Think up as many times, you pick up your phone; to text, read notifications and updates, monitor COVID-19 updates and probably now, reading this. Yes, your phone is more or less, an extension of you. In the wake of the Coronavirus disease and the emphasis on adhering to hygienic practices, it’d seem as though, not enough emphasis has been placed on safe hygienic practices, in relation to our mobile devices.
Although, there’s not enough theoretical evidence to suggest that our mobile devices may serve as breeding grounds for this virus, in comparison to door knobs and handles – that have more people coming in contact with – as opposed to fewer people touching your device. Studies however, have shown that your smart phone is 10 times dirtier, than a toilet seat and bacteria covering smartphones surfaces, can cause serious infections.
Here are five (5) phone hygiene tips, in the wake of Coronavirus;
1. Clean your phone case and device surface by using a microfiber cloth.
Cleaning with just a [dampened] microfiber cloth by swiping up and down the surface area of your screen, is recommended to protect your device screen from scratches. If you must use substances in addition, like sanitizers, to satisfy the urge to disinfect, it is important to first read the instructions on mobile care of your device, as well as the material and design of your phone case.
To proceed, use a dampened cloth and any sanitizer that contains 70% of alcohol percentage. Not the “at least 60%” we may use. Why? This ensures a slower rate of evaporation of alcohol off your device’s surface and is the highest safe concentration for your skin.
2. Clean the area where your phone is to be placed.
Not only is it important for you to clean your device, it’s important to also clean the area where your phone is to be placed. That includes table tops of areas, you would typically place your phone.
3. Use your ear phones more.
While more people may come in touch your phone when sharing files, or handed over to them to show videos, images or taking photos, fewer people would on an average, with your earphones. Also, using your earphones more would help reduce the contact with your face, that can cause skin irritation.
4. Avoid using your phone while eating.
I know this is a habit we’ve become so accustomed to but not using your phone while eating, will help not to re-introduce possible germs and bacteria from your device’s surface, to your hands.
5. Wash your hands frequently.
This cannot be overemphasized. Demonstration videos, have shown how to wash your hands the proper way, for about 20 seconds, that includes your thumbs and the back of your hands.