Expert Microbiology and professor at the University of Arizona, Charles Gerba, said that smartphones are the dirtiest objects we encounter every day.
“Very rarely do people clean their smartphones, so germs and bacteria continue to accumulate and accumulate, including E. coli, influenza, and MRSA,” explained Prof. Gerba, as reported by the Health page.
In 2017, a research team at the University of Arizona conducted a study on germs on smartphones owned by a number of middle school students and found that their devices carry 10 times more bacteria than a toilet seat.
Imagine how much time you spend knocking, swiping, and putting your cheek on that object, which according to a 2015 survey by Deloitte, the average person in the US checks their smartphones 47 times a day.
However, the real problem is that not only are smartphones a source of germs, but they are an ‘ideal vehicle’ to spread germs to other people.
“Most smartphones today are touchscreens, and germs easily spread from your smartphone to your hands and face, increasing the chance of infection,” said Prof. Gerba.
“We are constantly in touch with smartphones, and they spend a lot of time near our faces and mouths,” he continued.
Prof. Gerba recommends cleaning your smartphone at least once a day, or more often if you lend it to your friends.
Knowing that coronavirus is on the rampage, it’s also important to practice good hygiene habits, such as not taking your smartphone to the bathroom, and washing your hands frequently.
Furthermore, there are ways to clean your smartphone without damaging the device:
How To Clean Your Smartphones To Prevent Spreading Germs and Bacteria
1. Microfiber cloth
One of the easiest ways to clean your smartphone – especially after someone else has touched the screen – is to wipe it away.
However, according to Prof. Gerba, the end of the shirt is not enough to clean the screen, therefore you need a microfiber cloth.
You can store microfiber cloth in your wallet or purse, so you can quickly use it to wipe your device.
2. Rubbing with alcohol and water
Microfiber cloth helps, but for a better cleaning rate, Prof. Gerba recommends trying a mixture of alcohol (60 percent) and water (40 percent) to rub on the entire surface of the smartphone.
“To use it, gently wet the corners of a soft, lint-free, or cotton microfiber cloth,” said Prof. Gerba.
“Gently wipe the smartphone to kill bacteria and use a dry corner of the cloth to remove excess fluid in your smartphone,” he added.
The thing to remember, do not spray the solution mixture to your smartphone, because it can damage the device
3. Disinfectant wipes
If you want a more practical way without having to make an alcohol and water solution, you can try using disinfectant wipes that are usually sold in packages, said Prof. Gerba.
However, you need to be careful using it on your device. Disinfecting wipes may be a better choice for use on your smartphone case.
4. Hand sanitizer
One of the best ways to stay germ-free during the flu season is to wash your hands frequently. Make sure you use soap and warm water to rinse for at least 20 seconds.
Using hand sanitizers is also a good idea. However, Prof. Gerba noted that most alcohol-based cleaners only work when it gets wet and evaporates quickly.
The best choice is one that offers long-lasting protection, you can choose a hand sanitizer product that can kill germs longer.
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