DURBAN - A 2017 study published in the journal Germs found that cellphones were playing host to viruses and bacteria including E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus, among other icky germs.
While disinfectant wipes won’t damage your phone’s screens, when it comes to cleaning your phone, the first rule is that you shouldn't use the same astringent cleaners that you use to wipe down hard plastic and glass surfaces elsewhere in your home, like pure bleach, metal cleaners, or bathroom-specific cleansers aimed at tile or grout.
Essential steps to follow to help keep Coronavirus off your phone:
1. Remove your phone case and power down your device.
2. Polish with a microfibre cloth
. Gently wipe the exterior of your phone with a clean microfiber cloth to get rid of smudges and crud.
3. Next, reach for a disinfecting wipe.
If the wipe is excessively wet, wring it out first. Then, gently wipe down every surface of your phone while avoiding the ports.
4. Let your phone air dry for a minimum of 5 minutes.
Most disinfectants are effective if left to air dry on surfaces for at least 10 minutes.
5. Reach for a clean paper towel or microfibre cloth.
Wipe away any leftover moisture. Ideally, you shouldn't be using the same microfibre cloth as in step 2 to avoid redepositing soil back on surfaces and prevent the spread of germs.
6. Finally, clean your phone case.
Repeat the same process with your phone case. Most cell phone manufacturers advise that you shouldn't use bleach on accessories that contain fabric or leather surfaces.
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