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Why not suggest cleaning your phone with hand sanitizer?

Why not suggest cleaning your phone with hand sanitizer?

2024-07-02 282 0

Can you clean your phone with hand sanitizer?

Cleaning your phone (even the rugged phone) with hand sanitizer is generally not recommended, as it can potentially cause more harm than good to your device.

We all know the importance of keeping our hands clean with hand sanitizer, especially these days. But what about our phones? They come into contact with countless surfaces and hands throughout the day, so keeping them sanitized is crucial as well. While it might seem like an easy solution to grab your hand sanitizer and give your phone a quick wipe down, it's actually not recommended by most phone manufacturers and can potentially damage your device. Here's why:

Hand sanitizers typically contain a high concentration of alcohol, often ranging from 60% to 95% alcohol content. While the alcohol in hand sanitizers is effective at killing germs and bacteria, it can also be quite harsh and damaging to the delicate materials and coatings used in modern smartphone construction.

Similar to the concerns with using high-concentration isopropyl alcohol, the alcohol in hand sanitizers can strip away the oleophobic (oil-repellent) coating on your phone's 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 hand sanitizer can accelerate the process, leading to a screen that is more prone to fingerprints, smudges, and scratches.

Additionally, the alcohol in hand sanitizers 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.

Beyond the alcohol content, hand sanitizers often contain other ingredients, such as fragrances, moisturizers, and thickening agents, which can also be harmful to your phone's surfaces. These additional chemicals can leave behind residues or even cause discoloration or clouding on the screen and other surfaces.

If you do need to clean and disinfect your phone, it's best to use a dedicated screen cleaning solution or a diluted mixture of isopropyl alcohol and distilled water (around 50% or less). These solutions are specifically designed to be gentle on your phone's materials and coatings, while effectively removing germs, dirt, and grime. Here is the guide to clean your Android phone.

Conclusion

In summary, it's generally not recommended to use hand sanitizer to clean your phone. The high alcohol content and other ingredients can potentially cause damage to your device, leading to a shorter lifespan and a less-than-optimal user experience. Instead, stick to using a microfiber cloth and a gentle cleaning solution specifically formulated for electronic devices. By taking these precautions, you can keep your phone clean and well-maintained without risking any harm to the device.