GoKawiilDid you know that your phone can have more germs than your toilet seat? A recent study says the average American checks their phone around 47 times a day, transferring bacteria from their fingers to their phone's screen in the process.
So, in the spirit of spring cleaning, Earth Day and everyday hygiene, you should get in the habit of cleaning your phone.
Fortunately, most major phone manufacturers have instructions on how to do so, and they're fairly easy to implement. We'll explain them in detail, plus offer a few ideas on how to keep your prized phone in pristine condition.
And if you want to give your phone an even deeper clean than these quick tips, you can check out our guide for removing more stubborn materials from your phone here.
A microfiber cloth can also help remove smudges from a camera lens. Joseph Maldonado/CNET
Wipe it down
Before you clean your phone, make sure your phone is unplugged and turned off. Take your phone out of its case. Then get yourself a lint-free cloth. Apple suggests a lens cloth and Samsung recommends microfiber, but either should work.
For streaks, smudges and dust, a dry wipe should suffice. For a more thorough clean, however, the companies suggest dampening the cloth a little before wiping down the phone's surface. You should avoid getting moisture or soap in any of the phone's openings, even if the device is said to be water-resistant.
While you're cleaning your phone, be sure to clean your case as well. If it's made out of a water-resistant material like silicone, then you can wash it with soap and water. Otherwise, wiping it down with a damp cloth works as well.
Lens cleaning wipes are great for cleaning your phone's screen. Joseph Maldonado/CNET
... continue reading