If there is one personal item that we should always keep clean and sanitized, it’s our smartphones. We check it for messages, social media and news updates, and we use it for entertainment. As such, it’s inevitable that we are glued to our smartphones most of the time.

How To Keep Your Smartphone Sanitized When Traveling

Now that there is a threat from the COVID-19 virus, it’s important to keep our smartphones free from harmful microorganisms.

Viruses can survive on smooth surfaces

In a study published by the Journal of Hospital Infection last February 2020, it was confirmed that viruses such as the COVID-19 are able to survive up to nine days on smooth surfaces, such as on metals, porcelains, and even on smartphone screens.

According to Zen Han, Vice President of National Sales of OPPO Philippines, “We touch our smartphones more than anything especially now that we try to stay connected to our loved ones who are away from us and keep updated on the latest news. But it can pose a health risk especially that dirt gets easily transferred into our phones.”

“So, in light of the current COVID-19 situation, we strongly encourage our consumers to practice proper smartphone sanitation in order to protect themselves from contracting the virus,” Han added.

How to sanitize your smartphone

Sanitizing your smartphone is the key in keeping it free from viruses. Additionally, always keep your hands clean so as not to transfer harmful micro-organisms to your smartphone.

As advised by the World Health Organization, regular hand washing using soap and water is a good habit.

In addition to hand hygiene, make sure to practice these tips on how to properly and safely clean your smartphone:

1. Wash or sanitize your hands

The habit of washing and sanitizing hands cannot be overemphasized. As such, to avoid transferring any harmful bacteria, make sure to sanitize your hands before and after cleaning your phone.

2. Use a soft, lint-free or microfiber cloth

Use lint-free or microfiber cloth for cleaning your smartphone. Avoid abrasive cloths such as towels and paper towels. Using such may damage the surface of your screen.

3. Use 70% Isopropyl Alcohol

Isopropyl alcohol with 70% concentration is highly-effective in killing germs, viruses, and bacteria. Use cotton balls or buds moistened with alcohol to clean ports and microphone. This will prevent liquid from infiltrating and damaging your phone’s internal components.

4. Use liquid hand soaps with alcohol content

You may also use liquid hand soaps with alcohol content if isopropyl alcohol is not available. Put a few drops on the phone screen, wipe it gently with a microfiber cloth, and finish it with a damp microfiber cloth. Allow it to air dry or wipe it with a dry microfiber cloth. When using this method, always avoid getting moisture in your phone’s ports or openings.

5. Avoid using harsh home cleaning products

Strong cleaning chemicals contain ammonia or hydrogen peroxide. These ingredients are harsh and may damage the smartphone’s screen.

6. Use UV light sanitation

UV-C light can also be used to sanitize your smartphone. These UV devices are also used in hospital-grade disinfecting procedures serve as a potent solution that targets certain bacteria.

Photo courtesy of pexels.com

As demonstrated by Dr. Lena Ciric, a microbiologist from University College London in a study, these simple and easy-to-do methods are effective in killing viruses such as the COVID-19 virus on smartphone surfaces.

In this fight against the COVID-19 virus, it goes without saying that we should make a conscious effort to observe overall good personal hygiene, aside from making sure that our gadgets and smartphones are clean and disinfected.

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In the end, staying at home is the best defense against COVID-19 virus infection.