Avoid using your phone while you’re in the restroom, especially in public places. Keep your phone inside your bag or pocket when you go into a public restroom to prevent contamination.
Turning off your device will help reduce the possibility of damage in case a little moisture gets inside. Unplugging your device can also reduce the risk of electric shock.
Don’t use a paper towel or even a tissue since paper products can scratch up the surface of your device.
Alternatively, spray a glass cleaner or all-purpose spray onto a clean microfiber cloth. Then, use the cloth to wipe down your phone. [9] X Expert Source Alicia SokolowskiGreen Cleaning Specialist Expert Interview. 15 September 2020. Avoid submerging your phone or spraying any kind of liquid cleaner or disinfectant directly on it. [11] X Research source Wipe your device gently to avoid damaging the oil-resistant coating. You can also avoid damage by using a screen protector and case on your phone or tablet.
Make sure your case is completely dry before you put it back on your device. Make a mixture of water and mild soap, such as dishwashing liquid or liquid hand soap, and dip a microfiber cloth in it. Wring out the cloth and wipe down your device’s cables. [13] X Research source Take care not to get any liquid in the electronic ports.
It’s especially important to wash your hands before and after using your device if you’ve just gone to the bathroom, or you’re about to handle food.
Keeping your computer and keyboard unplugged and powered down will reduce your risk of electric shock.
You can also dip a soft microfiber cloth in alcohol or water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Don’t use tissue or paper towels since these could scratch up your case and screen. Never spray cleanser directly on your computer, since moisture could get inside and damage the electronic components.
If the manufacturer provides different instructions for cleaning and disinfecting the screen, follow those, instead.
Just take care not to use a soaking wet cloth or allow any liquid to seep into the small openings around your keys. While different computer manufacturers have different cleaning recommendations, healthcare professionals have found that alcohol wipes are generally safe and effective to use on computer keyboards. [20] X Research source If there’s obvious dust and debris on your keyboard, blow it away with a little compressed air. You can get a compressed air canister at an electronics or office supply store.
Most disinfectants need to sit on a surface for 3-5 minutes in order to work properly. [22] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
You’re most likely to pick up germs from a keyboard that’s been used by a lot of people or that you have handled after being in a public place without washing your hands.
