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There’s so much talk about keeping items in and around your home clean and sanitized, and it’s a conversation that has become heightened because of the pandemic. One device that you might not think much about cleaning is your phone — chances are you’re either using it, keeping it nearby just in case, or charging it. But you touch your phone hundreds of times a day, and it makes contact with other surfaces, as well. It’s a really smart idea to establishing a cleaning routine for your device — not sure where to start? Here’s how often you should actually be cleaning your iPhone, according to tech experts.
Every Day — Maybe Even More Than Once
Many tech experts had the same response when asked about the frequency of cleaning their phones: if you have to ask, you may not be doing it enough.
“I’m a tech enthusiast who has owned several different iPhones over the last decade,” says JP Zhang, founder of SoftwareHow. “I didn’t know that the device should be cleaned when I first bought one, but I have learned the benefits of doing so through the years. If you use your phone often, you should clean it often. If you are worried about germs, I’d do it every day – even several times a day if you use it in public often.”
According to Zhang, cleaning doesn’t just come in helpful with getting rid of germs. It can also improve the performance of the phones. “Dust and grime can build up in the charging port and speakers of the phone,” Zhang says. “You can use a toothpick or slightly damp cotton swab to clean these areas up. I do this type of cleaning about once a month.”
As for daily cleaning of the outside of your device, it’s pretty simple really. “All you need is an alcohol wipe or some rubbing alcohol and a lint-free cloth,” Zhang says. “Wipe the entire surface of your phone, including the case, to disinfect it properly.”
Meanwhile, Will Ward, CEO of Translation Equipment HQ, says you don’t need any cleaning products at all on your iPhone — and that using them can likely damage your phone. “Using cleaning products carries a risk of potential water damage to your iPhone,” Ward says. “A good wipe with a soft, non-abrasive cloth is more than sufficient.”
