It’s been on the dining table, in the kitchen, next to your pillow, maybe even in the bathroom, and in between; it’s been in and out of your hands dozens of times. Your laptop isn’t much different, with its keyboard, trackpad and palm rest getting touched throughout the entire workday. We wash our hands regularly, but these two gadgets rarely get the same attention. Wiping them down once a week takes just a few minutes, and it’s one of the easiest hygiene habits you can build. Here’s how to do it properly.
Think about where your phone has been today.
Alcohol wipes or a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol solution work well on hard, non-porous surfaces like screens, keyboards and the body of the device. Because it’s the best source of what’s safe, always check your phone or laptop maker’s care guide first,. Your hands pick up germs from door handles, lift buttons, currency notes and railings, and then they go straight to your phone. From there, those germs travel back to your hands and, eventually, your face. Even if you wash your hands carefully, picking up an unclean phone undoes the effort. Once a week is a good baseline for most people. If you share your devices, use them in public places or around someone who’s unwell, it’s worth cleaning them more often. You don’t need anything fancy. What you want to avoid is bleach, harsh cleaners and anything abrasive, since these can strip the coating that protects the screen. A soft microfibre cloth is the only other thing you need. This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always follow your device manufacturer’s cleaning instructions, since guidance can vary by model and screen coating. Alcohol-based cleaners are flammable, so keep them away from flames and out of the reach of children, and never submerge devices in liquid.
