From: https://www.abc.es/espana/madrid/#vca=menu&vmc=abc-es&vso=noticia.foto.tecnologia&vli=tecnologia.consultorio
Covid-19 can survive for two to three days on these types of surfaces. This highlights the importance of keeping these devices as clean as possible, especially when we use them outside the home and they have been in contact with others. Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the WHO and various health organizations have issued several recommendations to help the public avoid infection, from maintaining distance in public spaces to practicing good personal and household hygiene. And that doesn't just mean washing your hands. A recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, involving scientists from various American institutions, has calculated how long the coronavirus survives on certain surfaces, including steel and plastic—materials commonly used in the manufacture of smartphones.
How to clean a smartphone
It's worth remembering that, aside from the coronavirus, recent studies indicate that a smartphone can harbor germs on its surface. To clean a smartphone without compromising its functionality, it's important to take a few precautions. The first, according to experts, is to turn off the device using the power button. This should be done regularly, especially considering that smartphones are often kept on continuously. This is unlike a few years ago when many users turned them off before going to bed each night. The next step, though obvious, is to remove all connected accessories, such as charging cables or headphones. Also, of course, remove the protective case to have complete access to the entire device.
Next, begin the cleaning process using a soft, lint-free cloth. A microfiber cloth like the one used to clean glasses. Apple actually recommends a cloth specifically for corrective lenses, but any similar textile, such as a microfiber cloth, will work. The important thing is that it won't scratch or damage the phone. And that it's slightly damp.
"With normal use, textured glass may show signs of material transfer from objects that come into contact with your iPhone, such as denim or items in your pocket. Material transfer may resemble a scratch, but it can be removed in most cases," the American company explains.
If dirt or debris is still present, it's recommended to use a soft, lint-free cloth with warm, soapy water. It's crucial to prevent any moisture from entering the phone's openings. "Cleaning products and abrasive materials will diminish the coating and could scratch the screen," the company states.
It's important to keep one end of the cloth dry or have a dry cloth handy to "remove excess moisture at the end," advises Samsung's technical support team. This is especially important when cleaning near ports and buttons, where water can interfere with the phone's normal operation.
There are phones, and an increasing number of models on the market, that support IP68 waterproofing certification. This feature guarantees that the phone can be submerged in running water for half an hour at a depth of one meter. If this is the case, which should be checked beforehand, you can place the phone in a container of clean water for one or two minutes. Then, dry it while simultaneously trying to remove any dirt.
For stubborn dirt, Popular Science recommends using baby wipes or adding a little household hand soap to a cloth. If you choose specific cleaning wipes, check if they are suitable for electronic devices. Other experts also recommend mixing a 60-70 percent isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol) solution with water. It's important to note that in this case, you should spray the cleaning solution directly onto the cleaning cloth, not directly onto your phone.
Often, dust or textile particles accumulate in the charging port, as it's very common to carry devices in your pants pocket. This can affect charging performance. To remove dust and particles from charging ports or headphone jacks, use cotton swabs and, although it may sound rudimentary, exhale a few puffs of air from your mouth. It's that simple. However, manufacturers recommend avoiding compressed air devices because the pressure can interfere with the device's mechanism.