Your phone screen is 3x dirtier than a toilet seat: What you need to know

We all carry our smartphones with us everywhere we go, and we use them for everything from browsing the internet to making calls and sending messages. But have you ever stopped to consider just how dirty your phone really is? Recent findings have revealed that the average smartphone screen is more than three times dirtier than a toilet seat. A team of gadget insurance specialists at Insurance2go conducted a study in which they swabbed three different handsets – the iPhone 6, Samsung Galaxy S8, and Google Pixel – to see how much aerobic bacteria, yeast, and mould thrived on each. The results were surprising, to say the least.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the study’s findings and explore why our smartphones are so dirty. We’ll also provide some tips on how to keep your smartphone clean and hygienic, so you can stay healthy and germ-free.

The Study

Insurance2go‘s study found that the screens of the three handsets they tested were the dirtiest, with an average of 30 units of aerobic bacteria, yeast, and mould. This makes them more than three times dirtier than a toilet seat, which averages around 10 units. The lock button on the phones averaged 23.8 units, which is almost the same as a toilet seat. Meanwhile, the home button came in at 10.6 units, making it twice as dirty as an office keyboard or mouse.

What’s more, the study found that the level of bacteria on a smartphone can vary depending on how the phone is used. For example, phones that are frequently used to make calls and send texts had higher levels of bacteria than phones that were used mainly for browsing the internet. The study also found that people who eat while using their phones had higher levels of bacteria on their devices.

Why Are Smartphones So Dirty?

There are several reasons why our smartphones are so dirty. First and foremost, we carry our phones with us everywhere we go, and they come into contact with all sorts of surfaces, including our hands, pockets, and bags. We also use our phones when we’re eating, which can transfer bacteria and germs from our food to our devices.

Additionally, many of us don’t clean our phones regularly. We may not even think about it, or we may be afraid of damaging our devices. But failing to clean your phone can allow bacteria and germs to build up over time, making your phone a breeding ground for all sorts of nasty microbes.

The Health Risks

The germs present on smartphone screens pose a major health risk, particularly when we hold our phones against our faces. Bacteria and germs can cause all sorts of skin problems, including acne, and can also make us more susceptible to infections and illnesses.

In fact, a study conducted by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine found that one in six phones is contaminated with faecal matter. This can lead to the spread of harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella, which can cause diarrhoea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal problems.

Keeping Your Phone Clean

To keep your smartphone clean and hygienic, it’s important to clean it regularly. You can use alcohol wipes or purchase smartphone cleaning solutions to sanitize your device. It’s also a good idea to avoid using your phone when you’re eating and to use earphones if you’re going to be on a call for an extended period of time.

In addition to cleaning your phone, it’s also important to practice good hygiene habits, such as washing your hands regularly and avoiding touching your face. This can help prevent the spread of germs and keep you healthy. Apart from acne, your phone can also cause skin infections like impetigo and even conjunctivitis (pink eye) if you rub your eyes with your unwashed hands after using your phone.

We often overlook the importance of keeping our smartphones clean, but as we have seen, they can be breeding grounds for harmful bacteria that can lead to various health problems. The good news is that cleaning your phone is a simple process that can be done in just a few minutes.

So, how can you clean your smartphone?

1. Turn off your phone: Always turn off your phone before cleaning it. This will help you avoid any damage to the internal components of the phone.
2. Use a microfiber cloth: A microfiber cloth is the best way to clean your smartphone screen. It’s gentle and won’t scratch your phone. You can also use it to clean your phone case.
3. Avoid harsh chemicals: Avoid using harsh chemicals like ammonia or bleach to clean your smartphone. These chemicals can damage the screen and the internal components of your phone.
4. Use disinfectant wipes: You can use disinfectant wipes to clean your phone. Make sure the wipes are alcohol-based and avoid using them on the phone’s speaker or microphone.
5. Use a cleaning solution: You can also use a cleaning solution specifically designed for smartphones. These solutions are gentle and won’t damage your phone.
6. Clean your phone regularly: Make sure you clean your phone regularly to avoid the build-up of bacteria and germs. You can make it a habit to clean your phone every day before going to bed.

In conclusion, your smartphone screen is dirtier than a toilet seat, and it’s important to clean it regularly. The best way to clean your smartphone is to use a microfiber cloth and avoid harsh chemicals. You can also use disinfectant wipes or a cleaning solution designed for smartphones. Remember to turn off your phone before cleaning it and to clean it regularly to avoid the build-up of bacteria and germs.