Can you apply alcohol on your phone? And other electronics?

How to clean phones

There are several products we can use to help with this task, but it's always important to pay attention to the type of device you're cleaning.

For example, applying alcohol on the phone's screen is different from applying it on the top of a laptop lid. Even though both are electronics, you can use alcohol on some parts, but others require more care.

But why? Alcohol is a chemical product. Its gel version was specifically made to sanitize hands, but on some surfaces, its application can damage your device.

If you're looking for an effective way to keep your phone free from viruses and bacteria, here are some important tips:

You can apply alcohol on your phone

And which products should you avoid?

Now that you know you can use alcohol on your phone and that it is very effective, we also need to tell you what not to use when cleaning your smartphone:

• Cloth with water and soap: it may clean, but the water doesn't dry immediately, so it will surely run into your device. Plus, tap water contains other chemicals that can stain your phone.

• Dish soap and water: these two components can get inside your phone and damage internal parts, leading to serious and even irreversible problems.

• Glass cleaner, degreasers, and multi-purpose cleaners: these products are meant for household cleaning and can stain your phone screen, leaving it with a whitish appearance.

• Towels, facial tissues, and abrasive materials: these can scratch the phone screen, so they are not ideal, even with 70% alcohol gel.

What do manufacturers say about cleaning phones?

Since cell phones are almost always in our hands, keeping them clean is not only good for us but also for the device's lifespan.

After all, the buildup of dirt in certain parts of the phone can damage the materials it's made from, decreasing its durability.

Considering the importance of proper phone hygiene, the manufacturers themselves offer tips on how to clean devices correctly and safely. And that's what we'll discuss now.

Apple recommendations

Considering the specifics of each smartphone, Apple provides cleaning recommendations that apply to all models - from the first iPhone to the latest release, the iPhone 16.

In general, the following tips apply to all models:

• Bleach or hydrogen peroxide should not be used.

• Before using any recommended cleaning product, disconnect all cables and turn off the device;

• Isopropyl alcohol wipes at 70%, ethyl alcohol at 75% or Clorox can be used to clean the external surface of the iPhone;

• Cleaning products or compressed air should not be used.

Motorola recommendations

If you own a Motorola smartphone, know that they also provide some tips on how to properly clean your device. Here they are:

• Turn off the device before you start cleaning;

• Use alcohol-based wipes with 70% isopropyl alcohol;

• Avoid moisture near the phone’s openings, such as the headphone jack, charger port, microphone and speakers;

• Do not use cleaning materials that contain bleach or abrasive agents;

• Do not spray directly onto the screen.

Samsung recommendations

And finally, check out Samsung's recommendations, which not only provide cleaning tips but also include some images to illustrate how to maintain proper hygiene for Samsung Galaxy devices specifically.

It’s important to remember that all these guidelines apply only to the glass, ceramic and metal surfaces of the smartphone. They are as follows:

• Before you begin cleaning, turn off the device and remove any case or accessories, including headphones and charging cables;

• Use a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth to gently clean the smartphone’s surface;

• Damp the tip of the cloth with a small amount of 70% isopropyl alcohol to carefully clean both the front and back of the phone;

• Do not use compressed air or spray bleach directly onto the phone.

Use of 70% isopropyl alcohol

How to clean other electronics

You might be thinking that if you can use alcohol on your phone, the same applies to other electronics. And it's true: 70% alcohol gel can generally be used to clean most electronics. Quite helpful, right?

But of course, it's essential to stick to the rule of using two soft cloths and never leaving the surface damp. Check out these tips to help you:

Laptop and TV screens

Some common mistakes can damage your screens. The most important thing is to always clean and sanitize electronics while they are turned off to avoid short circuits. Of course, you won't soak the screens, but it's still a risk. So, avoid cleaning with the device turned on.

An important tip is to use soft, lint-free cloths, preferably microfiber.

Here's how to do it:

• Disconnect all cables from the device;

• Dampen a soft cloth, spreading the 70% alcohol gel evenly on it;

• Apply it to the screen using light, straight movements in one direction;

• To remove fingerprints, gently wipe the same spot several times without pressing;

• Finish by using a dry, soft cloth to remove any excess alcohol if needed.

And don't forget to clean the other parts of the notebook and TV as well!

Cleaning other electronics

Just like you can clean your cell phone with alcohol, headphones, mice and remote controls also deserve attention. Remote controls, for example, have more bacteria than you might imagine.

These details are often overlooked during cleaning. We focus so much on how a screen should look perfectly clean, often for aesthetic reasons, that we forget where the real danger lies when it comes to viruses and bacteria.

So, let’s make sure we clean these items thoroughly too. They should be included in your home cleaning schedule.