You already know this, but here's a friendly reminder: Your iPhone is filthy. The average phone has about 10 times the number of germs and bacteria than a public restroom—that includes microorganisms such as Streptococcus, E. coli, and Salmonella. So, yeah. It's time for a cleaning.
Unfortunately, you can't clean your iPhone using just any household cleaning products, as they can damage the fingerprint-resistant, oil-repellant coating. But according to Apple's support page, it's OK to use Clorox wipes or isopropyl alcohol.
Video of the Day
"Using a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, you may gently wipe the hard, nonporous surfaces of your Apple product, such as the display, keyboard, or other exterior surfaces," Apple notes. "Don't use bleach. Avoid getting moisture in any opening, and don't submerge your Apple product in any cleaning agents. Don't use on fabric or leather surfaces."
Here are Apple's cleaning guidelines for iPhones
- Turn off your phone and unplug all cables and external power sources.
- Use a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth—a lens cloth is perfect for this.
- Avoid abrasive cloths, towels, paper towels, or similar items.
- Don't wipe excessively.
- Dampen the lint-free cloth with warm soapy water, Clorox wipes, or isopropyl alcohol.
- Avoid getting moisture in openings.
- Don't use aerosol sprays, bleaches, or abrasives.
- Don't spray cleaners directly onto the device.
Repeat as necessary, which in our current climate, should probably every day if you use your device in public.