Our Phones Are the Germiest Things We Touch, One of the Things We Touch the Most

With an increasing number of confirmed Coronavirus cases across the world, Asurion, the global leader in helping people unlock the potential of technology, wants to help keep you from spreading the germs living on your phone.

Americans check their phones 96 times a day – that’s once every 10 minutes, according to research by Asurion1. While doctors say handwashing is #1 thing you can do to prevent spread, it’s less effective if you pick up your dirty phone right after.

Asurion Experts are sharing tips to help you disinfect one of the dirtiest objects you’ll come in contact with this season:

DIY Deep Cleaning

Give your phone a deep clean once a week with a simple phone-friendly disinfectant. Mix one-part distilled water with one-part alcohol (70% isopropyl alcohol) and lightly dampen a microfiber cloth. Turn off the device, remove any case you have on the phones, and wipe the phone’s exterior while avoiding any moisture getting into cracks or charging ports. Stay away from spraying the solution or any spray cleaners directly on your phone, which can damage your device.

Don’t Forget About Your Phone Case

Remove the case off your phone and hand wash the case. For plastic or glass, use soap and water, disinfectant spray, disinfectant wipes or glass cleaner. If you have a leather case but no leather cleaner, just wipe it down with soap and water. Make sure it is dry before putting the case back on your phone.

Try a UV Light

Consider a UV sanitizing device. Ultraviolet light can kill 99.9 percent of germs in about 10 minutes. Some even charge your phone while they clean!

Avoid Exposure to High-Germ Areas

Nearly 45% of Americans have talked, texted or checked their phones while in a public restroom, and nearly 60% of adults admit to pulling out their phones at the table in a public restaurant or bar. Avoid setting your phone down in bathrooms, restaurants, or public transportation - and if you do, be sure to disinfect it afterward.

1Asurion-sponsored survey by Market Research Firm Solidea Solutions conducted August 18-20, 2019 of 1,998 U.S. smartphone users, compared to an Asurion-sponsored survey conducted by market research company OnePoll between Sept. 11 – 19, 2017 of 2000 U.S. adults with a smartphone.