14.03.2020, 08:45 a.m.
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Smartphones are veritable sources of germs. Especially in the cold season and especially now, in times of the Coronavirus Sars CoV-2 pandemic, you should regularly clean your smartphone properly. That’s how it’s done.
The smartphone, the constant companion: in the train and on the go in your hand, at dinner on the table and even on the toilet it is a must for many as a pastime. During use, germs, fungi and bacteria collect on the smartphone, which can also include pathogens such as flu viruses or diarrhea bacteria Studies has been documented. For this reason, in addition to the frequent hand washing, regular cell phone washing is also part of it. This is the only way to reduce the germ load.
The WHO gives clear instructionshow to wash your hands who with lyrics of your choice can be spiced up. As soon as you touch your smartphone again after washing, your hands are immediately germinated again. We explain to you how you can get your smartphone as germ-free as possible.
Smartphone hygiene: cleaning with a clean microfiber cloth
For daily cleaning, many use a microfiber cloth, like those used by glasses, which absorb greasy dirt even when dry. A study According to the University of Furtwangen headed by microbiology professor Markus Egert, a microfiber cloth can reduce the germ load on the display by 80 percent.
However, a clean cloth should be used. If you use the same cloth again and again, you could reapply the wiped germs the next time you clean it.
Not so tasty: On average, over 3,500 bacteria (per square centimeter) collect on a smartphone. (Screenshot: Statista)
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For a “correct” smartphone “wash”, it is better to use a larger cleaning cloth that can also be used for monitors and other electrical devices. When cleaning, you not only wipe the screen, but also clean the entire device – including the sides and back. Before cleaning, it is always recommended to switch off the device and remove the charging cable.
Before wiping, you should make sure that there are no crumbs or other particles on the screen. Because they can leave scratches when rubbing, which on the one hand look unattractive, but on the other hand also act as hiding places and a breeding ground for germs the TÜV Rhineland.
Smartphone hygiene: avoids harsh cleaning agents
In order to clean the devices more thoroughly, alcohol, washing-up liquid and soapy water should be avoided. In the long term, they can damage the grease-repellent surface – the oleophobic protective layer of smartphones and tablets – and, among other things, impair its usability – moreover, screens are more prone to streaking. To protect the screen, you can also use one Stick on the display film – then you do not have to worry about the protective layer when wiping with cleaning agents – see below.
Meanwhile, some smartphone models such as Apple’s iPhones from model 7 and Samsung devices are waterproof, so you can wash them off under water. Generally, however, this should be avoided with most devices. Because penetrating moisture can destroy or at least corrode circuits in the device and permanently damage them.
iPhone 11: Apple also allows disinfectant wipes
Apple recently released its smartphone hygiene recommendations updated. According to the instructions, you can clean the iPhone 11 models with wipes containing 70 percent isopropyl alcohol or Clorox disinfectant wipes. Apple advises against bleaching agents. You should also make sure that no moisture can penetrate the device openings – avoid spraying cleaning agents or liquids on the devices. You should also refrain from diving the smartphone. Many smartphones are waterproof, but chemicals or salt water can attack the seals.
Models like the iPhone Xs and older should only be cleaned with a soft, slightly damp and lint-free cloth. Older iPhones should only be cleaned with a cloth. You can do the same for smartphones from other manufacturers.
To further reduce germs, you should use special, non-alcoholic hygiene sprays with a germicidal and antibacterial effect. Among other things, the display and glass cleaners would be from Ag + * or Bio-Chem* Options. The spray should not be sprayed directly onto the device, but onto the microfiber cloth. Alternatively, you can occasionally use cleaning cloths for smartphones that do it such as from Zeiss or other manufacturers there. The better choice is microfiber cloths with lukewarm (very little!) Water or the said cleaning agent – this is cheaper and causes less waste.
Smartphone hygiene: don’t forget the openings
In order to not only clean the surface of the smartphone, but also to free the connections such as USB socket, audio connection or Lightning port from debris, you can use small tools such as toothpicks or better cotton swabs or a soft toothbrush (without toothpaste). With these utensils, dust and crumbs can be easily removed. A small bellows is alternative and more gentle, and neither is it the world costs *.
You should exercise extreme caution when cleaning the connections, as you may damage them.
Smartphone hygiene: avoids pollution
The best hygiene measure, however, is to wash your hands regularly for 20 to 30 seconds, because ultimately germs are mainly transferred from your hands to the devices. You should also keep your smartphone out of reach while you are eating: leftover food on your smartphone promotes the growth of germs, explains Bitkom. In addition, smartphones should not be used in the bathroom and especially not in public toilets – a particularly large number of pathogens buzz around here.
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