How to Clean Your Phone and Other Devices

Struggling with a dirty phone screen or sticky device surfaces? Unclean phones can not only be a breeding ground for germs but can also hamper their functionality over time. 

While there are many cleaning methods available online, not all are safe or effective. In fact, using the wrong techniques could damage your device.

After testing various techniques, we’ve identified the safest and most effective ways to clean your phone and other gadgets. This article will guide you through the best practices to keep your devices in top condition. Read on to find out more!

How to Clean Your Phone and Other Devices

Keeping your phone and other devices clean is essential for maintaining their functionality and hygiene. Here, you’ll find safe and effective methods to ensure your gadgets stay spotless and germ-free:

Use a Microfiber Cloth and Isopropyl Alcohol

Power off your device. Dampen a microfiber cloth with a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution (avoid soaking it) and gently wipe down the screen in circular motions. This method safely removes smudges, fingerprints, and germs without damaging the screen’s protective coating​.

Clean Ports and Crevices with Cotton Swabs

Use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to clean small openings like charging ports and speaker grills. This helps remove dust and dirt that can accumulate and affect your device’s performance. Be gentle to avoid pushing debris further inside.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Do not use household cleaners like bleach or ammonia-based products on your devices. These can strip the protective coatings and cause permanent damage. Stick to mild solutions like diluted alcohol or specially formulated electronics cleaners​.

Use UV Sanitizers for Thorough Cleaning

Consider using a UV sanitizer for a more thorough cleaning. These devices use UV light to kill bacteria and viruses on your phone’s surface without any liquid or physical contact. Thus making them a safe option for daily use​.

Regularly Clean Your Phone Case

Remove your phone case and clean it with warm water and mild soap. Allow it to dry completely before putting it back on your phone. Regular cleaning of the case prevents germs and dirt from accumulating, which could transfer to your phone.

How to Clean Your Laptop or Tablet Screen

Just like a phone, your laptop or tablet screen also gets dirty over time. Here’s a simple guide to help you clean it safely and effectively: 

Step 1: Turn Off and Unplug

Always turn off and unplug your device before cleaning the screen. This ensures safety and prevents any accidental damage. A powered-off screen also makes it easier to spot smudges and dust, ensuring a more thorough cleaning process.

Step 2: Use a Soft Microfiber Cloth

Gently wipe the screen using a soft microfiber cloth. Avoid using paper towels or tissues, as they can scratch the screen. Microfiber cloths effectively remove dust and smudges without causing any damage, making them ideal for this task.

Step 3: Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Never use harsh chemicals like window cleaner or alcohol-based products on your screen. They can damage the screen’s protective coating. Instead, if needed, lightly dampen your microfiber cloth with water or a screen-safe cleaner specifically designed for electronics.

Step 4: Wipe in Gentle Circles

Clean the screen in gentle, circular motions. This technique helps avoid streaks and ensures that you cover the entire surface evenly. Start from the center and work your way outwards, applying only light pressure to avoid harming the screen.

Step 5: Dry the Screen Completely

After cleaning, allow the screen to air dry or gently wipe it with a dry part of your microfiber cloth. Make sure the screen is completely dry before turning your device back on to prevent any moisture from damaging the electronics.

Step 6: Regular Maintenance

To keep your screen looking clean, regularly wipe it down with a dry microfiber cloth. This prevents dust buildup and keeps smudges at bay, helping your device always look its best and reducing the need for deep cleaning sessions.

How to Clean Your Phone Speaker

Cleaning your phone speaker can improve sound quality and extend its life. Here’s a simple guide to help you keep it clean:

Dry Your Phone

Before starting, wipe your phone with a soft, dry cloth to absorb any moisture. This step is important to prevent any water from entering the speaker, which could cause damage to the internal components.

Use Compressed Air

Hold a can of compressed air a few inches away from the speaker. Give it a few short bursts to blow away dust and debris that might be clogging the speaker, helping to restore clear sound.

Brush Gently

Using a soft-bristled brush, gently clean around the speaker grille. This helps remove dust or particles that might be stuck in the small openings. Brush carefully to avoid pushing debris further into the speaker.

