How to Clean Your Cell Phone the Right Way

How to Clean Your Cell Phone

1. Unplug Your Phone and Attachments

   Earbuds or chargers should be cleaned separately. Turn off the phone. 

2. Remove Cases or Covers

   To effectively clean your phone, remove any protective case or cover. These should also be cleaned separately before reinserting the phone.

3. Mix Distilled Water and 70% Isopropyl Alcohol

   In a small spray bottle, mix a one-to-one ratio of distilled water and 70% isopropyl alcohol. The distilled water is essential if you live in an area that has hard water, which is filled with microscopic minerals that can scratch the glass on the phone. Give the bottle a good shake.

4. Spray Microfiber Cloth

   Lightly spray a lint-free microfiber cloth with the water and isopropyl mixture. Never spray the phone directly. Do not over-wet the cloth.

5. Wipe Down the Phone

   Use the microfiber cloth to wipe down the entire phone. Be sure to clean both the front and back

6. Clean Small Areas

   If small areas like the space around the camera lens, attachment ports, or buttons show signs of gunk build-up, gently use a dry cotton swab or wooden toothpick to clean those areas. Once any build-up is removed, wipe down the area again with the slightly damp microfiber cloth.

7. Allow the Phone to Air Dry

   Allow the phone to air dry completely for at least 15 minutes before reinserting it into its case.

How to Clean Your Cell Phone Case

There's not much benefit to cleaning your cell phone if you are going to reinsert it into a dirty protective case. Whether made from silicone, hard plastic, or leather, most cell phone case models have textured edges to provide a better grip on the phone. Take a look at those edges. They are probably disgusting.

Silicone Case

1. Once the phone has been removed, silicone cases can be completely submerged and washed in a solution of warm water and a bit of dishwashing soap.

2. Use a soft cloth to gently scrub the textured edges.

3. Rinse well and allow to air dry completely before reinserting the phone.

4. For daily cleaning, wipe down the case with a microfiber cloth dampened with the distilled water and rubbing alcohol solution. 

Hard Plastic Cases

1. For hard plastic cases, remove the phone and wipe down the entire case with the distilled water and alcohol solution on a lint-free cloth.

2. Use a cotton swab dipped in the water/alcohol solution to clean the small button and lens opening areas.

3. Dry with a clean, lint-free cloth and check that the case is completely dry before reinserting the phone.

Leather Cases

1. After removing the phone, leather cases should be cleaned with a saddle soap formulated specifically for leather.

2. Then treat with a leather conditioner.

3. Allow the case to dry completely before reinserting the phone.

How to Clean Your Cell Phone Accessories

1. Use the one-to-one distilled water, 70% isopropyl alcohol solution, and a microfiber cloth to wipe down earbuds, chargers, and other cell phone accessories. Remember to mist the cloth lightly–never over-wet it.

2. Allow the accessories to air dry completely before using

Tips to Keep Your Cell Phone Cleaner and Germ-Free Longer

• Clean your cell phone immediately if it comes into contact with anything that might cause stains like make-up, ink, dye or sticky foods.
• Wash your hands more often and consider skipping bathroom texting. The cleaner your hands, the cleaner your phone.
• Use an antimicrobial cover. They are readily available to fit most phone brands.
• Consider investing in a small ultraviolet light sanitizer. There are several on the market that will hold your phone, car keys, and other small items that you use every day. The ultraviolet light kills bacteria without using excessive heat or moisture that could damage electronics.