Cleaning and Disinfecting Are Two Different Things
Prior to the coronavirus, companies like Apple advised consumers not to use anything harsher than a damp cloth and some elbow grease to clean their gadgets. Unfortunately, that won’t kill bacteria or viruses, including the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19.
In light of the recent outbreak, Apple has changed its tune when it comes to disinfecting your iPhone:
“Using a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, you may gently wipe the exterior surfaces of your iPhone. Don’t use bleach. Avoid getting moisture in any openings, and don’t submerge your iPhone in any cleaning agents.”
Many of the instructions for cleaning gadgets prior to this announcement still stand, as well, though. Damp cloths, soap, and elbow grease are still great if you need to remove stuck-on grime or dirt. To disinfect, though, you have to use a product that contains enough alcohol to kill potentially harmful microbes.
When it comes to hand sanitizer, the CDC advised:
“Laboratory data demonstrate that 60 percent ethanol and 70 percent isopropanol, the active ingredients in CDC-recommended alcohol-based hand sanitizers, inactivates viruses that are genetically related to, and with similar physical properties as, the 2019-nCoV.”
Regardless of manufacturer instructions, if you want to effectively disinfect, you need a cleaning spray of at least 60 percent ethanol (like Dettol) or rubbing alcohol with a 70 percent concentration or more.
However, there’s a small risk this might damage your hardware; you’ll have to decide whether it’s worth it.
RELATED: How to Safely Clean Your iPhone With Disinfecting Wipes
Smartphones and Tablets
You can clean your smartphone with disinfecting wipes or use rubbing alcohol to disinfect the screen and chassis. The biggest danger is that you will accelerate the wear on the oleophobic (oil repelling) coating on the display.
This coating wears away over time, anyway—if you’ve had your device for a while, much of it is probably already gone. Fortunately, it can be reapplied with surprisingly good results, if you want to restore that shiny “new phone” look.
A bottle of 70 percent Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol
Tim Brookes
If you keep your phone in a case, you can remove it and wash the case thoroughly in hot soapy water. While doing so, you can also use an alcohol-based disinfectant on the rest of your phone. You should never submerge your phone in water or any other liquid, despite its waterproof rating.
To protect your phone or tablet (particularly the screen), you should avoid harsh cleaners, like bleach, window cleaners, creme cleansers, or any other detergent-based agents. These will definitely destroy the oleophobic coating, and might even leave your screen streaky or foggy.
The same advice applies to tablets, as well, as they’re essentially just large smartphones.
RELATED: How to Disinfect Your Smartphone
Laptops and Hybrids
You can clean a laptop inside and out if you have the right tools. You can use compressed air to blow out the dust. Isopropyl alcohol or ethanol will disinfect the keyboard and other high-touch surfaces. You might want to be a little more careful with the screen, particularly if it’s plastic, as alcohol and other chemicals might destroy the finish.
A variety of cleaning products (including purpose-built brushes) will make this job easier. If you’re particularly worried about heat dissipation, you can try to remove dust inside the chassis either by opening it up or blasting it out. If you’re cleaning a MacBook, make sure you’re informed about Apple’s unique cooling system.