As one of the preventive measures for COVID-19, we must disinfect all the frequently touched surfaces. The surface of our mobile phone is one such surface we often fail to care for.
Phone is one thing we just can’t live without in this digital era. It connects us with people around us. It assists us in our daily tasks. It makes our life easier. But sadly, it catches germs and bacteria as well.
Recent studies suggest that Novel Coronavirus which causes the deadly Coronavirus Disease 2019 or COVID-19 can be transferred to the surface of a mobile phone and stay active for a few days – long enough to be transferred to another person. Therefore, we must disinfect or sanitize the surface of our mobile phone on regular basis.
Indirect transmission of Novel Coronavirus
COVID-19 is a respiratory infection that spreads through respiratory droplets. When an infected person sneezes, coughs or speaks loudly, he exhales these virus-carrying droplets that lands upon objects and surfaces within his immediate environment. The virus has a different lifespan on different surfaces, ranging from a few hours to a few days. If another person comes in contact with any such surface while the virus is still active, he can also get infected. The virus can also travel from one surface to another and infect people all around.
How to Disinfect or Sanitize Mobile Phone?
Mobile Phone manufacturing giants such as Apple and Samsung are ruling out special guidelines to disinfect or sanitize their mobile phones during the ongoing pandemic. Samsung has also started a Galaxy Sanitizing Service that cleans the mobile phone using UV-C rays. The service is available for free in 19 countries, with more to be added in near future.
Steps for Cleaning
While you should visit the official website of your mobile phone manufacturer in particular to know the cleaning process in detail, here are a few steps to help you out with the basics of cleaning:
- Keep a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth handy.
- Keep disinfectant wipes handy (isopropyl alcohol-based wipes with 70% alcohol content)
- Wash your hands properly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before starting the cleaning process.
- Unplug your mobile phone from any charging port.
- Remove all accessories, including cover or case.
- Switch Off your mobile phone.
- Gently wipe your phone using the disinfectant wipe while avoiding any holes or open ports.
- Gently wipe your phone using the microfiber cloth to remove any moisture or fingerprints.
- Let the phone dry completely.
- Re-apply the cover or case to your phone (make sure to disinfect the cover or case separately before re-applying).
- Switch on the phone. Your phone is ready to use.
What NOT to do
While you clean your phone, you should be mindful of the following:
- DO NOT apply too much pressure on the phone.
- DO NOT wipe out excessively.
- DO NOT apply any abrasive material on the phone.
- DO NOT use pure alcohol, bleach, compressed air or any home cleaning agent.
Did You Know?
Before COVID-19 hit the world, mobile phones were found to have pathogens on their surfaces. E. Coli and Influenza are 2 such pathogens that cause serious illnesses including food poisoning, diarrhea, and flu.
How to prevent Mobile Phone from getting infected when you’re out?
You need to be extra careful while stepping out of the home with mobile phone. Whether you touch it or not, you must disinfect or sanitize your phone upon returning home.
Here are a few tips to reduce the chances of exposing your phone to the deadly virus:
- Don’t remove your phone out of your pocket or bag if someone is sneezing or coughing nearby.
- Avoid checking the phone while you’re waiting (for any reason).
- Try not to touch the phone unless it rings.
- DO NOT share your phone with anyone.
- DO NOT put your phone down in public places.
- Use paper instead of mobile phone apps for taking notes for your visit.
- If possible, leave your phone at home while going out.
Final Take
Mobile phones have become so addictive that it is practically impossible to live without them even for a day. After knowing that Novel Coronavirus can survive on our phones, we must pay attention towards cleaning them too. This pandemic requires extra efforts but each effort is worth our lives. Stay Positive. Stay Safe. This too shall pass.
