The most important aid in slowing the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19 is prevention but with a lot of focus placed on hand washing and body hygiene tips, high contact surfaces tend to be neglected or forgotten about.
Enter your beloved smartphone. Not only does it have contact with potentially infected surfaces such as tables and countertops, it also has direct contact with your hands, as well as parts of your face, making it a very viable medium for contamination.
We now know that the virus has been shown to survive without a living host on a surface (including the exterior of your device) for up to 96 hours if not properly disinfected.
Here are a few smartphone-friendly ways that you can ensure that your device remains virus-free and operational.
1. Wipe It Down
When it comes to disinfecting and wiping down your phone it’s best to avoid any sort of direct rubbing alcohol as this can strip certain protective coatings on your device, rendering it more vulnerable to other types of damage. Rather ensure that you use a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth or disinfectant wipes.
2. Shed Some Light On The Matter
Another germ-wiping alternative according to cnet.com is UV light, which is known to kill up to 99.99% of germs and contagions, however, this has yet to be tested on the COVID-19 strain.
3. Seek Out Smartphone Friendly Sanitisers
While you’re hard are working keeping your phone clean it’s worth noting that there are companies who have developed smartphone-specific cleaners. Avoid cleaning agents like makeup removers, window cleaner, kitchen cleaner, bleach, soaps and vinegar, all of which can strip protective coatings, or clog up important ports and openings.
4. Avoid Water
This may sound counterintuitive but even if your device is waterproof or resistant, it’s important to avoid exposing both the exterior and internal components to direct contact with water if preventable.
The rule of thumb is the less water, the better. Instead of running even a waterproof device directly under a stream of water, rather spritz a clean microfiber cloth with water, wipe your device, then make sure to rinse the cloth thoroughly to remove any grit, oils or other contaminants.
Compressed air is also not recommended as a cleaning method, specifically by Apple, as it can damage certain components such as speakers and microphones.
Keeping your device clean and germ-free is a very important precaution during this vulnerable time when hygiene is the most widely recommended and effective preventative and protective measure in the coronavirus pandemic.
It’s also important to ensure that when taking steps to protect yourself, you don’t unnecessarily damage your device. We hope these tips and recommendations will help keep your device clean and undamaged, and your health a priority.
Source: www.cnet.com