The accumulation of dust and dirt that remain on the phone over time. They can even cause the openings of our mobile to stop working correctly. This problem, which is often easy to solve, is sometimes camouflaged with a major failure, when the main cause may be a huge speck of dust that is preventing the load from being carried out correctly. For this reason, we are going to see how to clean the connectors of our mobile with some other home remedy and that will avoid a trip to the Technical Service.
The same thing is usually one of the most common causes of a smartphone malfunctioning. When it is inserted through the microUSB / USB-C connector it can cause our phone not to charge or make it slower. In addition, we will notice that it is more difficult to insert the cable or that it is released very easily. This is an unequivocal sign that the powder has done its job well. Either because we have operating problems or because we need to get the mobile ready before selling it. Therefore, we are going to see how to clean them, as a possible step prior to performing a disinfection of our device.
Materials to avoid
It is normal that we always look for the best options to leave our old mobile as new. However, there are a number of materials that we should never use to clean connectors. Therefore, you should pay close attention to the following elements.
Don’t use water
If our Android mobile or iPhone is waterproof, don’t fall into the game of wanting to remove the dirt from any of its connectors with water. If it does get inside the phone, the corrosion it could cause inside the phone will be our end. Well, we could make the mobile completely useless, both in a second and in the next few months, since the corrosion will not have an immediate effect. But what could be the case is if there is a short circuit. Therefore, avoid cleaning the smartphone with water.
Be very careful with the cotton buds
A much more suitable material than plastic to clean this type of connectors, so it will not be advisable to use the typical swabs or elements made of other materials than wood. We recommend you try the classic wooden chopsticks. But, with extreme care. In addition, it will also be advisable to do it in a well-lit space, so that we can see at all times where we scratch. And, how could it be otherwise, patience will be the key to not taking a wrong step.
Are they all cleaned the same?
As much as we think that all smartphone connectors are cleaned the same, the truth is that we must be careful . It will not be the same to remove the dust and dirt from the minijack as the one that has accumulated in the slot where we insert the microSD and the SIM card.
The same happens with the speakers, since, in this case, it is better not to use any type of sharp object, such as toothpicks or cotton buds. Basically, because we could inadvertently damage the protective mesh that covers the outside of mobile phone speakers.
However, although it cannot be cleaned in exactly the same way, since it will not be possible to use water, or we will not always have the option of using toothpicks, we can choose to remove the dust with different accessories that would be completely usable in the different cases.
Removes dirt
In the case of the headphone jack, something similar happens. The anomalous behaviors of the mobile can begin when the dirt begins to do its thing. One of the most common failures is that the mobile detects that the mobile has a headset connected when it is not.
Switch off the mobile phone
First of all, we must turn off the mobile, or even remove the battery if our model allows it. This will prevent us from causing internal short circuits that could damage the device board . Once the mobile is turned off or the battery is removed, we must wait around 2 minutes before starting to clean the connectors.
Use a sharp object
The most effective method is to clean them with a fine, sharp object. The ideal is usually to use the pin , although some people use a toothpick or the skewer that comes with the mobile to open the SIM card tray. The method consists of very gently introducing the sharp object through the connector, gradually dragging the dust spots out.
Generally, these specks are stuck together, so it is easy for them to come out together and we can remove a large amount of dust in a single pass. However, never scrape down to the depths of the connector, instead you will have to do it in its surroundings.
Repeat the process
We must repeat the process as many times as necessary until dirt stops coming out of the connector. This method carries certain risks, so we must proceed with extreme care and not puncture excessively or force the internal parts . It is about making gentle pulling movements outwards. This will largely solve the problem and avoid having to go to a specialist technician.
The final blow
Once the connectors have been thoroughly cleaned, it is a good idea to apply air to the area to expel the remaining dust particles, or those that are still clinging to the interior. Although you may think that the quickest and most effective thing to do will be to give a strong blow, it is not the most appropriate method. This is because the saliva particles, which we could introduce inside, will not do our phone any good. So we recommend you take a look at the following extra accessories to make any smartphone look like new.
Accessories that help
Surely we do not have all these elements per case, but we assure you that buying them will be of great help so that, every time you go to remove dirt from a smartphone, you can do it faster than before. And, above all, so that you can do it without damaging your mobile phone at any time .
Compressed air
The ideal is to get a compressed air cleaner, specially designed to clean electronic devices, dust from keyboards and the inside of a PC. These types of cleaners are inexpensive and will help us in the task.
In this case, we must point the air applicator at a distance of at least two centimeters from the connector and shoot in short bursts and at a slightly inclined angle . This should definitely remove the accumulated dirt on our connectors.
Medium fiber brush
It is not the first time that we advise you to clean some part of a mobile phone with a toothbrush . However, to remove dust and dirt from a terminal, the best option will be for the fibers to be medium or soft, that is, not a hard brush. More than anything, because in this way we can ensure that it does not damage any element of the port where we are going to pass it. In addition, it will be a great alternative to make a superficial cleaning of the connectors.
Isopropyl alcohol
In the event that a sharp object is not enough, or a medium or soft toothbrush, you can always choose to moisten it with isopropyl alcohol. Although, if we carry out this process we must be very careful. The good news is that this alcohol will help dissolve the residue from the port. However, it is important that we do not use cottons or objects that may release some type of hair or lint, since we could worsen its condition even more.
For this reason, a good solution to this will be to use isopropyl alcohol wipes. In addition to being a fairly inexpensive option, they will help us clean many other objects, not just our mobile phone.