Your phone's screen is bigger than you think. Here's how to clean it properly.

Yes, it's true that your phone harbors more bacteria than a toilet seat , and that's pretty gross, which is why you should regularly disinfect the device that's in contact with your skin several times throughout the day. As a bonus, cleaning your phone can also help it last longer , but how often should you do it?

Ideally, you should clean your phone at least once a day by following the cleaning instructions in your phone manual. Cleaning your device improperly (like using isopropyl alcohol and paper towels) can damage the coatings that protect the screen. There are safer items that will do the trick.

We'll show you the most common ways to properly clean your phone from germs and dirt, especially for phones that are waterproof .

Use disinfectant wipes or the right alcohol-based solution

When you touch your phone after touching a public doorknob or shopping cart, your first thought might be to clean it with rubbing alcohol. no Pure alcohol can remove oleophobic and hydrophobic coatings that prevent oil and water from damaging your phone's screen and other ports.

Some websites suggest making a mixture of alcohol and water yourself, but getting the concentration right is crucial. If you make a mistake you can damage your phone. It is safest to use 70% isopropyl alcohol disinfectant wipes to clean your phone's screen.

Get rid of the window cleaner and spray now.

Derek Poore/CNET

Before the pandemic, we were told not to use disinfectant wipes on our phone screens, but Apple says it's okay to use Clorox wipes and others with similar strengths .

AT&T's cleaning guidelines suggest "when the unit is off and unplugged, spray a non-abrasive or alcohol-based (70% isopropyl) disinfectant directly onto a soft, lint-free cloth and wipe the unit." Samsung also said it can make an alcohol-based solution of 70% ethanol or isopropyl alcohol, which is applied with a microfiber cloth.

Another option for daily cleaning is investing in a UV lamp like PhoneSoap . This UV light company claims that their product kills 99.99% of germs and kills bacteria. To our knowledge, it has not been tested for this strain of coronavirus.

Get rid of fingerprints with a microfiber cloth

Fingerprints are difficult to prevent because your skin is constantly producing oils. That means fingerprints are everywhere every time you pick up your phone.

The safest and most effective way to clean your screen is with a microfiber cloth. If the screen needs to be cleaned urgently, please use distilled water to wet the microfiber cloth, and then clean the screen; Avoid spraying water directly on the screen. This method can also be used on the back and sides of your phone.

You can also try a microfiber screen cleaning sticker that you can stick on the back of your phone and remove when you need to clean it.

See also Samsung's tips for cleaning your phone.

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Get rid of fingerprints and other dirt with these cleaning tips.

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Remove sand and lint with this duct tape hack

Lint and sand can get stuck in your phone's small ports and in the cracks where the screen meets the case.

Sand and fluff are best removed with masking tape. You can place it along the folds and the speaker, then roll it up and carefully place it on the connectors. The strip grip removes any lint or grain that may be stuck on your phone.

For small speaker holes that the tape can't reach, use a toothpick (carefully) or try vacuuming up debris with a small crevice tool . These tools can also be used for other small appliances or hard-to-reach places in your car.

Wipe off makeup with a damp cloth.

If you have a full face of makeup and need to make a call, guess which foundation she's going to stick with? That's right, your phone screen. And while you can use a makeup remover to remove your makeup every night, you shouldn't use it as a screen cleaner due to some chemicals that may be hidden in the ingredients. ( Organics.org explains the chemicals that may be in your makeup remover.)

Instead, you can get your own makeup remover for your phone, like Whoosh . The company says its product is safe for all screens and contains no alcohol, chlorine, ammonia or phosphates, which can damage various screen coatings.

You can also clean the phone with a damp microfiber cloth and then toss that cloth in the wash. Be sure to use a spray bottle to mist the cloth instead of submerging it under water. The less water the better.

How to clean waterproof phones

If you have a waterproof phone rated IP67 or higher , you can rinse it with water. Although these phones, like the new iPhone 13 and Galaxy S phones, can withstand submersion in up to 3 feet of water for up to 30 minutes, cleaning the phone with a damp or wet cloth is a much better idea. Then, wipe your phone dry with a soft, dry cloth to remove water. Be sure to completely dry all speakers and connectors.

If you soak the phone in water or hold it under a tap, water will seep into the ports, meaning you won't be able to charge it until they're dry, and this may take some time. Remember that having a waterproof phone is more about peace of mind in the event of an accident than taking your phone into the water on purpose.

When you're on the phone with makeup on, guess what's going on on your phone.

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Avoid these items when cleaning your phone

We're here to warn you, not to embarrass you, but to drop the Bottle of Windex right now. These are some products that you should never use to clean your phone.

hydroalcoholic gel

Because some hand sanitizers contain ingredients like perfume and ethyl alcohol, it's best to keep the sanitizer off your phone screen. However, if you have touched something outside your home, you should disinfect your hands before touching your phone to prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria. For best results, use a manufacturer's hand sanitizer rather than making your own at home (they're not as effective).

window cleaner

You clean your mirrors and windows with glass cleaner and they're perfectly clean, so it must be okay to use glass cleaner on your phone? Poorly! Some phones, like the iPhone, have a water and oil resistant protective coating that can wear off over time.

Using harsh detergents can remove the coating and make your phone more prone to scratches. James LeBeau, associate professor of materials science and engineering at MIT, told us that any cleaning products that contain abrasives are likely to scratch the surface and should therefore be avoided entirely.

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kitchen cleaner

Cleaning products don't destroy a screen's scratch resistance, but removing this protective layer is still a problem. For this reason, Apple also suggests not using household cleaners to clean your iPhone , including bleach. Bar Keepers Friend, for example, claims its abrasive formula can damage the protective coating . Bon Ami states that it should not be used on glass with coatings.

paper napkins

They can be the perfect solution for decluttering your desktop, but keep them away from your phone. Paper can be shredded, further exacerbating your phone's messiness. Paper towels can even scratch the screen.

isopropyl alcohol

Since many newer phones have a protective coating, isopropyl alcohol can wear it down faster over time, making your phone more prone to scratches. Be sure to check if any "safe" phone screen cleaner product ingredients contain alcohol in the product ingredients. Apple says you should avoid alcohol when cleaning your devices.

Make-up remover

Some makeup removers may contain chemicals that can be harsh on an electronic screen. LeBeau suggests skipping the makeup remover and using a soft cloth with a little water instead.

compressed air

Your phone is sensitive. So blowing a lot of air into its ports can cause damage, especially to the microphone. Tech companies like Apple specifically warn against using compressed air .

dish soap and hand soap

Although their dish soaps and hand soaps are mild, they can only be mixed with water. Most phone companies recommend keeping water off your phone, so again use a damp cloth.

The vinegar

It's a no-no. The vinegar will remove the coating from the screen. You could, as Lifehacker suggests , use very diluted vinegar to clean other parts of your phone. Android Central recommends a 50/50 mixture with distilled water to clean the sides and back.

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