Home Cleaning Cleaning How-Tos How to Deep Clean a Germy Cell Phone (Without Damage) You hold it constantly and touch it to your face—here's how to keep your phone clean. By Caylin Harris Caylin Harris Caylin Harris is a freelance writer, stylist, and crafter with over a decade of experience in the media industry. She is a regular contributor to magazines like Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, Family Circle, Rachael Ray Every Day, Good Housekeeping, and Parents. Served as craft producer for season three of the Emmy award-winning TV show, Naturally, Danny Seo. Whether she's working for editorial or brand clients, she loves helping people learn new and exciting information about all aspects of their homes and lives. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on June 16, 2023 In This Article View All In This Article Frequency Before Cleaning Steps Upkeep FAQ Knowing how to deep clean a germy cell phone is essential because, surprisingly, your cell phone is a breeding ground for germs. Think about it: Your phone goes just about everywhere with you (grocery shopping, work, the park), which means there are plenty of opportunities for exposure to bacteria. A study by the University of Arizona concluded that your cell phone has more germs than a toilet seat—10 times more, to be exact. Bet you're rethinking holding it anywhere near your face! But don't despair: Follow these tips from Rob Duve, a Best Buy Geek Squad agent, to get rid of those germs and learn how to keep your phone clean. How Often to Deep Clean a Germy Cell Phone Experts recommend cleaning your cell phone daily (at least), says the FCC. This helps prevent dirt and grime buildup and can keep your phone germ-free. Duve agrees, stating that regularly wiping down your phone and other devices can help keep them clean. "Use your own judgment based on your environment, but even deciding to wipe them down once a day isn't too much," explains Duve. Of course, if your phone was in a dirty spot or you feel it needs a quick wipe down, cleaning it on the spot or more than once a day is a good idea. Considerations Before You Get Started Before you begin to deep clean your cell phone, it's important to remember these tips: Check the manufacturer's manual or guide for tips on how to clean your specific device. Always unplug your phone (and turn it off) before cleaning it. Keep moisture and liquids away from the phone's openings and charging port. Don't use abrasive cleaners or solutions with bleach. Also, avoid aerosol sprays and never spray a cleaner directly onto the device. Use bleach-free disinfectant wipes; it's safe to use most wipes on your phone, but those with alcohol or vinegar may affect the protective coating on the device's screen. Duve adds: "You'll also want to use a microfiber cloth, which is surface safe, instead of paper towels. If you have a spray cleaner, don't spray it directly on the screen. Spray it onto the cloth first, and then wipe down your phone." Because microfiber can remove bacteria from a surface, you can play it safe by skipping the spray cleaners altogether. What You'll Need Materials Fast-drying bleach-free disinfecting wipes 70 percent isopropyl alcohol (optional) 2 Microfiber cloths Mild dish soap Instructions How to Deep Clean a Germy Cell Phone With Disinfecting Wipes Step 1: Wipe the Screen and Surface After unplugging and turning off your phone, gently wipe the outside of the phone and the screen with a fast-drying disinfecting wipe. Alternatively, spray 70 percent isopropyl alcohol onto a clean cloth and wipe your phone. Do not spray any cleaners directly onto the phone's surface, and avoid getting liquid in the charging ports. Step 2: Wash the Phone Case If you have a case on your phone, remove it and gently wash it with mild dish soap and warm water. Be sure to clean the crevices and edges, as they tend to collect dust and dirt. Step 3: Rinse and Dry After washing, rinse and dry the case thoroughly. Let it air-dry completely before putting it back on your phone. Remember, no moisture should get on the phone's openings and charging port. How to Keep Your Cell Phone Clean Longer In addition to wiping down and deep cleaning your cell phone periodically, the following advice helps keep it clean longer and between cleanings. Start With Good Hand Hygiene Good hygiene and washing your hands wins once again! This is especially true after going out and in public areas. Try your best not to use your phone until you've had a chance to sanitize or wash your hands. "One of the first and best lines of defense is to practice good hand hygiene. Always wash your hands with soap and water because anything that is on your hands will be transferred to your cell phone," says Duve. "Be cautious when using other people's devices, too," Duve adds. "If you do have to use someone else's phone, avoid holding it up to your face." Reconsider Where You Use Your Phone Be mindful of where you use your phone. Duve explains that more people than you think bring their cell phones into the bathroom, exposing them to unnecessary germs. While it may be tempting to bring your phone with you everywhere, be selective to reduce bacteria buildup. Keep your cell phone in your pocket, bag, or car when not at home. This helps minimize airborne bacteria. Use Hands-Free Devices Avoid touching the phone's screen to your face by using a Bluetooth speaker or other hands-free device to make calls. That way, you avoid spreading germs from your phone onto your skin and vice versa. Frequently Asked Questions Will isopropyl alcohol damage my phone? Using 70 percent isopropyl alcohol (or wipes with this amount) is safe for your cell phone. However, avoid rubbing alcohol as it can strip your phone's protective coating. Can I use Windex wipes on my phone? It's important to stick with alcohol-based products. Do not use Windex, Clorox, or Lysol cleaners on your phone, as they can contain other abrasive ingredients. Is hand sanitizer good for cleaning phones? While you want to sanitize your hands before handling your cell phone, do not use hand sanitizer directly on your phone's screen or surface. How to Clean AirPods (and Case) Without Damaging Them