Check the Results

After cleaning, play music or a ringtone to test the speaker. Listen for any improvements in sound quality. If the sound is still muffled or unclear, repeat the cleaning process to ensure all debris is removed.

How to Clean Your Phone Speaker With Fix My Speaker

Fix My Speaker is a simple online tool that uses sound waves to clean your phone’s speaker. It’s easy to use and can improve sound quality without needing any physical tools or disassembly. Here’s how you can use Fix My Speaker to your phone speaker:

Step 1: Visit Fix My Speaker Website

Access the Fix My Speaker website directly from your phone’s browser. The website is designed to use sound waves to clear debris from your phone’s speaker, which can improve sound quality without needing physical cleaning tools or disassembly.

Step 2: Play the Sound

Once on the website, press the “Play” button. This will initiate a series of sound frequencies that create vibrations, specifically designed to shake loose any dust, water, or debris that might be trapped in your speaker.

Step 3: Wipe Speaker Area

After the sound has played, use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe the speaker area. This step helps to remove any particles that were loosened by the vibrations, ensuring that your speaker is as clean as possible.

Step 4: Repeat If Necessary

If you still notice issues with your speaker’s sound quality, repeat the process. Sometimes, it takes multiple rounds of vibration to fully clear out stubborn debris, so don’t hesitate to run the sound again for better results.

Step 5: Check Speaker Performance

After cleaning, test your phone’s speaker by playing music or making a call. This helps you determine if the cleaning was effective. If the sound still isn’t clear, consider additional methods or seek professional help for a deeper clean.

How often Should You Clean Your Phone?

You should clean your phone at least once a week to prevent dust, dirt, and bacteria buildup. Regular cleaning keeps your device functioning well and reduces the risk of damage or poor performance caused by debris in speakers and ports.

Cleaning your phone weekly helps maintain its performance and longevity. Dust, dirt, and oils from your hands can accumulate on your phone, leading to issues like muffled sound, overheating, or poor charging connections. 

Over time, not cleaning your phone can also lead to the buildup of bacteria, which can be harmful to your health. Regular maintenance ensures your device stays in good working order and extends its lifespan. A few minutes of cleaning can prevent bigger issues down the road.

What Should You Avoid When Cleaning Your Phone?

Cleaning your phone is essential, but certain practices can cause more harm than good. Here are key things you should avoid while cleaning your phone:

• Avoid Using Water Directly: Never apply water or liquid cleaners directly to your phone. Liquids can seep into openings and damage internal parts, leading to potential malfunctions.
• Don’t Use Abrasive Materials: Stay away from rough cloths or paper towels. These can scratch your phone’s screen and damage delicate components like the speaker grille.
• Skip Harsh Chemicals: Avoid strong cleaners like bleach or alcohol. These chemicals can wear away protective coatings on your phone, causing permanent damage to the screen and body.
• Avoid Excessive Pressure: Be gentle when cleaning your phone. Applying too much pressure can crack the screen or push debris deeper into the device, making the situation worse.
• Don’t Use Compressed Air Carelessly: Use compressed air with caution. Holding it too close or applying too much force can push debris further inside or damage sensitive components.

Conclusion

Throughout this article, we’ve covered the best practices for cleaning your phone and other devices, ensuring they stay hygienic and function optimally. From screens to charging ports, we’ve provided methods that are both safe and effective.

As a final tip, remember that your phone’s speaker often accumulates the most dirt, which can affect sound quality. To address this, you can use the Fix My Speaker tool, which helps clear out debris and moisture, ensuring crystal-clear audio for your device.​

Frequently Asked Question

Is it safe to submerge my phone in water for cleaning?

No, even if your phone is water-resistant, submerging it in water can lead to damage. Instead, use a damp cloth for cleaning the exterior.

Can I clean my device with a vinegar solution?

No, vinegar can be too harsh and might damage the screen coating or other sensitive parts of your device. It’s safer to stick with water or isopropyl alcohol solutions.

What is the safest way to clean my earbuds or headphones?

Use a dry toothbrush to gently remove dirt from the mesh part and wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth. For in-ear headphones, replace the tips if they are worn out or dirty.