Hygiene for Smartphones and Tablets

Since the BloodPressureDB app is used by most users on a smartphone or tablet, the hygiene of these devices is of interest. Especially in times when colds, influenza, or SARS-CoV-2 (the so-called coronavirus) are rampant, there are increasing reports on hygiene concerning mobile phones.

They are our constant companions. Countless times a day, we hold them in our hands, typing messages, launching apps, searching in search engines, scrolling, playing, and so on. All over the display, without having washed our hands beforehand, which had just come into contact with various things. How is the hygiene in this regard? How often and how should the display or the entire smartphone be cleaned?

The displays of mobile phones are often labeled as true germ spreaders. In fact, various bacteria thrive on touchscreens. However, most of them are bacteria that every person naturally carries and usually do not harm healthy individuals. There is a divide on how heavily the devices are populated with bacteria. A study from 2015 found only one bacterium per square centimeter. Other sources mention over 100 bacteria, but without specifying the area.

Unfortunately, there are no studies available on the transmission of viruses via the display or the smartphone as a whole. It is generally assumed that the colonization with viruses is similar to that with bacteria.

Since the smartphone is a reflection of personal hygiene, it is important to wash hands regularly and thoroughly with soap. According to microbiologist Prof. Markus Egert, the smartphone itself should occasionally be wiped with a slightly damp cloth or a microfiber cloth like a glasses cleaning cloth. This already removes most microorganisms and grease residues where bacteria can multiply. Even the often unconscious wiping on pants or T-shirts helps in this regard.

However, if you use your phone in a clinical environment or in public, you should also disinfect it. But be careful: The display is made of a special grease-repellent material that can be attacked by aggressive cleaning agents such as most disinfectants, alcohol, as well as dish soap and soapy water, which can restrict usability or lead to streaking. Therefore, the display should be protected from the start with a screen protector. This can then be wiped with a cloth dampened with disinfectant. There are also special screen cleaners that are compatible with the material and suitable for cleaning the smartphone. However, it is advisable to ensure that these carry the label "virucidal" or "limited virucidal." For cleaning the ports, there are numerous guides available online on how to clean them using cotton swabs, toothpicks, and similar items.

In summary, the smartphone is primarily a mirror of personal hand hygiene. If hands are washed regularly and thoroughly, it is sufficient to regularly wipe the smartphone or tablet with a microfiber cloth. If the devices are used in a clinical environment or in public, they should be cleaned with suitable cleaning agents. Harsh cleaners like disinfectant solutions, alcohol, soapy water, etc., can damage the display. A screen protector is recommended, as it can also be wiped with a disinfectant. For this, spray the agent onto a cloth and clean the smartphone with it. The screen protector also reduces the risk of mechanically damaging the display if, for example, crumbs are present during cleaning that could cause scratches.

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By Sabine Croci. This article is medically reviewed. Last updated (06/2024).
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Hygiene for Smartphones and Tablets

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