Q&A WITH JEFF HEELEY
Sanitizing cellphones is crucial not only during flu season, but year-round, too
Q: Why is it so important to keep your device clean?
A: At U.S. Cellular, we encourage our customers to wipe before they swipe. With flu season upon us, frequent sanitizing of cellphones and other electronic devices is necessary to avoid sharing illnesses. The average smartphone has 10 times more bacteria on it than most toilet seats, according to Charles Gerba, a University of Arizona microbiologist. Bacteria can linger on a device and has the potential to make users ill, especially when sharing electronics with someone else who’s recently been sick. Oklahoma, and the nation, is currently at the height of cold and flu season, and keeping devices clean is a smart practice that can go a long way in preventing unpleasant — and even dangerous — symptoms.
Q: How can Oklahomans keep their devices clean? A: Washing your hands consistently reduces exposure to germs that can cause illness and helps keep your phone free of more germs. We recommend using a disinfectant wipe that does not contain bleach and wring the wipe out several times before use to minimize moisture on and near the device. After using the disinfectant wipe, follow up with a microfiber cloth. Or you can use specialized cleaners made for electronics, such as Gadget Guard Greener Cleaner. This should be done routinely, especially if other people have handled the device or if anyone in the family or office has been sick. Another way to keep your cellphone clean is to not use devices in the bathroom. In a survey from Inc. com, 61 percent of people admitted to using their smartphone while in the restroom. The habit of “toilet texting” can cause users to become ill, as germs from the bathroom can wind up on the phone.
Q: What about small, stubborn areas?
A: The most stubborn areas to clean are the deep crevices. These areas include the headphone jack, charging port, speaker and microphone openings. We recommend not using a toothpick or Q-tip to clean these small spaces since they can damage circuitry and/or leave behind cotton fibers.
Instead, use antibiotic putty designed specifically for electronics, such as Cyber Clean.