Is your iPhone speaker too quiet? The likely culprit will gross you out

What’s dirtier — your phone or toilet? The answer probably won’t surprise you. Your gadgets get constant use, and this adds to the grime. Here are the top five dirtiest devices.

Apart from spreading germs and turning your stomach, a dirty phone can cause you to question your hearing. We’ll explain below.

Can you hear me now?

Have you been having problems hearing people on the phone? What about playing music or movies through your phone’s speaker? Do things sound muffled?

Before you schedule a hearing test, think of all the places you put your phone every day: in your pocket or purse, on your desk, in your car’s cup holder, or on the dinner table. And though we don’t condone it, the bathroom.

Your phone picks up lint, dust, dirt and grime wherever you go. All that stuff gets into the nooks and crevices, some of which you need to operate the phone.

Your iPhone’s microphones and speakers are located in various areas: at the top-front in the notch, at the bottom and even in the camera array on the back.

They all work together to capture the sound around you when shooting video, to hear people better when you’re on the phone and to provide optimal sound when watching a movie or TV show, listening to music or on a call with the speaker turned on.

If these components get jammed with dirt, you’ll have problems hearing anything, and so will the people talking to you. The simple solution is to clean your phone, right? Yes, but you have to be careful or you can make things worse.

Here are some products to help safely clean and disinfect your phone.

Reusable cleaning gel

This goop picks up dust and dirt from deep crevices, including your phone’s speaker and microphone ports. It also safely cleans your keyboard, printer, speakers, camera, TV remote and other electronics.

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15 smart buys to get a jump start on spring cleaning

Did you know simple spring cleaning has been linked to a stronger immune system? Removing all that dust and dirt can make a world of difference. It’s also a great way to get rid of all that clutter in your home.

Some believe the idea of spring cleaning comes from the Persian New Year, which falls on the first day of spring. The Persian New Year, Khaneh tekani, translates to “shaking the house.”

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There’s a mat for that

🙈 No matter the surface, I’ve got you covered (literally).

  • Keep that dirt outside with an all-season doormat (8% off).
  • Slippery shower? This bathtub mat (25% off) sticks in place.
  • An under-sink mat (15% off) catches any pesky leaks and spills.
  • These baking mats (23% off) are oven-safe and reusable.
  • Adulting looks like vinyl place mats (5% off) on your table.

⚡ Power up: This mouse pad (20% off) wirelessly charges your tech while you work. No juggling cables.

January 25th, 2025

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Meet Stargate: the AI that will change everything. Plus, how apps spied on your daily routine, Amazon takes on Temu with new dirt-cheap deals and why Texas is suing Allstate.
 

1,000 lashes: Some guys online are shaving off their eyelashes to look more masculine. PSA: They’re not just for looks, boys. Lashes protect your eyes from dirt and deflect air from your cornea. And once you start messing with them, it ups your risk of infections like pink eye. Just don’t.

Apple's new cleaning cloth is $19 - Or you can buy this pack of 24 for less

You probably know just how easy it is for tech gadgets to build up dirt, grime and other grody particles. That’s especially true if you eat at your computer or tap your phone screen with sweaty fingers post-workout. You don’t want your devices to become a hub of bacteria, especially in the era of COVID-19.

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20 clever, inexpensive products that fix problems quickly

No matter how careful you are, issues with dirt, grime or funk will pop up from time to time. Cars get dirty, sinks get stained and cords for computers and other devices get tangled. It’s just part of life.

The problem is that it’s easy to spot little issues like these in our homes or offices now that we’re spending more time indoors. The pandemic has made those wall scuffs and stained sinks more apparent — and they can quickly become a sore spot.

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Tire’d of the mess?

🚘 Life is a highway, might as well ride in style.

  • This small car vacuum (34% off) sucks up dirt and crumbs in a flash.
  • Flat tire? You can pump up anywhere with a portable tire inflator (37% off).
  • Got tiny humans in the backseat? Get a travel tray table (20% off) to keep your little passengers entertained.
  • Forget the car wash! Just spray and wipe with this car care kit ($35) for a shiny finish.
  • Keep your phone handy but safe with a car mount for your iPhone (19% off) or Android (75% off).

🚦 Don’t brake now: Cruise over to my page for even more amazing useful gadgets to upgrade your ride.