How to Keep Your Phone Sanitized: Antimicrobial Phone Cases and Other Accessories
-
Phone Cases with Antimicrobial Technology
-
Speck Presidio Pro
-
Otterbox Defender Series Pro
-
Otterbox Amplify Glass
-
StayWell Copper Phone Patch
-
Other Ways to Keep Your Phone and Touch Screen Clean
-
HANS Swipe – Clean
-
UV-Cleaning Phone Sanitizers
-
Touch Screen Wipes
-
Crossbody Phone Case
-
Is Hand Sanitizer Safe for Your Phone?
-
More from SmarterTravel:
- How to Stop Touching Your Face If You Want to Stay Healthy
- 9 Products to Help You Stay Healthy While Traveling
- 12 Superfoods That Will Keep You Healthy While Traveling
It’s no wonder that some refer to cell phones as a third hand. Think about it, your phone touches everything, and then makes direct contact with your face, so you want to keep your phone as clean as you can. I won’t even get into all of the studies about the number of germs that live on your phone, just know that it’s a lot.
At this time of heightened health and safety warnings, it’s more important than ever to keep your phone clean. Luckily there are phone cases and phone accessories out there to help protect your phone’s surface against damaging microbes.
So, what exactly does it mean for a phone case to be antimicrobial? According to Microban International, a company at the forefront of developing this built-in technology, antimicrobials prevent the “growth and reproduction of harmful bacteria, mold, and mildew.” They differ from disinfectants by “[working] to continuously minimize the presence of microbes throughout the entire lifecycle of a product,” according to the brand. Note that the company says antimicrobial technology is not proven to have any antiviral properties.
Related: Should I Wear Gloves When I Go Out?
For the latest health and sanitizing recommendations surrounding COVID-19, check out the CDC and WHO webpages on disinfecting methods.
While putting any liquid directly on your phone is ill-advised, there are ways to sanitize your phone safely in addition to the above.
AT&T says that “spraying a non-abrasive or alcohol-based (70 percent isopropyl) disinfectant directly on a soft lint-free cloth” is a safe way to sanitize your phone. The telecommunications company also recommends using Bluetooth headphones or a hands-free headset when talking on your phone and to limit passing your phone around to others.
Related:How to Disinfect Your Suitcase
Many people are also wondering if it’s safe to use an alcohol or disinfecting wipe on technology products. According to Apple’s website: “Using a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, you may gently wipe the exterior surfaces of your iPhone. Don't use bleach. Avoid getting moisture in any openings, and don't submerge your iPhone in any cleaning agents.” Apple also notes that iPhones have a fingerprint-resistant and oil-repellent coating and that cleaning products may diminish that.
Other industry recommendations include using only lint-free cloth, avoiding directly spraying cleaners on to the item, avoiding excessive wiping, and unplugging any devices while you’re sanitizing.
Ashley Rossi is always ready for her next trip. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram for travel tips, destination ideas, and off the beaten path spots.
Some review products are sent to us free of charge and with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions, positive and negative, and will never accept compensation to review a product.