Your phone is often the first thing you touch in the morning and the last at night. With this in mind, it makes sense that many of the viruses, bacteria and fungi we encounter daily — millions of microbes — are on our phones. Find out what this means for your health and what you can do about it.
What Kinds of Germs Are on My Phone?
Some of the most common germs found on phones are:
- Acinetobacter
- Bacillus
- Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci
- Escherichia Coli
- Staphylococcus aureus
Though not all these germs are bad, many, like E. coli, streptococcus, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, can make you sick.
How to Clean Your Phone
You can remove most of the harmful bacteria, viruses and fungi on your phone by taking these five simple precautions:
- Avoid sharing your phone if you’re sick— and don’t use others’ phones if they’re sick
- Deep-clean your smartphone with a rubbing alcohol and water solution weekly (but don’t use bleach, sprays or abrasive cleaners that can damage your phone)
- Disinfect your phone with a microfiber cloth at least once each day
- Don’t take your phone into the bathroom with you
- Use a UV disinfection tool to clean your phone regularly
The most important thing you can do to keep your phone free of harmful germs is to keep your hands and your home clean.
Wash your hands regularly, including:
- After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
- After touching animals or cleaning up animal waste
- After touching or removing garbage
- After using the bathroom
- Before and after eating
- While preparing food
Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and clean, running water. If you don’t have soap and water available, use hand sanitizer.
Don’t Let Sickness Hold You Back
Keeping your phone clean won’t protect you from every illness. Fortunately, we’re here to help whenever you feel under the weather. Whether you’re experiencing sniffles or sprains, an AdventHealth urgent care location is close to home.
