Gag-worthy news: Research shows that one in six cell phones are contaminated with fecal matter that could contain E. coli. Not only can germs from your phone make you sick, they can also cause annoyances like pimples and irritation on your cheeks and jawline.
Gizmodo.com’s Brent Rose explains how to de-gunk your phone without damaging it.
1. Kill Germs
Once a week, clean your phone (and its case) with alcohol-free disinfectant wipes available at any drugstore, says Charles Gerba, Ph.D., a microbiologist at the University of Arizona. (Alcohol can rub off the special coating on the screen that repels oil). Then dry it off immediately with a supersoft cloth.
2. Erase Fingerprints
Use a microfiber cloth—the kind that generally comes with new sunglasses. It’s soft and won’t scratch the screen but is effective at removing fingerprints and grease from the glass. (Bacteria are transferred from our hands and mouth to the phone, says Gerba.)
3. Clean Filthy Buttons
Forget cotton swabs—bits of fiber can come off inside the phone, creating a bigger problem, says Rose. Instead, use a can of compressed air from any office-supply store. A few short blasts will get rid of dirt and food crumbs.
More From WH:
Wipe Out Desk Germs
Wash Your Veggies
18 Self-Checks Every Woman Should Do
Look Better Naked: Buy the book to learn how to look (and feel) your very best!