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Can you use alcohol/isopropyl alcohol to clean a phone?

Can you use alcohol/isopropyl alcohol to clean a phone?

2024-07-02 153 0

Welcome to Blackview (Well-known brand of rugged devices like smartphones and tablets) blog. Hope the guide helps.

Our smartphones are constantly exposed to germs and grime. While keeping them clean is important, using the right methods is crucial to avoid damaging your device. When it comes to cleaning your phone, using alcohol-based solutions such as isopropyl alcohol can be a tricky and potentially risky proposition.

In general, using a small amount of diluted isopropyl alcohol (around 50% or less) can be a viable option for cleaning your phone/iPhone, but it requires extra caution and care. Besides, it's not recommended to use pure alcohol or high-concentration isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher) to clean your phone's screen or other surfaces. While alcohol can be an effective disinfectant and cleaning agent, it can also be quite harsh and damaging to the delicate materials and coatings used in modern smartphone construction, including rugged smartphone - the device with water-, drop-, and dust-resistant.

What about using alcohol wipes?

The main concern with using alcohol wipes on your phone is the concentration of alcohol they contain. Many alcohol wipes are formulated with a high percentage of isopropyl or ethyl alcohol, typically around 70% or higher. As we discussed previously, these high concentrations of alcohol can be quite harsh and damaging to the delicate materials and coatings used in modern smartphones.

However, some manufacturers now offer alcohol wipes specifically designed for cleaning electronic devices, including phones. These wipes typically contain a lower concentration of alcohol, usually around 50% or less, which can be safer for use on your phone.

The potentially risky proposition by using alcohol

The main concern with using alcohol on your phone is that it can strip away the oleophobic (oil-repellent) coating applied to the screen. This coating is what gives the screen its smooth, smudge-resistant feel and makes it easier to clean. Over time, this coating can wear down naturally, but using alcohol can accelerate the process, leading to a screen that is more prone to fingerprints, smudges, and scratches.

Additionally, alcohol can also break down the adhesives and sealants used in the phone's construction, potentially causing components to come loose or even allowing water or debris to enter the device. This can lead to more serious issues like water damage, short-circuiting, or even complete device failure.

That being said, using a small amount of diluted isopropyl alcohol (around 50% or less) can be a viable option for cleaning your phone, but it requires extra caution and care. Here's how you can safely clean your phone with alcohol:

Power off your phone and disconnect any charging cables.
Mix equal parts isopropyl alcohol and distilled water in a clean container.
Dampen a microfiber cloth with the diluted solution, making sure it's not dripping wet.
Gently wipe down the phone's surfaces, including the screen, back, and sides, being careful not to let any liquid seep into the ports or openings.
Immediately follow up by drying the phone thoroughly with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
It's also important to avoid using household cleaners, bleach, or other harsh chemicals, as these can be even more damaging to your phone's delicate components and coatings.

If you're unsure about using alcohol or any other cleaning solution on your phone, do not try it. You can clean your phone with a simple way - with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.

By following these guidelines and taking the necessary precautions, you can safely use a diluted alcohol solution to clean your phone without risking any damage to the device. However, it's generally recommended to use a dedicated screen cleaning solution or a microfiber cloth for more routine cleaning tasks.