Your phone is probably one of the things you use the most every single day. Naturally, it will become dirty very quickly and it will just get dirtier if you do not clean it.
However, before your start grabbing tissue or start wiping your phone against the closest cloth you can find (probably your shirt), there is actually a proper way of going about it. Here is how:
How to Properly Clean Your iPhone According to Apple
Apple provides cleaning tips depending on which iPhone model you own, but there are certain tips and steps that apply each time regardless of the model. First and foremost, you have to unplug all the cables attached to your iPhone and then switch it off. It goes without saying that your phone should not be charging while you are cleaning it.
The tech giant recommends using "a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth" when cleaning your device. As for what you should not do, you should not get moisture into the phone's opening. You should not use cleaning products or compressed air either.
If you are wondering if it is safe to use a disinfectant to clean you phone, the answers is yes. There is a but, however. You can only use a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe or a 75% ethyl alcohol wipe. If you have Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, those should work too.
What you should not use are products with bleach or hydrogen peroxide.
According to AT&T, you should also keep in mind not to use excessive force on your device's screen. Instead, use gentle srokes when cleaning. You are also not supposed to spray or pour any cleaning liquid onto your device. With that being said, you should not dip your iPhone into any liquid either.
You should also remember to air-dry your device completely first before you turn it on and use it again. And of course, wash your hands before and after cleaning your iPhone.
Related Article: iPhone Won't Connect to a Wi-Fi? 7 Steps to Fix Network Issue Without Replacing the Device
Why You Can't Use Cleaning Products or Other Abrasive Materials
According to Apple, "Your iPhone has a fingerprint-resistant oleophobic — oil repellent — coating." This coating naturally wears over time, especially if you use your iPhone regularly.
Using cleaning products or other abrasive materials will cause the coating to wear faster and may even scratch your device.
When You Should Consider Cleaning Your iPhone Immediately
Apple recommends cleaning your iPhone immediately when it comes in contact with anything that can cause stains or damage to the device, including the following:
- Dirt or sand
- Makeup
- Ink
- Acidic food
- Soap
- Detergent
- Lotion
