That new phone you may have received as a holiday gift certainly looked its best the moment you took it out of its box for the first time. And the good news is, it doesn’t take much to keep your phone looking that way if you’ve got the right cleaning materials on hand.
After all, it doesn’t take long before a new phone can start to show some wear and tear, just from everyday use. Think about how many times you touch your phone every single day — as a result from that kind of contact, your handset can harbor a significant amount of bacteria. What’s more, the build-up of oil from your hands combined with exposure to other elements can wear down your phone’s finish over time.
So cleaning your phone is important, but cleaning it the right way is even more so. Use the wrong materials and you run the risk of damaging your device. That’s why it’s good to have a few basic supplies on hand to clean and disinfect your device on a regular basis. Here’s what I recommend.
A microfiber or lint-free cloth
If you only have one item for cleaning your phone, make it a soft microfiber or lint-free cloth, like a lens cloth you’d use on a camera. A soft cloth dampened slightly with distilled water can work wonders on your device, and it’s gentle enough for frequent use.
Note that you should never submerge your device in any kind of liquid, and take care not to get any moisture in charging ports or on speakers.
If the cloth is too soaked, wring it out and let it dry before wiping down your phone.
Isopropyl alcohol wipes
Disinfecting your phone takes something a little stronger than water. The simplest solution is a 70% isopropyl alcohol screen-safe wipe, which is easy to carry with you on the go.
Alternatively, you can use a 50/50 mix of water and 70% isopropyl alcohol and dampen your microfiber cloth with the solution. Apple also considers 75% ethyl alcohol wipes and Clorox disinfecting wipes safe for cleaning iPhones.
Definitely avoid harsher products, such as abrasives, liquid bleach, hydrogen peroxide, and 100% alcohol, which can damage your phone’s finish or protective coating. And never apply cleaner directly to your phone.
Cotton buds
The charging port on your phone easily collects dust, lint and other debris from your pocket. And while it may be tempted to try to clear out crevices with a can of compressed air, resist the urge — that can actually damage your device. (And you should also refrain from turning to a toothpick.)
Instead, a dry cotton bud — also known as a swab — can handle the task of lifting out lint. Buy in bulk — say this 900-count collection of biodegradable cotton swabs for $9 — to lower your per unit price.
Dish soap and toothbrush
When your phone case needs a good clean, warm, soapy water will do the trick. It breaks down grease built up from handling but is gentle enough not to damage the plastic finish (if your case is leather, this does not apply).
Mix a few drops of soap into a pan of water and dunk your case, then rinse it and allow it to air dry. Make sure the case is completely dry before reattaching it to your device.
If a soap bath alone doesn’t do the trick, use a spare toothbrush to gently scrub the corners of your case as well as port and button covers. This can remove stubborn, built-up residue. Simply brush while your case is submerged in warm, soapy water.
Cleaning tips for your phone
For best cleaning results, make sure your phone is unplugged and powered off first. Remove the case, and gently wipe your phone with either your soft cloth or disinfecting wipes.
Clean it daily if possible—more frequently if it comes into contact with materials that can stain or damage the coating like dirt, sand, makeup, detergent acid, or lotion. But aim for weekly cleanings at a minimum, and you’ll be able to keep that new phone look for as long as possible.
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