Weekly Tech News from Helpful Dave!
Hello, once again
it’s time for Weekly Tech News from Helpful Dave!
This week we’ll be
discussing something everyone should know: How to sanitize their
cellphones and other electronics!
Our Tech Terms for
this week are:
Oleophobic Coating:
This is a kind of coating that is on most modern cellphones that
repels fingerprints and smudges.
Now onto the news
First we have to
understand how to properly sanitize our electronics. Let’s talk
about the difference between cleaning and disinfecting. I’ll quote
the CDC directly:
“Cleaning removes
germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces or objects. Cleaning works
by using soap (or detergent) and water to physically remove germs
from surfaces. This process does not necessarily kill germs, but by
removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading
infection.
Disinfecting kills
germs on surfaces or objects. Disinfecting works by using chemicals
to kill germs on surfaces or objects. This process does not
necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing
germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of
spreading infection.”
Why is this
important? Because you really need to do both cleaning and
disinfecting to kill the germs on your device.
Let’s talk about
cleaning your cellphone first.
1. Take your case off: (NOTE: You should check with your case manufacturer for proper cleaning methods, but the following steps are normally fine) The cases should be removed and cleaned separately for two reasons. First it helps you avoid damage to your cellphone and second because dirt and debris can get stuck inside the case under your phone.
The easiest way to
clean your case is just to use some warm soapy water. Give it a dunk
and use a sponge but not a scrub with anything harsh. Give it a good
rinse to get all the soap water off and then let it all the water dry
out.
2. Clean your phone: Do not use just any product to clean your cellphone. Most modern cellphones have an oleophobic coating on the front that keeps it from showing finger prints and oils that would come from your hand. This coating makes it easier to see your screen when you want to use it. If you use a harsh chemical you will erode and eventually destroy that coating making your cellphone harder to use.
There are two methods to safely clean your cellphone. Personally, I
like to use Microfiber cloths and some cleaning solution. You spray
the cleaning solution onto the cloth and then wipe down your phone.
However, if you want an all in one solution you can find
pre-moistened wipes for your phone that you throw away after each
use.
3. Disinfect your phone: This one is a lot trickier because there isn’t really a reliable way to disinfect your phone because most disinfectants rely on harsh chemicals. Those harsh chemicals are the only thing to my knowledge that can kill the coronavirus.
Apple recently made
a statement that some chemical cleaners that a 70 percent isopropyl
alcohol wipe or Clorox Disinfecting Wipe is safe. I’ll link their
full statement at the end of the article. Android phone manufacturers
have not made any comments on what they consider to be a safe
chemical cleaning method.
The only other
alternative in this area is UV Light which kills many germs. Once
again though this method has not been tested specifically against the
Coronavirus so there are no guarantees this will work. Some UV
cleaners come in a wand that you wave over your devices and there are
some that are like cases. Personally, I prefer the case because you
enclose your phone inside of it ensuring good coverage of the UV
light.
After you’ve
followed all these steps double check to make sure your case is dry
put it back on and you are all set!
Please feel free to
let me know if you have any questions or comments or want more
information.
Thanks for reading
this everyone. I hope you all have a safe and healthy week! My
sources and some links to products are below.
-Helpful Dave
CDC:
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/school/cleaning.htm
How to clean your
Apple Products:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204172?mod=article_inline
Please note these
store links are affiliate links and we will generate revenue if you
purchase the items.
Microfiber cloths:
https://amzn.to/3b4eJmo
Cleaning Solution:
https://amzn.to/2xM8MfH
Cellphone Wipes:
https://amzn.to/2Ql1QML
UV Cleaner:
https://amzn.to/38R4Ffa