Mobile Sanitization: Concern being disregarded amid Coronavirus outbreak

By Dr. Ali Haider Asad,
Doctor of Pharmacy.B.pharm

You are washing your hands countless times a day to try to fend off the coronavirus? But what about that extension of your hand, yes I am talking about your mobile phones.

Studies have found the novel coronavirus, which causes the respiratory disease known as COVID-19, can live for two to three days on plastic and stainless steel and that may include your beloved phones. This is the device you hold constantly and often press to the side of your neck, which means that any bacteria, virus or other germs that makes its way onto your phone or case could easily be transmitted to your skin.

It is also true that we are being advised not to touch our faces, in general. But what is not being talked about much is perhaps the thing which touches your face the most and may make you more susceptible to the disease – your phone.

Considering how many places we go in a day, and how many times we set our phones down, there’s no doubt that they’re most likely covered in — yuck. In fact, cell phones have been reported to have more germs than a toilet seat. Seven times more to be exact.

If you haven’t been cleaning your mobile phone on a regular basis, I am pretty sure you’ll want to start doing so now. Cleaning your phone regularly is one of the cleverest things you can do to prevent infection from spreading. Just think about it. By regularly cleaning your devices, you will minimize the chances of spreading the virus to your friends, family or even colleagues.

Now that we’ve gone over the why, we’ll cover the how. Here are some helpful tips for cleaning your phone.

How to clean your phone the right way,

To start, do not spray disinfectant over your devices.. That is a no-no. You could damage the screen and the phone’s protective shell, ports and coatings that were designed to protect the screen and internal components. To be on the safe side, always refer to the owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website before you start to prevent any cleaning mishaps.

For example, you can find cleaning instructions for Apple products here.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204172

4 easy steps to clean your phone

(To – Turn off your device and remove the case,

 Make – Mist and go,

 Corona – Clean your case,

 Diminish – Don’t forget to clean your phone accessories)

1. Turn off your device and remove the case

When you are ready to start, grab a non-abrasive cleaning cloth or wipe that can be used to clean your phone (these wipes tend to have 70% isopropyl alcohol)

2. Mist and go

Mist your towel with the solution and gently wipe down the front and back of your phone. Let your phone dry for about 15 minutes and then put it back in the case.

3. Clean your case

A clean phone deserves a clean home. So, while your phone is drying, you can deep clean your case. How you do so will depend on the material.

4. Don’t forget to clean your phone accessories

Your earbuds, charger and phone stand get a workout every day, so don’t leave them out of your phone cleaning routine. You can use a wipe or towel that’s been lightly misted with your alcohol-water solution to wipe them down. Just make sure they’re completely dry before you use them again.

The phone cleaning step is not one of the many measures suggested by public health authorities to seek to stop the spread of the virus which has infected thousands of people worldwide. Some patients have only mild to moderate symptoms, but the elderly and people with chronic health conditions are particularly vulnerable.

If you are reading this blog you are doing so by holding your gadget, make sure it is disinfected.

Jai Hind!

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