Caring for Mobile Phone Accessories
10th January 2023
Here’s wishing you a healthy, eventful and joyous New Year. Happy New Year folks. Our mobile phones connect us to the outside world and are possibly the items we touch the most throughout the day. The COVID-19 pandemic has us focused on our health and safety, and phone hygiene is a growing concern.
According to CNET, your phone is dirtier than you think. Remember the experiment in middle school science, where you swabbed your teeth after lunch, then cultured it in a petri dish? A day later, you’d have an active colony of microbial nastiness in there - a bacterial boomtown. Well, our cell phone and phone case are just as bad, right up there with refrigerator handles and your toilet seat. In fact, a pilot study published this year in Nature helps confirm that fact, calling cell phones "‘Trojan Horse’ devices for microbial transmission."
Health experts suggest cleaning your phone at least once a day as a preventative measure. Before you begin, check with the manufacturer for guidance on how to clean your device. Apple and a number of Android device manufacturers offer similar recommendations:
Ø Unplug the device before cleaning
Ø Use a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with soap and water
Ø Avoid excessive wiping, which might cause damage
Ø Don’t spray cleaners directly onto the device
Ø Avoid aerosol sprays and cleaning solutions that contain bleach or abrasives
Ø Keep liquids and moisture away from any openings on the device
While it is safe to use disinfectant wipes on many devices, keep in mind that those containing alcohol, bleach or vinegar may wear down the protective coating on a smartphone’s screen.
You can also take steps to minimize your mobile device's exposure to germs and other microbes.
Ø When outside of your home, keep your phone in your pocket, purse or car.
Ø When shopping, use a written shopping list, not a list kept on your smartphone.
Ø Use a credit card for payment, preferably a contactless one, and not the mobile pay option on your smartphone.
Ø After being in public places, only touch your phone after you have washed or sanitized your hands or removed gloves you have worn.
Ø Use a hands-free device when making calls so that your phone is not pressed against your face or face mask.
Cables
Unplug each end of the cable from your device and power adapter. Then use a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth to wipe along the length of the cable. If the cable is still not clean enough, you can use a soft lint-free cloth with soapy water. Make sure not to get any moisture near either connector on the cable. Finally, use a dry cloth to remove any excess moisture and allow the cable to dry overnight before using it again with your device.
Chargers & Charging Pads
Chargers are another important part of your mobile phone accessory arsenal. Make sure you check the cord regularly for fraying or damage, and if it’s looking a bit worse for wear, get a new one. Additionally, try not to wrap the cord too tightly around the charger or wrap it around other items as this can cause it to fray.
To keep your wireless charging pad in good condition, make sure you keep it clean and dust-free. Also, if you’re using a wireless charger that requires a cord, make sure you check the cord for fraying or damage regularly. To avoid corrosion or damage, make sure to only use a dry cloth to wipe away any dust or dirt. Don't use water and avoid aerosol sprays, solvents, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide that can damage the device. If needed, you can use a slightly damp cloth to gently clean the device. Do not spray liquids directly on these accessories.
Cases
For silicon, TPU and metal cases, you can use a mild detergent and warm water, or you can use a soft damp cloth. Again, make sure that the detergent is non-abrasive and won’t damage the case. Don’t use any type of abrasive scrubbing or cleaning products as they can damage the case. However, for cases made from natural leather, its appearance will change as you use it. It might acquire a patina and might change colour due to the oils from your skin and direct sunlight, further enhancing the natural look. Use a clean cloth with warm water and mild hand soap to gently clean the leather case. You can also use a mild cleaner along with a dry clean cloth. Please be aware that leather cleaners and conditioners can change the colour of leather.
Earphones & Headphones
Wireless earphones are a great way to listen to your music or podcasts on the go. Whether you have over-the-ear or in-ear headphones, you should clean them regularly for both hygiene and maintenance reasons. This is especially true if you use your headphones while you exercise, as so many of us do. Sweat can build up and make the ear cups smell bad. Ear wax can clog drivers and reduce not only volume, but also sound clarity. Then there’s all the dirt you can’t see like bacteria and other microbes that might make you sick. Clean headphones are just more sanitary. To keep them in good condition, make sure you store them in their case when you’re not using them and clean them regularly with a soft cloth and mild soap and water. Please note that when it comes to earphones and headphones, It requires a bit more delicacy and a little finesse. A detailed set of instructions can be found here.
Things to Avoid When Cleaning Your Cell Phone and Accessories
To avoid damage to your cell phone and its accessories, don’t do the following:
Ø Don’t use hand sanitizer or 100% alcohol cleaning products
Ø Don’t apply liquid or cleaner directly to your phone or accessory
Ø Don’t submerge your phone in any cleaners
Ø Don’t use liquid bleach
Ø Don’t let spray or liquid get into your phone's ports
Ø Avoid using abrasive items like rough cloths or paper towels to wipe your device or the accessories
In conclusion, cleaning your mobile phone and accessories will not only help maintain the look and feel of your device, but also help keep your device running optimally and help protect it from damage. Regularly cleaning your mobile phone and accessories will also help protect you from germs and bacteria that can build up on the surfaces of your device. By taking the time to clean your device and its accessories, you'll be able to enjoy a safe and healthy user experience for years to come.
Do let us know your cleansing regimen for your smartphone and its accessories in the comments section below.
Disclaimer:
The health and medical information on our website are not intended to take the place of advice or treatment from healthcare professionals. It is also not intended to substitute for the users' relationships with their own health care/pharmaceutical providers.
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