The optimal method for sanitizing your mobile device is discussed here.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining cleanliness and hygiene is crucial, and this includes our electronic devices like cell phones. A 2015 study found that 44 out of 53 doctors' phones contained potentially dangerous bacteria, emphasising the need for regular disinfection [1].
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not recommend specific products for consumer electronics, they advise following manufacturer instructions for cleaning and disinfecting devices. Many cell phone manufacturers, such as Apple and Samsung, caution against using harsh chemicals directly on screens, as these can damage coatings and seals [2].
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains a "List N" of disinfectants proven effective against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 [2]. Products on EPA’s List N are approved for use against SARS-CoV-2, but not all List N products are appropriate for electronics. You must check the product label for compatibility with electronics or sensitive surfaces.
Some examples of commonly used disinfectant active ingredients include isopropyl alcohol (70% concentration or less), quaternary ammonium compounds, hydrogen peroxide-based cleaners, and hypochlorous acid (HOCl). Isopropyl alcohol is widely tolerated by most cell phones if applied via a soft, lint-free cloth—not sprayed directly onto the device. Hypochlorous acid may be a promising, gentle option, but verify both EPA approval and electronics safety before use [3].
In general, the process for disinfecting a cell phone involves pre-cleaning with a soft, slightly damp cloth, disinfecting with an EPA-approved disinfectant wipe or spray that is labeled as safe for electronics, and drying the phone thoroughly. Always ensure the phone is completely dry before use. It is also advisable to wash hands before and after disinfecting a phone to avoid spreading germs.
To reduce the risk of damaging the phone, wipes may be a better alternative than sprays. It is recommended to disinfect a phone daily, and more frequently in some situations such as after another person uses or borrows it, after sneezing or coughing while holding the phone, after dropping it, especially if it falls outside of the household or on a potentially contaminated surface, after using the phone in public, if someone in the house is sick, or if medical professionals are around patients.
It is crucial to stick to a single disinfectant to prevent interactions between remnants of different disinfectants. Mixing cleaning products containing ammonia with those containing bleach is unsafe. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid using general purpose household cleaners, especially those that contain bleach, makeup removers, antibacterial wipes not on the EPA’s list, wound cleaners, soap, vinegar, and any product that can cause the phone to be submerged in water.
Some products that meet these requirements include alcohol-based disinfectant wipes or sprays, diluted rubbing alcohol, and alcohol pads used by doctors for sanitizing skin. It is advisable to carefully read the instructions on the product label before disinfecting a phone.
In summary, maintaining cleanliness and disinfecting cell phones is essential during the COVID-19 pandemic. Consult EPA List N for approved COVID-19 disinfectants, confirm electronics compatibility on the product label, follow manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning your device, and when in doubt, use a soft, damp cloth (water) for routine cleaning and save disinfectants for high-risk situations.
References: [1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4369835/ [2] https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2 [3] https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/disinfection-environmental-cleaning.html
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitates an emphasis on cleanliness and hygiene, even extending to our electronic devices like cell phones.
- A 2015 study revealed that 44 out of 53 doctors' phones carried potentially dangerous bacteria, underscoring the need for regular disinfection.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not endorse specific consumer electronic cleaners, but they advise adhering to manufacturer guidelines.
- Apple and Samsung, among other cell phone manufacturers, caution against using strong chemicals directly on screens due to potential damage.
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains a list of disinfectants proven effective against SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19.
- EPA's List N approves these disinfectants for use against SARS-CoV-2, but not all List N products are suitable for electronics—always check the product label for compatibility.
- Commonly used disinfectant active ingredients include isopropyl alcohol, quaternary ammonium compounds, hydrogen peroxide-based cleaners, and hypochlorous acid.
- Isopropyl alcohol is generally tolerated by cell phones if applied via a soft, lint-free cloth—never spray it directly onto the device.
- Hypochlorous acid may provide a gentle, effective option for disinfecting cell phones, but always verify both EPA approval and electronics safety before use.
- The process for disinfecting a cell phone involves pre-cleaning with a soft, slightly damp cloth, followed by disinfecting with an EPA-approved disinfectant wipe or spray labeled as safe for electronics, and drying the phone thoroughly.
- Make sure the phone is completely dry before using it to prevent damage.
- It is also wise to wash hands before and after disinfecting a phone to prevent germ transmission.
- To minimize the risk of phone damage, wipes may be a better choice than sprays.
- It is suggested to disinfect a phone daily, and more frequently in specific situations such as after another person uses or borrows it.
- Disinfection is also advised after sneezing or coughing while holding the phone, after dropping it, especially if it falls outside of the household or on a potentially contaminated surface.
- After using the phone in public, if someone in the house is ill, or if medical professionals are near patients, frequent disinfection is essential.
- To avoid damaging the phone, refrain from using multiple disinfectants, as interactions between residues could have harmful effects.
- Mixing cleaning products containing ammonia with those containing bleach is unsafe.
- Additionally, avoid general purpose household cleaners, especially those containing bleach, makeup removers, antibacterial wipes not on the EPA’s list, wound cleaners, soap, vinegar, and products that may submerge the phone in water.
- Alcohol-based disinfectant wipes or sprays, diluted rubbing alcohol, and alcohol pads used by doctors for sanitizing skin are among the products suitable for disinfecting cell phones.
- Always read the instructions on the product label before disinfecting a phone.
- Maintaining cleanliness and disinfecting cell phones is crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Consult EPA List N for approved COVID-19 disinfectants.
- Confirm electronics compatibility on the product label.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning your device.
- When in doubt, use a soft, damp cloth (water) for routine cleaning and save disinfectants for high-risk situations.
- The importance of cleanliness and hygiene doesn't end with cell phones, however—it extends to our overall health-and-wellness.
- Chronic-diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and autoimmune-disorders may increase susceptibility to COVID-19 complications.
- Fitness-and-exercise plays a vital role in maintaining cardiovascular-health and combating obesity, which can worsen COVID-19 outcomes.
- Digestive-health and eye-health are also essential aspects of wellness that impact overall health.
- Mental-health is equally important, andental-health issues like stress, anxiety, and depression can manifest during and after the pandemic, underscoring the need for investing in therapies-and-treatments, Skin-care, and self-care practices, as well as seeking assistance when necessary.
