Effective Ways to Remove Bacteria From Your Cellphone

We touch our smartphones constantly throughout the day, carrying them everywhere we go—from home to work, to coffee shops, and yes, even to the bathroom. What many people don’t realize is that these essential devices are collecting germs at an alarming rate. Research shows that the average cell phone carries 10 times more bacteria than most toilet seats, making proper cleaning and sanitization crucial for maintaining good health.

With the average American checking their phone approximately 47 times per day, our devices have become breeding grounds for bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. Each time we handle our phones, we transfer tiny microorganisms from our fingers to the device’s surface, which can then be transferred back to our faces, potentially causing skin problems and illness.

Why Your Phone Gets So Dirty

Understanding why our phones become so contaminated is the first step toward maintaining better device hygiene. Several factors contribute to the accumulation of bacteria on our smartphones:

• Constant handling with unwashed hands
• Placing phones on various surfaces throughout the day
• Taking phones into bathrooms and other high-bacteria environments
• Talking on phones while eating or preparing food
• Sharing devices with others who may have different bacteria

A 2023 study found alarming evidence of harmful bacteria on smartphones. The research discovered bacteria P. aeruginosa, commonly found in cockroach feces, on 50 percent of smartphone screens tested. Even more concerning, pneumonia-causing bacteria S. aureus was found on 100 percent of phone screens sampled.

Health Risks Associated With Dirty Phones

The bacteria on your phone can potentially lead to various health issues if not properly addressed. While not everyone will get sick from their contaminated devices, there are several risks worth noting:

• Acne and skin problems: When you hold a dirty phone against your face for calls, bacteria can enter your pores, increasing your chance of developing acne.
• Viral infections: Viruses like influenza can survive on phone surfaces and potentially cause illness.
• Bacterial infections: Bacteria such as E. coli can spread through contact with contaminated phones.
• Gastrointestinal issues: Some bacteria found on phones can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and other digestive problems.
• Respiratory infections: Bacteria that cause respiratory illnesses can be transferred from phones to your respiratory system.

Sarah Latoria, APRN, primary care clinician at Northwestern Medicine, notes, “Chances are you’re not regularly getting sick from germs on your phone, but viral diseases like influenza and bacterial diseases like E.coli can spread through contact with a phone carrying viruses and bacteria.”

Bathroom Phone Use: A Major Concern

Many of us are guilty of taking our phones into the bathroom, but this habit significantly increases bacterial contamination. When toilets flush, they release an aerosol spray containing microscopic fecal particles that can land on nearby surfaces—including your phone.

The research found that this bathroom phone use introduces devices to E. coli and fecal streptococci bacteria strains. “We then carry them with us, on our phone screens, out of the toilet and into the rest of our homes, where they could even be responsible for spreading diseases,” researchers noted.

Ailments associated with E. coli contamination include diarrhea, vomiting, and even urinary tract infections. While the study highlights that the majority of E. coli variants are harmless, it’s still a concerning finding that warrants better phone hygiene practices.

Best Methods for Cleaning Your Phone

Now that we understand the importance of keeping our phones clean, let’s explore the most effective methods for removing bacteria from these devices:

Disinfectant Wipes

The safest and most recommended option for regular phone cleaning is using disinfectant wipes that contain 70% isopropyl alcohol. These wipes are effective at killing germs without damaging your device’s screen or internal components. Many phone manufacturers now confirm that these wipes are safe for use on their devices.

To clean your phone with disinfectant wipes:

1. Power off your device
2. Remove your phone case (clean this separately)
3. Gently wipe the entire surface of your phone, paying special attention to the screen and buttons
4. Allow the phone to air dry completely before turning it back on
5. Repeat this cleaning process at least once daily, especially during cold and flu season

UV Sanitizers

For those looking for a more high-tech solution, UV light sanitizers like PhoneSoap have become increasingly popular. These devices use ultraviolet light to kill 99.99% of bacteria on your phone’s surface without the use of liquids or chemicals.

UV sanitizers work by exposing your phone to UV-C light, which damages the DNA of bacteria and viruses, preventing them from reproducing. Most UV sanitizing devices take just a few minutes to work and can be a convenient option for daily cleaning.

