the phone claims to withstand submersion for a certain period.
After cleaning, dry your phone with a soft cloth, making sure all ports and speakers are patted dry. While your phone can handle some water exposure, complete submersion could lead to moisture entering the ports, causing charging delays. Remember that water resistance is intended for accidents, not for frequent cleaning or swimming.
Things to avoid when cleaning your phone
We’ve already discussed the need to avoid makeup remover and rubbing alcohol, but that doesn’t encompass all harmful cleaning agents. Here is a list of other items and products you should never use to clean your phone:
- Hand sanitizer: Fragrances and ethyl alcohol found in many sanitizers can harm your phone.
- Window or kitchen cleaners: Harsh cleaners can strip the protective coating on your phone and leave it more vulnerable to scratches.
- Paper towels: Paper can shred, making the debris on your phone much worse, and the rough texture can leave scratches on your screen.
- Dish and hand soap: Most soaps require you to combine them with water, and since you should keep water away from your phone, it’s best to stick to a damp cloth.
- Vinegar: Like cleaners and alcohols, vinegar will strip your phone screen’s coating.
- Compressed air: Blowing intense and direct air into your phone’s portals can cause damage, especially to your mic. Apple specifically warns iPhone owners not to use compressed air.
How long will it take to clean this?
Typically, it only takes a few seconds to wipe your phone. Removing lint from your charging port might require a couple of minutes, depending on the amount present. Clean your phone whenever you see a smudged screen or after using it in a germ-laden environment where it might need a cleaning.
Disconnect and power down your phone.
While the likelihood of damaging your phone’s internal components is minimal during cleaning, it’s advisable to ensure your phone is fully turned off and unplugged before you begin wiping it down.
Use a cloth to gently wipe it.
Before applying any cleaning solutions, start by wiping your phone with a soft cleaning cloth. This should eliminate any fingerprints or smudges. If there’s dust or other debris on your cloth, pressing too hard could potentially scratch the surface, so use caution.
Clean with warm, soapy water.
If marks persist, dampen your microfiber cloth with warm, soapy water to help remove any stubborn stains.
Disinfect the surface.
A quick swipe with your preferred disinfectant wipe—either alcohol-based or Clorox wipes—will eliminate most germs from your phone’s surface.
Eliminate lint and dust from the port.
If your phone is having issues charging, lint and dust stuck in the charging port might be the cause. A wooden toothpick is perfect for this situation; it’s small enough to remove lint without scratching or damaging the metal contacts, which could lead to more significant problems.
None of the three phone manufacturers we looked into give specific advice for this cleaning method, but we have always achieved good results with a gentle approach. As always, there are risks involved when handling your phone in ways that the manufacturer does not recommend.
What to avoid.
Apple, Samsung, and Google all advise against spraying cleaner directly onto your phone. Instead, moisten the cleaning cloth and then use it to wipe down your device. They also explicitly warn against using compressed air or bleach.