Let’s clear something up: not all DIY cleaning tips you find online are safe for your phone.
Many homemade cleaners rely on vinegar or isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol), which might seem like a good idea at first. After all, these ingredients are staples in many popular homemade cleaning solutions, like my DIY Lysol disinfecting spray, streak-free window and mirror cleaner, and other natural essential oil cleaners. But when it comes to your phone, frequent use of vinegar or alcohol is a big mistake.
Why? Both vinegar and alcohol are acidic, which makes them excellent for general cleaning. However, most phones manufactured after 2010 come with a special protective layer called an oleophobic coating. “Oleophobic” simply means “oil-repelling,” and this coating helps keep fingerprints and smudges from sticking to your screen. If you regularly clean your phone with acidic solutions like vinegar or alcohol, you’ll gradually wear down this protective layer. While using alcohol-based wipes occasionally for disinfecting is generally fine (as manufacturers like Apple suggest), over time, frequent use can damage the phone screen’s protective coating. Vinegar, on the other hand, should be avoided completely.
So, what’s the safest way to clean your phone? Whether you have an iPhone, Samsung, or any other device, I’ll guide you through simple, step-by-step cleaning tips to keep your phone spotless, germ-free, and looking like new—without risking damage. Let’s get started!
Cleaning vs. Disinfecting Your Phone
Before getting into the how-to, it’s essential to understand the difference between cleaning and disinfecting—they’re not the same, but both play a key role in maintaining your phone.
According to the CDC, “Cleaning removes dirt and some germs, while disinfecting kills germs.” Pretty simple, right? To keep your phone safe and sparkling, aim to clean it regularly and disinfect it about twice a week. Let’s dive into how to do both the right way!
How to Clean Your Phone Naturally {Without Causing Damage}
Everyday Cleaning: Wipe your phone regularly throughout the day with a dry, soft microfiber cleaning cloth or lint-free lens cloth. It’s a simple way to keep smudges and fingerprints at bay (who doesn’t love a smudge-free screen?!).
Deep Cleaning: Let’s Get Into It!
1. Act Fast on Messy Situations
Uh-oh—did your phone fall victim to sticky fingers, a smudge of makeup, or the crumbs and smears from your breakfast bagel? No worries! Just clean it off right away to avoid any lasting damage. Quick action is key!
2. Prep Your Phone for a Safe Clean
- First things first—power off your phone. It’s safer and makes spotting dirt on the screen way easier.
- Unplug any cables and take off the case (you don’t want to trap liquid anywhere while cleaning).
3. Say Goodbye to Sand and Debris
- Got sand or lint stuck in those tiny crevices? Scotch tape is your best friend! Press it gently along the edges, roll it up, and use it to pull out those pesky bits from ports.
- For speaker holes or tricky areas, grab a toothpick or a small vacuum crevice tool. Not only will this help with your phone, but these tools work wonders in tight spots around the house or even your car!
4. Clean That Screen Like a Pro
- Lightly mist a soft microfiber cloth with distilled water (never spray directly on your phone—yikes!).
- Wipe in gentle, circular motions. Be extra careful around the charging port, microphone, and speaker areas to avoid liquid damage.
- Pro Tip: Always use distilled water! It’s free of minerals that leave streaks or stains. Tap water or even filtered water can cause buildup and leave streaks or water spots—trust me, stick with distilled for a streak-free finish.
5. Repeat If Needed: If your phone’s extra grimy, don’t sweat it—just repeat the process until it’s clean and shiny again.
Avoid These Common Mistakes When Cleaning Your Phone
We all want our phones to stay clean and shiny, right? But using the wrong cleaning methods can actually do more harm than good. Don’t worry— I’ve got you covered! With just a few simple tips, you can keep your phone sparkling without risking damage.
