Effectively rid your laptop of all bacteria

In 2016, Initial Washroom Hygiene took samples from phones and found on their surface up to seven times more bacteria than any other object.

According to an AXA Prvention study on hyperconnection, published in October 2019, almost half of French people use their mobile phone in the bathroom and up to 85% for adolescents.

While the coronavirus is on everyone's mind and governments are multiplying prevention messages and recommendations on hand washing, the time has come to learn how to properly clean your smartphone and other gadgets, most likely covered in pathogens and bacteria.

In addition to invisible germs, there is too visible dirt that damages keyboards, notches and any other surface that is touched. If you keep your smartphone in your pocket, the ports and connectors are likely filled with dust and other residue, which can cause all kinds of problems.

Disinfect a phone (or tablet)

It may seem condescending to you to be told how to wash your hands, but their good hygiene allows you to have a clean phone.

It would be best to break this habit and avoid using tablets and smartphones in the toilet.

However, you will still need to polish your smartphone from time to time, and using the right products is crucial to avoid damaging your most delicate devices.

Most touchscreens have an olophobic coating, against fingerprints. These are easily damaged by aggressive cleaning agents such as ammonia, alcohol and other solvents. So avoid bleach and vinegar.

Rather prefer a product designed to be safe like the Muc-Off Screen and Glass Cleaner on the back which is used on many phones.

It will not kill viruses because it is alcohol free, but it will kill almost all bacteria. As a reminder, do not use alcohol-based products, unless the olophobic coating of your device does not matter to you.

The best way to remove dirt and grease from your phone is to use a microfiber cloth. Their tiny fibers lift the dirt and lock it in, while absorbing the liquid. If your screen is particularly dirty then moisten the cloth. It will also effectively clean the metal and plastic parts.

For the ports and connectors, use a brush, a small brush would be lidal, to gently remove the dirt.

We do not recommend compressed air bombs as they can damage components, especially microphones and speakers.

If dust gets stuck in the speaker or microphone grilles then the trick is to use a cocktail stick or a toothpick to clear the holes one by one. Otherwise, sew a pin or needle, being careful.

Cleaning kits for phones

There are many cleaning kits for smartphones and tablets, but their prices are somewhat magnified compared to what they bring. Some include a tiny amount of liquid and a small microfiber cloth; others provide the spray bottle, and water will be provided by you.

What you should look for is a product that destroys germs but contains no alcohol or ammonia, here are a few: Whoosh! Screen Shine Go, Eco Moist Screen Cleaner and Muc-Off Screen Cleaner.

You can also buy a UV sterilizer. These are very effective for electronic devices and small gadgets.

Just put your phone in the sterilizer and leave it 20 minutes on each side. The UV light will kill bacteria and viruses without any liquids or chemicals.

There are different models, but if you buy a flip model, make sure it is large enough to accommodate your smartphone.

Clean the case or shell of your phone

Most users protect their smartphone and tablet using a case. It is therefore useful to keep in mind that you must clean this case as well as your device.

If it is plastic, then you should be able to free it from all dirt with a standard disinfectant spray for the kitchen or bathroom.

Some plastic shells (and screen protectors, by the way) have an anti-microbial coating, and although its effectiveness is questionable, it is certain which are better suited than a fabric case. The latter is more difficult to clean and disinfect, and also harbors bacteria.

If you have a leather case, avoid water, it may damage it, prefer a product designed for leather.

Clean the screen of your phone or PC

You can use a non-alcoholic product (or one without bleach or vinegar) to clean most notches, including laptops, whether they have a matte or glossy finish. Spray your notch directly, but do not let any drop simmiscate in the lower edge.

Again, the microfiber cloths are lidal, they prevent streaks and are effective against dust and fingerprints.

Moisten them if the traces are stubborn, but be careful not to press too hard on the screen of a laptop because you risk damaging it.

. (tagsToTranslate) Cleaning phone (t) tablet (t) hygiene (t) removing microbes (t) computers (t) table-of-contents (t) tablets (t) phones