Best Practices for Disinfecting Electronic Devices Safely

How often do you think about the germs lurking on your phone or tablet? We use our electronic devices for just about everything, every single day – work, entertainment, or staying connected with loved ones.

With all that screen time comes a surprising buildup of bacteria. In fact, according to a study by the University of Michigan, your phone might carry ten times more bacteria than a toilet seat!

How can we protect ourselves and make sure our devices last? Simply, regularly clean and disinfect them. By using an ethyl alcohol-based cleaner and the right techniques, you can keep your gadgets safe, just like washing your hands or using hand sanitizer to prevent the spread of germs.

General Guidelines for Disinfecting Electronics

Keeping your electronic devices clean is important for hygiene and to keep them in good working condition for as long as possible. Our SmartTouch surface disinfectant is an effective tool to use in your cleaning routine. Here are some simple guidelines for disinfecting your electronics safely.

Safety Precautions

Always unplug your electronic devices before cleaning. You must disconnect the power to avoid any electrical hazards. Turning off your devices also reduces the risk of short-circuiting, ensuring a safe cleaning experience. Don’t skip this important step.

Use Appropriate Cleaning Tools

For the best results, use microfiber cloths for tech surfaces because they’re soft and great at capturing dust and debris. These cloths are gentle enough for screens and other delicate parts of your devices. When cleaning areas like keyboards or external casings, soft, lint-free cloths are excellent choices to prevent scratches and avoid leaving fibers behind.

Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals

Steer clear of harsh chemicals such as bleach or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage your devices. Instead, choose milder, approved disinfectants designed for electronics. SmartTouch disinfectant is formulated to be safe and effective for tech cleaning, offering a reliable solution to keep your devices germ-free.

Applying Disinfectant Properly

Always spray surface sanitizing products onto a microfiber cloth first, not directly on your device. This method helps control the amount of liquid and reduces the risk of moisture damage. Use gentle wiping motions to clean the surfaces, as applying too much pressure can harm screens and other sensitive components.

By incorporating these guidelines and using SmartTouch, you can keep your electronic devices clean, safe, and in excellent condition. Remember, a clean device is not only a healthy one but also a device that lasts longer.

Cleaning Specific Electronic Devices

Properly disinfecting electronic devices can help prevent the spread of viruses and other infections, ensuring your tech remains both hygienic and functional. Here’s how to safely clean various gadgets using appropriate techniques and cleaning supplies.

Mobile Devices

For mobile phones, start by removing the case and any accessories. Use a microfiber cloth and Common Sense® Surface Protectant to clean the phone’s surfaces. Clean the case and accessories separately to ensure thorough disinfection.

When it comes to tablets, always turn off and unplug the device before cleaning. Use a soft cloth with disinfectant to wipe down the screen and body, paying extra attention around buttons and ports to avoid moisture ingress.

For smart watches, remove the device from your wrist and power it off. Clean the screen and band separately using a soft cloth and an appropriate disinfectant to ensure all parts are germ-free.

how to clean your laptop tablet and phone

Computers

Cleaning computer monitors involves turning off and unplugging the monitor first. Avoid spraying disinfectant directly on the screen; instead, use a microfiber cloth dampened with disinfectant to gently wipe the surface.

Laptops require you to power down and unplug before cleaning. Use disinfectant wipes or a microfiber cloth to clean the keyboard, screen, and outer surfaces. For hard-to-reach areas like between keys, compressed air also works well to dislodge debris.

Video Game Consoles And Televisions

For gaming consoles, ensure the device and controllers are unplugged and turned off. Clean the controllers and console exterior with a soft cloth and disinfectant, being careful to avoid letting moisture enter vents and ports.

For TV screens, turn off and unplug the TV. Use a microfiber cloth with disinfectant to gently wipe the screen, ensuring you do not apply too much pressure to avoid screen damage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Follow best practices when disinfecting electronic devices to prevent damage and ensure thorough cleaning. Here are some common mistakes to avoid, along with ways to clean your tech more effectively.

Using Too Much Liquid

Make sure you don’t use too much liquid during the cleaning process. Excessive moisture can seep into the device, risking permanent damage to internal components. To avoid this, always use a damp cloth instead of a wet one. Lightly moisten the cloth with disinfectant, ensuring it is not dripping. This approach minimizes the risk of liquid entering sensitive areas while still providing effective cleaning.

Applying Directly to Device

Another common error is spraying disinfectant directly onto the device’s surface. This method increases the likelihood of damaging electronics, especially screens and ports. The safer guide is to spray the disinfectant onto a cloth first and then wipe the device.

This technique helps control the amount of liquid applied and prevents it from reaching delicate internal parts. Always remember, less is more when it comes to liquid application.

Using Harsh Chemicals

Harsh chemicals like bleach and abrasive cleaners can cause significant damage to screens and surfaces. These substances can strip away protective coatings and scratch the device. Instead, use gentle, approved disinfectants like Common Sense® Surface Protectant.

These options are specifically designed to be safe for electronic devices while still providing effective disinfection. Choosing the right cleaning supplies ensures your tech remains in good condition.

Ignoring Key Areas

It’s easy to miss regularly overlooked spots like buttons, ports, and edges during cleaning. However, these areas often accumulate the most dirt and germs. Thorough cleaning includes all surfaces. Pay extra attention to these key areas by using tools like cotton swabs or small brushes to reach tight spaces. Ensuring every part of the device is clean contributes to better hygiene and reduces the risk of viruses and infections.

Maintaining Clean and Safe Tech Hardware

Overall, regularly disinfecting your electronic devices is essential in today’s world to maintain their functionality and minimize the spread of pathogens. By using appropriate cleaning supplies and methods, you can effectively protect your devices while making sure they remain in excellent condition.

Follow best practices, like avoiding excessive moisture and harsh chemicals, and pay attention to often-overlooked areas like buttons and ports. These habits will help keep your tech in great condition and create a healthier environment for yourself and those around you.