1. Skip These Cleaning Products
Did you know your phone has a special fingerprint-resistant coating? Yep, it helps keep those annoying smudges away. But some cleaners can strip it off or even scratch your screen—yikes! Here’s what to avoid:
-
- Alcohol: I know it seems like a cleaning go-to, but using alcohol too often can strip away your screen’s protective layer. There’s no need to use harsh alcohol for frequent regular cleaning. It’s just too harsh for that. Instead, it’s best to save alcohol for when we really need it- disinfecting our phones about twice a week. That strikes the right balance between keeping phones germ free and protecting our phones for the long term.
- Vinegar: Its acidity might work wonders on windows, but it’s too harsh for your phone.
- Window or Kitchen Cleaners: Products with solvents, ammonia, bleach, or hydrogen peroxide can leave your screen unprotected and prone to scratches.
- Dish or Hand Soap: These can leave a sticky residue that attracts dirt and harms your phone’s coating.
2. Be Careful with Rough Materials
Scratches? No, thank you! Even materials that seem harmless can leave marks on your screen. Here’s what to avoid:
-
- Paper towels
- Tissues or tissue paper
- Toilet paper
- Your shirt (we’ve all done this in a pinch, but trust me—it’s not worth it!)
- Dryer sheets (they can scratch your screen and leave behind oily residue)
3. Avoid Submerging or Running Your Phone Under Water
Even if your phone is labeled waterproof, dunking it or rinsing it under a faucet isn’t a great idea. Water resistance is for accidents, not cleaning. Submerging can let water sneak into ports, mess with charging, or even damage internal components. Stick to safer cleaning methods!
4. Say No to Compressed Air
Compressed air might seem like a quick fix, but it’s actually a no-go. It can damage your microphone or push debris deeper into your ports. Fun fact: Apple even specifically warns against using it for iPhones. Play it safe and stick to gentler cleaning techniques!
Click here for free a printable guide to Keeping Your Phone Clean and Germ-Free! 🌟
Disinfecting Your Phone
Okay, so I just told you how to clean your phone. You might be wondering why you also need to disinfect your phone if you’ve already cleaned it.
Well, cleaning is great. It helps get rid of the fingerprints, dirt, and some of the germs on our phones. But it doesn’t get rid of all the germs (just some of them). And, I know this is gross, but did you know your phone is dirtier than a toilet seat? Yep, you read that right. Researchers at the University of Arizona found that cell phones are ten times dirtier than toilet seats—wild, isn’t it? And if that wasn’t enough, another study revealed that phones carry an average of 25,127 bacteria per square inch. That’s way more than kitchen counters, doorknobs, or even checkout screens at stores. Think about it for a second—how often do you touch your phone or rest it on random surfaces? It’s no wonder our phones attract so many germs! But don’t worry—I’ve got your back. Disinfecting your phone to kill those nasty germs is easier than you think, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
We’re going to make a very simple (but effective) disinfecting spray for your phone.
Here’s what you’ll need to make a disinfecting spray for your phone (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.):
1. 70% Isopropyl Alcohol (aka rubbing alcohol)
Did you know alcohol is an amazing natural antibacterial and antiviral? According to the CDC, you’ll want to use an alcohol that’s at least 70% to disinfect surfaces effectively. But how does it actually work? It’s pretty fascinating—alcohol damages the cell walls of viruses and bacteria, letting it get inside and destroy them. Simple, right? With the right alcohol, you can keep your phone clean without damaging it.
2. Essential Oils (optional)
Essential oils add a natural boost to your phone disinfectant spray. Essential oils like tea tree, peppermint, and eucalyptus bring powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties to the mix. Plus, they smell amazing! Here’s what makes these essential oils a great add to this disinfecting spray:
- Tea Tree Essential Oil: Known for its purifying powers, tea tree oil is packed with antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. It’s truly a natural disinfectant superstar! Research shows that tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) can combat bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making it perfect for keeping surfaces spotless.
- Antibacterial: Tea tree oil contains terpinen-4-ol, which has been shown to fight bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Learn more.
- Antiviral: Exciting, right? Studies suggest that tea tree oil may help block viruses by interfering with their structure and function. Check out the research.
