Methods to Disinfect the Mobile Phone from Viruses or Bacteria

In the times that we are living, the COVID-19 has forced us to implant a culture that takes extreme care in all areas . Many people already strictly follow protocols such as constant hand disinfection, leaving shoes at the door, social distance or even disinfecting the shopping containers that are put at home. But what about our mobile? Our terminal is also exposed and disinfecting it is not far-fetched.

Disinfect the Mobile Phone from Viruses or Bacteria

Our mobile is a magnet for all kinds of microorganisms, it is something that we have told you on our site long before the Coronavirus. Cleaning our mobile should be something frequent and specifically its disinfection, it is more important than ever. Our smartphone sits on a number of surfaces, can pass through different hands and be in direct contact with our mouth or that of other people (will you let me make a call?). Coronavirus is known to remain active on inert surfaces for quite a long time (up to 96 hours on glass) which facilitates the spread and spread of the pandemic.

How to kill microorganisms

With isopropyl alcohol

Therefore, when we get home, the ideal is to disinfect our device. The best method is to get a bottle of isopropyl alcohol, which is specially designed to be able to clean electronic equipment, since the humidity will not damage the electrical contacts. It is easy to find a boat in any large shopping center or even on online portals like Amazon.

alcohol de 75

And with “normal” alcohol?

If this specific product is not available and we have traditional alcohol at home, which we normally find in medicine cabinets, we can also use it. However, we must be more careful when the liquid does not enter the connectors , since in this case it could affect the internal operation of the device.

Cleaning method

The next step is to deposit a small amount of alcohol on a cotton pad or bandage. Then we must clean our phone from the top, and going through all the elements such as the screen, the back, the sides, the buttons, the connectors and other parts. Of course, in the case of having a cover or casing, we must remove it before cleaning.

limpiar el móvil para desinfectar

Should the protector be removed?

Ideally, a thorough disinfection should be carried out, so the screen protector should be removed , be it tempered glass or another material. However, if we believe that we may have problems replacing it, if it is already broken or if removing it would mean its total breakage, it is preferable to carry out disinfection with it on, affecting the edges of the device and the entire surface, such as we have explained in the previous point.

Let the mobile stand

Once finished, we must leave the mobile for about five minutes, resting on a flat surface until all the alcohol evaporates. Now our mobile will be ready and disinfected. The ideal is to repeat this process two or three times a day or after returning from the street. It is important to note that we should not go near heat sources while using alcohol, and that we should store it in an area exposed to the sun once we have finished using it. In the case of having a case or cover, we must repeat the same steps that we have carried out with our mobile phone, therefore carrying out a two-part disinfection.

OnePlus 7 Pro en la mesa

Are there alternatives?

Ultraviolet light machines

In recent months, various ” miracle devices ” are beginning to emerge that claim to effectively disinfect any mobile phone by exposure to UV rays. They are sold in the form of small “boxes” and usually cost around 30 or 40 euros. They allow the possibility of unlimited use and disinfection of other devices such as wearables. However, its effectiveness is currently in question and many of these devices offer nothing more than a false sense of security. In this sense, we recommend caution before launching into the purchase of one of these devices.

aparato desinfectar móvil

Is your mobile resistant?

Many mobiles available on the market offer varying degrees of IP protection or even military grade protection. If we are sure that our mobile phone meets any of these standards, we can disinfect our terminal even under the tap and with lukewarm water. As we say, it will depend on the degree of protection of our mobile, but in some cases they may even be rinsed with soap under the tap or treated with hand sanitizers, antibacterial gel or alcohol wipes.

móvil lavable con jabón

Other tips

However, and although disinfection should become mandatory , there are some guidelines given by experts in health security, which we can follow to minimize the risk that our mobile ends up with viruses or other micro-organisms that can infect us.

  • Avoid using the phone while commuting to work on public transportation.
  • Minimize personal phone use in the workplace.
  • Try not to share the mobile with third parties.
  • Do not put the mobile on public surfaces, tables, banks etc …