Do's and don'ts in keeping your gadgets clean from viruses

With the news that the World Health Organization declaring the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic, there's no doubt that we should be more vigilant in our hygiene practices. 

Sprinkle a small amount of diluted alcohol

Importance of cleaning your gadgets

Health authorities are always reminding proper and frequent handwashing and practicing social distance. Aside from that, one must avoid touching his/her own face, mouth, eyes and nose. Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze is also a given. Those are the basic safety measures that we are being advised to do.

Wipe with a clean microfiber cloth

However, we should also remember that the coronavirus can also be transferred through the object we are frequently touching. Center for Diseases Control is still doing its research on how long COVID-19 can survive on surfaces. It is also reported that the virus could linger for days or more so we shouldn't be lenient about it.

In our day to day, that includes the handrails, the ATM, elevator buttons and guess what, our phones and gadgets. Yes, we frequently use our phones and tablets everywhere, even inside the restroom. Not to scare you, but this is the reason why our gadgets are the perfect vehicle of viruses, if not cleaned often and meticulously.

So to guide you on how you can safely clean your electronics without damaging them, here are some tips:

Do's in keeping your phone clean

1. Power down your phone and remove it from casing.

2. Gently polish your phone with a microfiber cloth damp with Lysol or diluted alcohol (50 percent water, 50 percent 70 percent alcohol). 

3. Be thorough in cleaning your gadgets by wiping all the sides, not just the screen.

4. Consider installing a cheap screen protector on your phone if you are still worried that you might damage the display while cleaning.

5. Clean your phone and its casing every day or as much as you can.

Dont's in keeping your phone FREE from germs, viruses, and bacteria

1. Don't use astringent cleaners like pure bleach, metal cleaners, or bathroom-specific cleansers in cleaning your phone. 

2. Don't spray anything directly onto the phone, and avoid over-saturating, as you don't want your phone to become wet.

3. Don't spray on the ports or openings of your device, as moisture can damage its internals.

4. Don't use your phone or tablet inside a restroom as it has surfaces that are seldom being cleaned. 

5. Don't use or scroll on your phone while holding to a pole or handrail during your commute. If possible, it would be much better to use it when you're sitting down.

See also: OPPO shares tips to safely sanitize your smartphones

Keep safe everyone!

Sources: CNET, The New York Times, Good Housekeeping