Diluted Vinegar Solution

If you prefer a more natural approach, a diluted vinegar solution can be effective for cleaning your phone. Mix equal parts distilled water and white vinegar, then lightly dampen a microfiber cloth with the solution.

Important: Never spray or apply liquids directly to your phone. Always apply the cleaning solution to a cloth first, and make sure the cloth is just damp, not wet.

What to Avoid When Cleaning Your Phone

While it’s important to clean your phone regularly, certain cleaning methods can damage your device:

• Household cleaners: Many contain harsh chemicals that can damage your phone’s protective coating
• Paper towels or tissues: These can leave scratches on your screen
• Compressed air: This can damage internal components
• Excessive moisture: Any cleaning method that leaves your phone wet can cause serious damage
• Abrasive materials: These can scratch your screen and remove protective coatings

Daily Habits to Keep Your Phone Cleaner

Beyond regular cleaning, these daily habits can help reduce the bacterial load on your smartphone:

• Wash your hands frequently, especially before using your phone
• Avoid using your phone in the bathroom
• Don’t place your phone on public surfaces when possible
• Limit sharing your phone with others
• Consider using a phone case that can be easily removed and cleaned
• Clean your phone at least once daily, especially during cold and flu season

Implementing these habits can significantly reduce your exposure to harmful bacteria and help maintain better overall hygiene.

When to Clean Your Phone

While daily cleaning is ideal, there are certain situations when it’s especially important to sanitize your device:

• After using it in public places with high traffic
• After someone else has handled your phone
• If you’ve been sick or exposed to someone who is ill
• After taking it into the bathroom
• Before eating while using your phone
• During cold and flu season, regardless of your activities

Making phone cleaning part of your daily routine—perhaps while charging it at night—can help ensure you don’t forget this important hygiene practice.

The Impact of Clean Phones on Public Health

As we’ve learned from recent global health challenges, reducing the transmission of germs is crucial for public health. Clean smartphones can play a significant role in this effort, as these devices are constantly touching our hands and faces—two primary routes for germ transmission.

By maintaining clean phones, we not only protect ourselves but also help reduce the spread of illnesses within our communities. This simple habit can be particularly important for individuals who work in healthcare, food service, or other industries where hygiene is paramount.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How often should I clean my phone?

A: For optimal hygiene, clean your phone at least once daily. During cold and flu season or if you’ve been in high-traffic public areas, you may want to clean it more frequently.

Q: Can cleaning products damage my phone?

A: Yes, some cleaning products can damage your phone’s protective coating or internal components. Stick to products specifically designed for electronics or use 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes, which most manufacturers now approve.

Q: Are UV sanitizers worth the investment?

A: UV sanitizers can be an effective, chemical-free way to kill bacteria on your phone. If you’re concerned about regular exposure to cleaning chemicals or want a convenient solution, they may be worth the investment.

Q: Can I use hand sanitizer to clean my phone?

A: It’s not recommended to use hand sanitizer on your phone. Many hand sanitizers contain ingredients that can damage your phone’s screen coating. Stick to products specifically designed for electronics.

Q: Will a screen protector help keep my phone cleaner?

A: While a screen protector won’t prevent bacteria from accumulating, it does create a surface that’s easier to clean and disinfect without worrying about damaging your actual screen.

Q: Is it really dangerous to use my phone in the bathroom?

A: Yes, using your phone in the bathroom exposes it to fecal bacteria that become airborne during flushing. These bacteria can then be transferred to your hands and face, potentially causing illness.

Taking proper care of your smartphone isn’t just about preserving the device—it’s about protecting your health. By implementing regular cleaning practices and being mindful of how and where you use your phone, you can significantly reduce your exposure to harmful bacteria and maintain better overall hygiene in your daily life.

Author

Anjali Sayee

 

Anjali is an Associate Editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience specializing in hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She has authored over 300 articles and offers expert advice on hair styling techniques, effective skin care routines, and tips for maintaining healthy hair and skin.

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