Smartphones are among the dirtiest objects we touch daily, often harboring 10 times more germs than a toilet seat due to constant use in environments like living rooms, conference rooms, parties, and even bathrooms. Despite this, cleaning your phone requires care—harsh products like Windex, compressed air, hydrogen peroxide, or bleach should never be used, as they can permanently damage the oleophobic coating on the screen, stripping its fingerprint-resistant and oil-repelling properties. Instead, use only a lint-free microfiber cloth with soapy water or a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol solution (or wipe), ensuring the cloth is damp, not wet.

Power off the device, remove the case, and gently wipe the screen and back glass, paying attention to camera lenses and side buttons while avoiding moisture near ports like the USB-C port. Phone cases should also be cleaned regularly: silicone and plastic cases can be treated like the phone, but leather cases require only a damp cloth with mild soap to prevent drying and cracking. Common mistakes include applying liquid directly to the device (risking water damage), cleaning while plugged in (a hazard with moisture and electricity), overusing alcohol wipes (which degrades the coating over time), and using abrasive materials like paper towels or rough fabric (which cause microscopic scratches that worsen with use).

Proper cleaning preserves both hygiene and device longevity.