• According to recent studies, smartphones are an easy place to grow bacteria. 
• We recommend all smartphone users take the proper steps in order to keep their phones clean. 
• We also recommend all smartphone users take the proper precautions to avoid exposure to bacteria between phone cleanings. 
• Our guide below shares how to clean a smartphone and avoid harmful bacteria between cleanings. 

We take our phones everywhere.

To events, when we go to bed, to work, even when we sit on the toilet. A recent report titled "The Dirty Truth" reported that 88% of people ADMIT to using their cellphone on the toilet. So, if you use your cell phone in the bathroom, you aren't alone. In fact, you are part of the majority.

Additionally, studies show that the average smartphone has more germs than toilet seats.

A recent study from the University Of Arizona found that cellphones (on average) have ten times more bacteria on them than most toilet seats.

|Think About This: Chances are, your smartphone has more bacteria than a public toilet. 

There are many other ways that germs end up on phones. We drop them. We let other people use them. We even smear our faces all over them as we talk on the phone. As a woman who wears makeup, I cringe every time I end a phone call and see my foundation smeared all over the screen. It reminds me that I am essentially rubbing the germs from my phone all over my face, as well as adding new ones to my phone every time I pick it up. Gross. 

Smartphones And Parenting

I also struggle with allowing my child to use my smartphone to play games as I know it is a germ-carrying device. This furthers my anxiety about my smartphone and prevents me from purchasing my child's first smartphone. However, he's still fairly young and will probably not care about germs getting on his phone. Therefore, I am waiting a few more years until he is ready to properly handle and take care of his phone.

That being said, I want to make sure my phone is clean even now. Not only to keep me from contacting germs through my phone but also to avoid spreading germs from my phone to other people.

More: 7 Ways To Make Your Smartphone Last Longer Before Getting A New One

How To Clean A Dirty Phone

Being a mom with a small child, I try to avoid getting germs on my phone that my entire family will be exposed to. However, I'll admit that I occasionally take out my phone during uncertain times and in questionable places. But, like most people who own a smartphone, I rely on it far too much. 

Luckily, I've found some ways to keep my phone clean. With all of the viruses popping up, I think it's safe to say that it's worth it. Here's what I have learned about cleaning my smartphone. 

Clorox Wipes Are Safe For Smartphones

Leading phone manufacturers such as Apple have given the OK to use many store-bought disinfecting wipes to disinfect your phone. The easiest way to remove (most) of the germs off of your phone is to wipe them with Clorox wipes. However, do not make your own alcohol-based wipes, as if you mix them too strong, they can damage your phone. 

Some phone manufacturers say that using most household wipes or even a damp rag with soap and water is fine. 

|Disclaimer: Different smartphones can handle different cleaners. Make sure to check with your phone manufacturer before using anything to clean your phone.  

A few more things to remember when disinfecting your smartphone:

• Make sure to power off your phone before wiping the screen. 

• Allow your phone to dry before powering it back on. 

• Use a paper towel to gently rub your screen and remove any moisture before turning it back on.

• Unplug your device before cleaning it so that you don't get moisture into any of your device's openings. 

• Finally, remember to avoid excessive wiping as they state that it can cause damage. 

What Not To Use When Disinfecting Your Phone

There are quite a few things that aren't recommended to do/use when disinfecting your phone. 

Some common ones would be submerging your phone through water, using makeup remover, vinegar, other antibacterial wipes that aren't recommended by your phone manufacturer, household cleaners, etc. 

It is always important to do your research before cleaning your phone with anything.

| Please note: It is never safe to mix cleaners.

How Often Should I Disinfect My Phone?

Smartphones go wherever we go. So disinfecting our phones at least once a day seems like a good recommendation. 

If you can try to remember to clean your phone once a day, great! If you can clean it multiple times a day, even better.

How To Keep Your Smartphone From Being Exposed To Bacteria

There are a few ways to keep your smartphone clean to avoid exposure to harmful bacteria in between cleanings. Start by minimizing how often you take your phone out in public places that are crowded, such as the subway or gym. 

Additionally, you should also avoid using your phone on the toilet as little as possible, ESPECIALLY in public restrooms. 

Finally, remember to limit how often other people are touching your phone. 

Final Thoughts 

The average smartphone is dirtier than anyone wants to imagine. Luckily, it's not too hard to clean. Cleaning your smartphone daily and being safe with how you use it will help you maintain a cleaner and perhaps even better working smartphone. And please, please don't use your device while on the toilet.