How to Sanitize Your Cell Phone

The novel coronavirus has all of us thinking more about germs and how to eliminate them, with some research suggesting that the virus can survive on surfaces for more than a week. You might already know that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends cleaning frequently touched surfaces daily—and your cell phone might just be the most “frequently touched” thing you own (and you press it against your face!).

Here’s how to clean and disinfect your phone:

1. Turn off your phone and remove it from its case.


2. Using a clean microfiber cloth, wipe down the screen first to remove smudges. Then, wipe down the rest of the phone to remove dust and debris.


3. Next, take a disinfecting wipe (Lysol and Clorox brands have received the okay from major phone makers). If it’s very wet, wring it out first, and then gently wipe down your phone—screen and all—being careful not to get liquid inside the ports.


4. Use another disinfecting wipe to clean your phone case, inside and out. Don’t be afraid to use a little elbow grease, as most phone cases are durable enough to withstand a good, thorough cleaning.


5. Allow your phone and case to air dry for at least 5 minutes.


6. With a fresh microfiber cloth, wipe down your phone and case to make sure they are completely dry before putting your phone back into its case and powering it on.