Keeping your phone clean without causing more damage

During this time it has never been more important to keep your phone clean and sanitiser to protect yourself and reduce the spread of viruses. We’ve put together a handy guide for how to clean your phone and what to use.

Before You Begin

Before cleaning your phone always ensure the phone has been powered off and any charging cables or accessories are removed.

What Can I Use

Manufacturers have recommended using a solution of 70% isopropyl alcohol or antibacterial/disinfecting wipes. Alternatively, you can also use UV sanitising devices however these are often expensive and not practical for most people. Always spray any liquid solution onto a cloth and never directly on the phone itself. Avoid over saturating the phone and letting liquid enter ports or holes in the phone. A microfibre cloth or soft disposable cloth would be suitable for wiping. Professionals recommend a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution over pure isopropyl alcohol as being more effective in killing germs and bacteria. Cotton swabs are useful for cleaning hard to reach and small areas. We recommend wearing gloves when using any kind of isopropyl alcohol solution. 

What We Use At Phone Repair NZ

We use a combination of two cleaning methods to achieve maximum effectiveness.

• UV Sanitiser
• 70% Isopropyl alcohol solution

Additionally, we also use antibacterial wipes.

How Often Should You Clean

This depends on where your phone has been and what you have been in contact with but as often as possible and anytime you have been in public, a bathroom or another person has handled your phone. Remember anything you touch and then use your phone without washing your hands first can spread to your phone.

What Not To Use

We don’t recommend using any of the following items to clean your phone as they can damage the surface of your phone.

• Window cleaner
• Kitchen cleaners
• Makeup remover
• Dish soap/hand soap with water
• Vinegar
• Aerosol sprays
• Abrasive cleaners (such as cream cleansers)
• Household cleaners

Don’t submerge your phone in any kind of liquid including water and isopropyl alcohol.

Apple’s Official Recommendation For iPhone’s

Read the full article by clicking here.

Is it ok to use a disinfectant on my iPhone?

“Using a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe … you may gently wipe the exterior surfaces of your iPhone. Don’t use bleach. Avoid getting moisture in any openings, and don’t submerge your iPhone in any cleaning agents.”

Don’t Forget your case!

Your case goes everywhere your phone does, which means it too will come into contact with the same germs, viruses and bacteria. Always spot test on fabric, leather or soft surfaces.

Further Reading

cNet – Help keep coronavirus off your phone: How to effectively clean and disinfect your device

New York Times – How to Clean Your Phone to Help Protect Against Coronavirus

CDC – Preventing the Spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Homes and Residential Communities

The Spruce – The Right Way to Clean Your Cell Phone

We may update this page as we learn more. Please take care when cleaning your phone, this information is for educational purposes and we are not liable for any damage resulting from this information.