How do I sanitize my phone?

Author: Stanley Torphy  |  Last update: Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Before you begin, turn your phone off and disconnect it from your charger. If you don't have disinfectant wipes, you can spray an alcohol-based based (70% isopropyl) solution on a soft, lint-free cloth and then gently wipe down your device. Just be sure that you don't saturate the cloth.

What is the best way to sanitize your phone?

Apple and a number of Android device manufacturers offer similar recommendations:
  1. Unplug the device before cleaning.
  2. Use a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with soap and water.
  3. Don't spray cleaners directly onto the device.
  4. Avoid aerosol sprays and cleaning solutions that contain bleach or abrasives.

Do alcohol wipes disinfect phones?

70% isopropyl alcohol wipe: Apple, Samsung, and Google all recommend using isopropyl alcohol–based cleaning wipes on their devices. Apple also says you can use 75% ethyl alcohol wipes or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes. Samsung additionally suggests 50- to 80-ppm hypochlorous acid–based solutions.

Is it OK to clean phone with sanitizer?

No, hand sanitizers should not be used to sanitize your mobile phone as they can harm the delicate composition of the display.

Can I use Clorox wipes on my phone?

Using a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe, 75 percent ethyl alcohol wipe, or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, you may gently wipe the exterior surfaces of your iPhone. Don't use products containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Avoid getting moisture in any openings, and don't submerge your iPhone in any cleaning agents.

3 Ways to Remove Scratches from phone

Can I use isopropyl alcohol to clean my phone charging port?

Isopropyl Alcohol: This versatile cleaning agent is excellent for dissolving grime and sanitizing surfaces, including the charging port. Apply it sparingly with a cotton swab to break down residue and ensure a hygienic cleaning process.

Can you get sick from the bacteria on your phone?

“Chances are you're not regularly getting sick from germs on your phone, but viral diseases like influenza and bacterial diseases like E. coli can spread through contact with a phone carrying viruses and bacteria,” says Sarah Latoria, APRN, primary care clinician at Northwestern Medicine.

Can I use Lysol wipes on my phone?

You CAN use an alcohol wipe to disinfect your iPhone and Apple devices (such as Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, Lysol Disinfectant Wipes or other wipes) in which isopropyl alcohol is at least 70 percent. Using the alcohol disinfectant wipe, gently wipe the hard, nonporous surfaces of your iPhone or device. NEVER USE BLEACH.

How do I clean my phone and viruses?

How to get rid of a virus from an Android phone
  1. Clear your cache and downloads. Open Settings, go to Apps & notifications, and select Chrome. ...
  2. Restart your Android device in safe mode. ...
  3. Find and remove malicious apps. ...
  4. Activate Google Play Protect. ...
  5. Install anti-malware software.

How to clean your phone internally?

Because so much space is taken up by apps running in the background and unnecessary, cached temporary files, periodically clearing your Android memory will help keep your device running smoothly. Here's how to clean your Android phone memory: Go to Settings > Device care > Memory > Clean now.

What can I clean my phone screen with?

First, lightly dampen the corner of a microfiber cloth with 70% isopropyl alcohol, or regular rubbing alcohol you can find it at your grocery store or pharmacy. Then, thoroughly wipe your phone screen with the damp part of the cloth from edge to edge.

Can I use a baby wipe to clean my phone?

Even though pre-moistened baby wipes seem convenient, they're really not a good idea. This is how we suggest you clean your phone: Make sure your phone is turned off and to disconnect it from any external power sources. This will make it easier to see the dirt on your screen and reduce the risk of a short circuit.

How do I disinfect my phone from norovirus?

And if you wanted to clean off your phone or countertop, simply wiping it down with an alcohol-based product or ammonia is effective. While virologists don't know much about how tough the current coronavirus is, past coronaviruses have fallen somewhere between norovirus and the flu.

Can I use rubbing alcohol to clean my phone?

If you touch your phone after touching a public door handle or grocery cart, your first thought might be to clean it with rubbing alcohol. Don't. Straight alcohol can strip the oleophobic and hydrophobic coatings that keep oil and water from damaging your phone's display and other ports.

What wipes are safe for phones?

Keeping your phone clean and sanitized with Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes and periodically disinfecting it when needed is easy and helps prevent the spread of illness during cold and flu season and all year long.

What disinfecting wipes are safe for electronics?

For this reason, Clorox® Expert Disinfecting Wipes, which are completely bleach free, are an effective alternative. They will provide fast, expert disinfection to your electronics while not posing any damage to them.

How do you disinfect a phone device?

Take a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe or Clorox cleaning wipe and wring out the excess moisture. Lightly wipe the surfaces of your device, including the screen.

What diseases can cell phones cause?

Scientists are looking into a possible link between cell phone use and certain types of tumor. One type is called an acoustic neuroma ("ah-COOS-tik nur-OH-ma"). This type of tumor grows on the nerve that connects the ear to the brain. It doesn't cause cancer, but it may lead to other health problems, like hearing loss.

Are phones dirtier than toilets?

Many people believe that the bathroom is the dirtiest thing they regularly come into contact with; however, a cell phone can house up to 10 times more bacteria than a toilet seat.

What common 3 bacterias are found on your phone?

Several studies show that cell phones and tablets harbor infectious bacteria, including Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, E. coli, Enterococcus faecalis and MRSA, an antibiotic-resistant pathogen.

Can I use vinegar to clean my phone?

Stick with solutions that include distilled water. Never use bleach or vinegar – Either straight or in a solution, bleach will wreck your tech. Vinegar isn't as destructive, but it can still strip screen coatings. There are better, more effective and safer ways to clean your phone, so it's best to avoid both entirely.

How do professionals clean charging ports?

Swab the port gently with a cotton swab or toothpick.

Consumer tech expert Mitch Harris says to slightly dampen a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol, then “gently wipe the area.” If a cotton swab is too large, wrap a small bit of cotton from a cotton ball or tissue around your toothpick to make a smaller cotton swab.

Is 70% isopropyl alcohol safe for electronics?

Isopropyl alcohol removes oils, adhesives, fingerprints, soldering flux and other contaminants, making it ideal for cleaning electronics. However, it is important to note that only alcohol with a grade of 90% or more should be employed on circuit boards and other internal electronics.

Previous article
Can you wipe a phone screen with wet wipes?
Next article
Will a toilet clog eventually dissolve?