How filthy is your phone?
Be honest, how often do you clean your phone screen and case?
With COVID-19 still surging worldwide, increased attention has been placed on preventative actions, such as handwashing, cleaning commonly touched surfaces, wearing a facemask, and staying home when sick.
There is one preventative action you might be overlooking: cleaning the touch screens and carrying cases for your phone.
Can you remember the last time you were out in public without your phone? Maybe you set it on a check out counter while looking for your wallet. Perhaps you set it down on the toilet paper dispenser while using the restroom. Then you switch it from hand to hand, checking your notifications. Throughout the daily hustle and bustle, your phone is keeping germs at your fingertips.
How many germs are on your phone?
Your phone is a breeding ground for germs. Scientists at the University of Arizona found that your phone is ten times dirtier than most toilet seats. Even worse, you put your phone to your mouth and face regularly. All of the bacteria picked up during your day-to-day activities ends up on your daily dialing devices, and odds are, you don’t clean them often or well enough.
Why are phones so germy?
You (hopefully) wash your hands frequently throughout the day, but do you clean your phone as often? The reason your phone holds so many germs is because it stays warm throughout the day, depending on how frequently you use it. The warm environment allows bacteria to grow, putting you at a greater risk of infection.
How can you keep your phone clean?
If you are washing your hands before every interaction with your cell phone, that is probably enough to keep you protected. However, washing your hands before every touch of your phone probably isn’t feasible.
In fact, according to a 2019 survey by research firm dscout, the average person touches their cellphone 2,617 times daily. Therefore, wiping down the touch screens and our phones’ cases should be a part of our hygiene routine.
How to clean your phone
First and foremost, consult the manufacturer of your phone or case for any specific instructions thay might have to prevent damage to your device or case.
While specific instructions may vary depending on your device, in general:
- Use only a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Unplug all power sources.
- Avoid aerosol sprays, bleaches, and abrasives.
- Avoid spraying cleaners directly onto your device.
How often should you clean your phone?
Well, it depends. If you are diligent about washing your hands, you would need to clean your phone less often, maybe once or twice a day. If you have been near anyone coughing or sneezing, it would be a good idea to clean your phone immediately.
If you are putting your phone down on potentially contaminated surfaces, washing your hands infrequently, etc., then you might want to clean it regularly throughout the day.
Safetec’s COVID-19 Response
As COVID-19 continues to surge in the United States, Safetec has implemented several actions to continue to serve our customers best. Our production facilities have implemented the use of PPE for all shifts and monitor employees for signs of illness.
We have focused our production on products that make the most significant impact in combatting the spread of COVID-19 and implementing allocation models with our distributors to ensure we can serve as many customers as possible.
As an American manufacturer located in Buffalo, NY, the Safetec team remains diligent in our mission to prevent infection and keep our communities and country safe from infection and cross-contamination.
