• Source:JND

Phone Dirtier Than A Toilet?  Cell phones contain far more microbes than many people might think. In a digital world, most of us are almost always on our phones, from the bathroom to while eating, but these smartphones really contain more germs than a toilet seat, and are you really bound to fall ill by touching your phone?

And how much difference proper hygiene makes, especially after travelling via public transportation, coming into contact with money, or spending time with ill individuals. Let’s find it all.

Is Your Phone Really Dirtier Than A Toilet?

In an Instagram video posted by Neethu Sureshkumar, who is a microbiologist working in Dubai, Stated, "What if I told you that your mobile phone might have more bacteria than a toilet seat? Studies have shown that mobile phones can harbour large amounts of bacteria because we take them everywhere.”

She added, “Then we keep touching the same phone while eating, cooking, or placing it close to our face during calls. As a microbiologist, I'm not trying to scare you. This reel is just a reminder to clean your phone regularly."

Scientists at the University of Arizona have found that cell phones carry 10 times more bacteria than most toilet seats.

According to the research on pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov titled “High-level bacterial contamination of secondary school students’ mobile phones,” many students' phones had more than 17,000 bacterial gene copies of germs that could make people sick, so phones might help spread illnesses. But the phones were not a big reason for spreading dangerous germs that don't respond well to antibiotics.

6 Ways To Keep Your Phone Germ-Free

Here is a list of 6 simple ways to keep your phone germ-free:

1. Phone-Safe Disinfectant Wipe

Phone-safe disinfectant wipes eliminate most viruses and germs from hard, smooth surfaces. Power down your phone and disconnect cables. Gently wipe the screen and casing using the disinfectant wipe. Do not soak ports and openings in disinfectant. 

2. Use Hand Sanitisers Correctly

Use a small amount of hand sanitiser on a soft cloth to clean the surface of your phone. Also, you can use the UV-C sanitiser, but be careful and ensure that the phone is fully exposed to the light by taking out any bulk casings first. But remember that cheap or poorly used UV-C phone sanitisers can be inefficient.

3. Clean Your Phone Cases And Accessories Regularly

Cases, earphones, chargers, and pop-sockets trap oils and microbes and transfer them back to your phone and hands. Remove the case and wash silicone or rubber cases with mild soap and water, then air dry. Hard cases can be wiped with alcohol wipes. Clean cases weekly; disinfect accessories more often during illness or flu season.

4. Avoid Unhealthy Habits

Many everyday behaviours increase contamination risk. Don’t use your phone in the bathroom, avoid placing it on restaurant tables or public surfaces, and avoid using your phone while eating with unwashed hands. Use voice commands or a hands-free kit in public settings to reduce direct contact.

5. Wash Hands And Use Hand Sanitiser

A cleaner phone starts with cleaner hands. Hand hygiene reduces the transfer of germs between your hands and device. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after high-touch activities such as using public transport, handling money, and visiting clinics. If you can’t wash, use a quality hand sanitiser.

ALSO READ: How To Maintain Hygiene In Girls’ Hostel During Monsoon?

6. Use Antimicrobial Or Wipeable Screen Protectors And Cases

Screen protectors and cases that are easy to wipe reduce damage risk and simplify cleaning. Choose tempered glass protectors and smooth-surface cases that can withstand alcohol wipes. Replace protectors if scratched or damaged, since grooves can trap microbes.

Quick Cleaning Routine (2 Minutes)

  • Turn off phone and unplug. Remove case.
  • Wipe screen and back with a Phone-Safe Disinfectant Wipe or cloth dampened with sanitiser and avoid liquid in ports.
  • Wipe case separately with soap and water or an alcohol wipe.
  • Let everything dry and reassemble.

ALSO READ: 6 Monsoon Bathing Tips To Prevent Sweat, Body Odour And Skin Infections

When To Deep-Clean Your Phone?

Deep clean your phone after caring for someone who is ill, following travel, or if your phone fell onto a questionable surface. In those cases, disinfect thoroughly and clean accessories.

Phones won’t remain sterile, and complete elimination of microbes isn’t practical or desirable for immune exposure. But consistent habits like cleaning with safe disinfectants, washing hands, avoiding risky places, and keeping accessories clean do reduce germ load and lower your chance of picking up or spreading infections.


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