New research: COVID can live on your phone for 28 days – How to properly disinfect yours
Can you believe we’ve been dealing with coronavirus for nearly seven months already? It’s true. The World Health Organization declared it a pandemic all the way back in March and things haven’t been the same since.
Thankfully there have been plenty of breakthroughs in technology since then that have made it easier to navigate life. Google Maps even added a hotspot tracker so you know if it’s safe to visit places you’re thinking about traveling to. Tap or click to see how it works.
Original data said COVID-19 could live on your phone for a few days. But a recent study brought even worse news. In the right conditions, COVID-19 can actually survive for almost a month. Don’t freak out, the study used perfect temperature and humidity conditions for the virus to survive so it most likely won’t last a month on your device. But you should still clean it regularly.
Your phone is disgusting
You might not realize just how filthy smartphones can be. Think about how often they are handled and all the places they get taken into. We’re talking about that bacteria-infested restroom.
Now imagine how much bacteria your device collects from all that activity. A 2012 study from the University of Arizona revealed that phones carry 10 times more bacteria than most toilet seats. Yuck!
Really, a toilet seat has less bacteria than your phone? The main reason is toilet seats are typically cleaned much more often than smartphones.
Did you know the coronavirus can live on your phone for over a week? It’s true. In times like these, you don’t want to take any chances of handling a phone covered in bacteria. Here are the best ways to disinfect your phone.
Cleaning your phone’s screen
Having the proper tools makes DIY jobs easier. For cleaning smartphone screens while killing bacteria, the best solution is to use pre-moistened wipes.
This pack of pre-moistened wipes from Care Touch should do the job. Use them to clean off fingerprints, dust, oil and smudges without using harsh chemicals.
They are safe and effective with a mild antibacterial cleaning solution that kills germs. Good for smartphones, glasses lenses, cameras, laptops and more.
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A surprising use for the Instant Pot: Disinfect your face mask
If you’ve been spending as much time indoors as we have, you’ve probably wanted to try your hand at some cooking. It’s a great way to pass the hours, and it’s a critical skill that everyone should learn. Plus, it’s fun to do and makes your home smell delicious.
Disinfect your phone with a double shot of UV and ozone
Your phone can be an effective virus carrier, and we’re not talking about the virtual kind. Disinfect it with a burst of ozone particles and a burst of pathogen-killing UV-C light waves. In less than 7 minutes, your phone or other handheld items are germ-free and safe to handle.
Hackers spreading fake coronavirus maps - use this one instead
There’s no shortage of panic now that the coronavirus has been classified as a pandemic. Stores are running out of supplies like bottled water, dried beans and even toilet paper.
Whenever huge events happen in the world, the dregs of society come out in full force — and the coronavirus outbreak is no different. Cybercriminals have been taking advantage of unsuspecting victims with tons of scams. Tap or click here to see a list of coronavirus scams out to get you.