The COVID-19 is spread through small droplets. When a person infected with the virus coughs or sneezes, these droplets land on objects and surfaces in the surrounding area. The virus spreads when other people touch these objects or surfaces and subsequently touch their eyes, nose or mouth.
Though it is still unclear how long exactly the virus can survive on surfaces, some preliminary studies have found that the virus can survive from a few hours, up to a few days depending on conditions such as the type of surface (soft or hard material), temperature and humidity of the environment. One of the most touched surfaces is your phone screen. Hence, it’s of utmost importance we keep the screen clean.
However, the world’s top phone companies warn against using products such as bleach, hand sanitizers, aerosol spray cleaners, window or household cleaners, or any type of abrasive material as these may damage yourdevice.
So, what can you do? Well, do this!
WHAT YOU NEED
- Lint-free microfibre cloth
- Small spray bottle
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup isopropyl alcohol, 70%
- Cotton swab
WHAT YOU DO
- Turn off your phone. Take your phone out of its cover and unplug ear buds or chargers—these should be cleaned separately).
- Mix water with 70% isopropyl alcohol (1:1) and pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Shake well.
- Lightly spray a lint-free microfibre cloth with the mixture. Do not soak the cloth completely as too much moisture might damage your phone.
- Wipe down your phone with the damp cloth, and don’t forget to clean the back of your phone.
- You can use a cotton swab to clean small areas like the camera lens, charging port or buttons.
- Allow your phone to air dry.
References: 1. World Health Organization. Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19). Retrieved on March 18, 2020 from https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses 2. The Spruce. The right way to clean your cell phone. Retrieved on March 18, 2020 from: https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-clean-your-cell-phone-4163609