It is no secret that the smartphones we hold every day can be infested with lots of germs and viruses. Most smartphones can carry 10 times more germs than a toilet seat.
In the midst of the coronavirus outbreak, cleaning up smartphones is often recommended. But don’t forget to clean the protective case that shields the smartphone too.
Whether it’s a casing made of plastic, silicone or leather, all have their own cleaning methods so as not to damage the material.
Here’s how to clean all types of smartphone cases.
Plastic
Coronavirus can survive on plastic surfaces for up to nine days. So for those of you who use hard plastic cases, you must clean it thoroughly.
Fortunately, plastic is a fairly tough material, so it can be cleaned with a slightly hard cleaner such as bleach. But if you feel uncomfortable using bleach, you can use the instructions to clean the silicone case below.
To clean the plastic smartphone casing, prepare bleach, water, sponge / cloth / toothbrush, and gloves. Bleach can irritate the skin and lungs, so use gloves and open the window for optimal air circulation.
Mix one tablespoon of bleach into one cup of water. Soak the casing in the solution for 5-10 minutes. If your case has stubborn stains, you can soak it for longer.
Rub the casing using a sponge or cloth to remove all dirt and stains. If there are areas that are difficult to achieve, you can use a toothbrush.
Rinse the casing thoroughly to remove the bleach solution. Dry using a towel or tissue then air out for 30 minutes before replacing it.
Rubber and Silicon
Rubber and silicone are more fragile than hard plastic, so you have to use a softer cleaner. You can use dishwashing soap, but if you want to get rid of stains and yellowish colour, you can use baking soda afterwards.
Before starting, prepare dishwashing soap, water, sponge/cloth/toothbrush and baking soda (optional). Dissolve the soap in a bowl of warm water and stir.
Soak a sponge or cloth into the solution and use it to rub the case. Use a toothbrush to clean the hard to reach parts.
Optional: if stains and dirt have not been lifted, sprinkle baking soda over the casing and scrub with a wet toothbrush.
Rinse the casing thoroughly until it is free of soap and baking soda. Wipe dry using a towel or tissue then dry for 30 minutes before replacing it.
Keep in mind, do not boil the silicone casing or put it into a dishwasher like cooking utensils made from silicone. This method can make the size of the casing shrink.
Wood
Certain liquids can damage wood or wood layers. But the following methods are safe enough to be used to clean all types of wooden cases.
For this method, you need water, vinegar, spray bottles and cloth. Fill the spray bottle with two parts water and one part vinegar, then shake until blended.
Spray the solution into the case, then wipe using a slightly damp cloth. Try not to spray too much vinegar on the casing.
Wipe using a tissue or dry cloth to remove the remaining solution in the casing.
Also read: How to Clean Mobile Phones to Prevent Coronavirus
Leather
Leather is the most fragile material among all types of smartphone cases. This casing is sensitive to oil, sunlight, heat and humidity.
You can use a skin cleanser to clean this type of casing. But if you don’t have a skin cleanser, this method is an easier and cheaper alternative. But keep in mind that the leather can change colour a little after the cleansing process.
Before starting, prepare warm water, soft handwashing soap and cloth. Mix warm water and hand washing soap in a bowl. Use your instincts to determine the proportions.
Do not rub the solution directly into the casing because the skin is very sensitive to water stains. Dip the cloth in the solution then squeeze it until it feels a little wet.
Use the damp cloth to wipe the casing clean. Dry using a clean and dry cloth or tissue to remove any residual water.
There you go!
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