- Eucalyptus Essential Oil: Eucalyptus cuts through dirt and grime while leaving a fresh, clean scent behind. It’s perfect for deep cleaning and neutralizing odors. Research from 2012 found that eucalyptus oil has antimicrobial and antifungal properties, making it effective against bacteria like E. coli and S. aureus. It smells amazing too—bonus!
- Peppermint Essential Oil: Peppermint oil is fresh, uplifting, and super effective! It not only removes dirt and grime but also leaves your space smelling so clean and refreshing. It’s the ultimate multitasker!
- Antiviral: Studies show peppermint oil packs a punch against viruses like influenza A, cold sores, and even West Nile virus. Incredible, right?
- Antibacterial: Did you know peppermint oil can outperform some commercial antibiotics? Research from 2015 found it’s highly effective against bacteria like S. aureus, S. pyogenes, and K. pneumonia, making it a must-have for cleaning!
Step-by-Step Recipe: Let’s Disinfect Your Phone
Step 1: Start with the Base
Grab a 4 oz spray bottle and pour in 1/3 cup of 70% isopropyl alcohol. This will be the powerhouse of your cleaning solution, ensuring your phone gets a proper disinfecting!
Step 2: Add a Burst of Freshness
Now for the fun part! Add 5 drops each of tea tree, peppermint, and eucalyptus essential oils.
These not only pack a natural antibacterial punch but also leave your phone smelling fresh and clean.
Step 3: Shake it Up
Once everything’s in the bottle, screw on the cap nice and tight. Give it a good shake to mix the oils and alcohol evenly. You’re all set to start using your DIY cleaner!
How to Use Your DIY Disinfecting Spray
frequency: Use 2x a week
- Prep Your Phone: Start by powering off your phone completely—safety first! Remove any cables, such as charging cords or headphones, and take off any protective cases or covers. This ensures no liquid gets trapped during the cleaning process and allows you to clean all parts of your device thoroughly.
- Clean Your Phone: Before disinfecting, it’s important to clean your phone to remove any dirt, dust, or smudges. According to the CDC, cleaning is a crucial first step, as disinfecting works best on surfaces that are already free of debris. Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to wipe your phone gently but thoroughly.
- Spray the Disinfectant: Spray your DIY disinfecting solution onto a soft microfiber cloth. Never spray directly onto your phone, as the liquid could seep into openings like the charging port or headphone jack, potentially causing damage. Be sure the cloth is damp, not dripping.
- Wipe Down Your Phone: Carefully wipe your phone’s screen, back, and sides with the moistened cloth, making sure all surfaces are evenly covered. Pay extra attention to high-touch areas, like the screen and buttons, to ensure they’re properly disinfected.
- Let It Air Dry: Once you’ve wiped down all surfaces, set your phone aside and allow it to air dry completely before turning it back on. This step is essential to avoid any damage caused by residual moisture. Once dry, you can reattach your cables and put the protective case back on.
By following these steps, you’ll keep your phone clean, disinfected, and safe to use!
How to Disinfect Your Phone without Alcohol
Want to keep your phone clean without using alcohol? A UV-C phone sanitizer is an awesome alternative!
But how do these clever little gadgets work? Think of how sunlight helps freshen up clothes—it’s kind of like that! UV-C sanitizers use ultraviolet light with super-small wavelengths (called UV-C) to zap bacteria and viruses right off your phone’s surface. It’s a simple, chemical-free way to keep your phone germ-free and ready to use. How cool is that?
Wrap Up: Keep Your Phone Clean and Protected
With the right approach, you can keep your phone spotless, germ-free, and its screen in perfect condition. 🌿
Here’s how:
- Wipe your phone regularly throughout the day to remove fingerprints and dirt.
- Perform a deeper clean when needed, using only phone-safe products like distilled water and a soft microfiber cloth.
- Disinfect your phone about twice a week to eliminate germs without risking damage to the screen.
A clean phone is a happy phone—stay consistent, and your device will thank you!
Where to Get Supplies
note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
soft microfiber cleaning cloth
Click here for free a printable guide to Keeping Your Phone Clean and Germ-Free! 🌟
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