how to disinfect your electronic devices.
The COVID-19 pandemic has altered life as we know it and it is going to stay with us well into 2021. Among other measures to protect yourself and others from the virus, the CDC also recommends frequently cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces. This includes phones, laptops / computers, keyboards, and other electronic devices that we use every day.
Because we are always carrying our cell phones with us, their surfaces tend to carry a lot of germs. In fact, our own hand is the biggest culprit when it comes to putting filth on our phone. According to a survey by Deloitte, Americans check their phones about 50 times per day. Every time you touch your phone, the phone picks up germs from your hands. A study by the University of Arizona found that cellphones carry 10 times more germs than a toilet seat, because people clean toilet seats but they seldom clean their phones. The same goes for their laptops or desktops.
Especially in the time of the coronavirus pandemic, if you touch your phone after touching a public door handle or grocery cart, you should immediately think of cleaning it.
So, what is the correct way to disinfect devices without damaging them?
1. Power down your device and unplug all external power sources, devices, and cables.
2. Ideally, check with the manufacturer of your device for the best cleaning methods.
Since devices come from various manufacturers, practices may vary, although there are some common guidelines that you can follow no matter what brand your device is.
Apple f.e. used to tell people not to use disinfecting wipes on its products but the company now says it is okay to use a disinfecting wipe (such as Clorox or other wipes with 70 percent isopropyl alcohol) on the hard, nonporous surfaces like the display, the keyboards and other exterior surfaces as long as you don’t use bleach and avoid getting moisture in an opening.
3. Use anti-bacterial wipes to gently wipe the hard, nonporous surfaces of your device, such as the display, keyboard, or other exterior surfaces.
You can also use a soft cloth with a product that contains 70 percent isopropyl alcohol, but make sure the cloth is lint-free. Otherwise, it will leave fluff behind. Avoid any material that could be abrasive, like rough towels or paper towels, as these may damage the sensitive screen.
Don't use aerosol sprays and window cleaners, as well as cleaning products with abrasives, hydrogen peroxide, chlorine, acetone, ammonia, or bleach, as these may discolor or otherwise harm your devices.
4. Never spray any cleaner or disinfectant directly onto the device. Instead, spray it on the cloth and then use the cloth on the device.
Keep liquids away from the device. Make sure that no liquid gets inside your device through any openings because it can ruin your device and most insurance doesn't cover liquid damage.
Never dunk your phone, laptop or keyboard in a cleaning agent.
5. Other parts of the phone such as the power and home button, not just the screen and keyboard must be cleaned too.
6. Don’t forget your phone case. Clean it and let it dry before slipping your phone back inside.
7. If you love tech, you can try a UV phone sanitizer that uses UV-C light to break down germs.
8. Remember that your TV remote, game controllers, and other electronics should also be cleaned, not just computers and phones.
Please keep in mind that cleaning your devices is not of much use if you don’t clean your hands regularly as well. Self-discipline is key.
If anything unpredictable happens to your device and you lose your data, Kotar Data Recovery can always reverse time and bring your data back.
Stay safe and healthy.
