The object we probably use the most throughout the day and the one that connects us to the outside world is our mobile phones. However, you might not realize how dirty your cell phone is. Your phone picks up germs wherever it goes, from home to work to the nearby coffee shop. Cell phones gather the bacteria, oil, and filth that everyone’s skin produces. Contrary to popular belief, a cell phone can contain up to 10 times more bacteria than a toilet seat, which is commonly thought to be the dirtiest thing people frequently encounter. Although many of the germs found on cell phones are benign, there is a possibility that your device may have much more harmful infections. People frequently bring their phones into various germ-prone areas, such as the kitchen and restrooms.
Additionally, they use these gadgets everywhere, which raises the possibility of cross-contamination. This poses a risk to personal and public safety. Hence, the need to know how one ought to disinfect their phone.
How Susceptible Are You To An Illness With A Phone?
Even while some people wash their hands frequently, they forget to sanitize or disinfect other objects they use daily, such as cell phones. Unwashed hands are occasionally used to touch these gadgets, which can spread bacteria. The Journal of Applied Microbiology discovered that hard, non-porous surfaces, such as mobile devices, had the highest bacterial transmission rates.
How To Disinfect Your Phone
While many gadgets may be safely cleaned with disinfectant wipes, keep in mind that those that contain alcohol or bleach may damage the screen’s protective layer. So, here are practical steps you should take to disinfect your phone or other devices:
1. Before cleaning, unplug the gadget.
2. Apply hypochlorous acid to a lint-free cloth that has been mildly wet.
3. Steer clear of bleach- or abrasive-containing cleaning products and aerosol sprays.
4. Keep moisture and liquids away from the device’s ports.
What should not be used to clean phones
Ammonia, bleach, lactic acid, or hydrogen peroxide are found in many of the goods on the EPA’s list of suggested purchases. These are not appropriate for cleaning devices like cell phones, yet they can safely clean surfaces and phone cases. It is best to stay away from using the following goods:
1. All-purpose cleaning products for the home, particularly ones that contain bleach.
2. Makeup wipes
3. Antibacterial wipes devoid of 70% alcohol or any other substance on the EPA’s list.
4. Sterile bandages
5. Soap
6. Vinegar
Action Steps To Reduce Germ Exposure
1. Keep your phone in your pocket, purse, or vehicle whenever you are away from home.
2. Use a paper shopping list rather than a list stored on your smartphone when you go shopping.
3. Pay with a credit card, preferably a contactless one, rather than your smartphone’s mobile payment feature.
4. After using your phone in public areas, wash or sterilize your hands, or take off any gloves you were wearing.
5. To avoid having your phone close to your face or face mask when on the phone, use a hands-free device.
Why does hypochlorous acid work so well for phone cleaning?
It is absolutely safe and non-irritating to use hypochlorous acid. Even if it spilled on your skin or into your eyes, it wouldn’t burn. Additionally, mistakenly ingesting hypochlorous acid won’t have any detrimental consequences on you. It is a potent substitute that is entirely safe for use around infants. Without any concerns, you can use it on your mobile device. It is more effective than hazardous disinfectants and strong against germs, yet it is risk-free.
How to make hypochlorous acid?
Hypochlorous acid (HOCL) is produced by combining table salt and water and passing electricity through it. Home electrolysis systems produce stable hypochlorous acid from table salt and water. Distilled vinegar is occasionally used to lower the pH and produce a free chlorine solution dominated by hypochlorous acid molecules. The quality of the electrolysis cell must be carefully considered when selecting a home system. Higher-quality systems will last far longer while being more expensive since the metals used to make the cells are so durable. Hypochlorous acid is a powerful disinfectant with no adverse effect on the skin if spilt or ingested. Make your purchase here
Where to get a hypochlorous acid-making kit
There are various kits for hypochlorite anion(CLO-), but few for hypochlorous acid. Although the manufacturers of these hypochlorite kits might try to convince you otherwise, hypochlorite and hypochlorous acid are not equivalent substances. Cleaning anything that will end up in your mouth or come in contact with your skin should not be done with hypochlorite because it contains abrasive chemicals. However, you can get a hypochlorous acid kit at home by ordering one online. These products are also known as home electrolysis kits. The hypochlorous acid kit can be purchased here.
