How to Clean Your Phone Safely (Without Damaging It)

Why cleaning the wrong way causes damage

Phones collect a surprising amount of grime: skin oil, makeup, sunscreen, food and whatever was on the last surface you set it down on. Cleaning is a good habit. The trouble starts when people grab household sprays, soak the phone or dig into the ports with whatever's handy.

Harsh chemicals wear away the oil-repelling coating on your screen, which is what keeps fingerprints from sticking. Liquid sprayed directly at the phone can seep into speaker grilles, microphones and the charging port. And sharp objects in ports cause more repairs than lint ever does.

What you'll need

Two clean microfibre cloths, one for cleaning and one for drying.
70% isopropyl alcohol wipes, or a microfibre cloth lightly dampened with 70% isopropyl alcohol, for disinfecting.
A soft, dry brush, such as a clean, soft toothbrush, for grilles and seams.
Mild dish soap and warm water for washing a silicone or plastic case.

Apple says a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe can be used on the hard, non-porous outside surfaces of an iPhone, and other major manufacturers give similar guidance. If you're unsure, check your phone maker's support site for your specific model.

Step by step: cleaning the phone

Power off and unplug. Disconnect any cable and turn the phone off completely.
Remove the case and any accessories like a wallet or ring holder.
Dry wipe first. Use a dry microfibre cloth to remove dust and loose grit, so you don't grind it into the screen.
Disinfect gently. Squeeze out the wipe so it isn't dripping, then wipe the front, back and sides with light pressure.
Steer around openings. Keep the damp cloth away from the charging port, speaker grilles, microphone holes and the gaps around buttons.
Dry off. Wipe the phone with your second, dry microfibre cloth.
Wait. Let it air dry fully before putting the case back on or turning it on.

Cleaning ports, speakers and seams

Use a soft, dry brush to lift dust from speaker grilles and the seams around the screen. Brush gently outward rather than pushing debris in.

For the charging port, look first with a flashlight. If there's visible lint, very gently brush across the opening with a soft, dry brush. Never use metal pins, SIM tools, paper clips or toothpicks, which can scratch the contacts or snap off inside. Avoid blasting canned air straight into the port too, as it can pack lint deeper. If your phone has stopped charging properly, our post on charging port problems covers safer next steps.

What not to use

Bleach or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide
Window and glass cleaners, which often contain ammonia
Aerosol sprays and household all-purpose sprays
Abrasive powders, scrub pads or magic erasers
Paper towels and tissues, which leave lint and can be rough on coatings
Running the phone under the tap or soaking it, even if it's water-resistant

Water resistance is there to protect against accidents, not to make the phone washable. Seals weaken with age and drops, and soap and cleaners can get past them more easily than plain water.

Don't forget the case

Your case touches your hands and every surface the phone does, so it's often dirtier than the phone itself.

Silicone and plastic cases: wash with warm water and a drop of mild dish soap, rinse and let them dry completely.
Leather cases: follow the maker's care advice. Alcohol can dry out and discolour leather, so a barely damp cloth is usually safer.
Fabric cases: spot-clean gently and allow plenty of drying time.
Clear cases: some yellowing over time is normal and doesn't come out with cleaning.

Make sure the case is bone dry before the phone goes back in. Moisture trapped between the case and the phone isn't good for either.

How often should you clean it?

A quick dry wipe whenever the screen looks smudgy is plenty for most people. Disinfect more often if you've been on public transit, in a hospital or around someone who's sick, or if you share the phone with kids. A proper case wash every few weeks keeps grime from building up.

When to call a technician

If liquid got into your phone during cleaning, or the speaker sounds muffled, the port won't charge or the screen is acting up afterwards, turn it off and don't charge it. Our cell phone repair service can check it, and if it's liquid, our water damage repair page explains what's involved. A certified woman technician comes to your home, workplace or parked car anywhere in our service area, gives you a free quote before any work starts and tests the phone with you. Call or WhatsApp (365) 351-4247.

Need it fixed? We come to you.

Certified woman technician across Milton, Oakville, Burlington, Halton Hills, Mississauga, Brampton, Toronto. See our cell phone repair service.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I use alcohol wipes on my phone screen?

Generally, yes. A 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe used gently on the outside surfaces is accepted by major manufacturers such as Apple. Squeeze out excess liquid, avoid the ports and openings, and dry the phone with a microfibre cloth afterwards.

What should you not clean a phone with?

Avoid bleach, hydrogen peroxide, window cleaner, aerosol sprays, abrasive powders and paper towels. Don't spray liquid directly onto the phone or soak it, and never use pins or toothpicks in the ports.

Can I wash my water-resistant phone under the tap?

It's best not to. Water resistance protects against accidents, and seals weaken over time. Soap and cleaners get past seals more easily than plain water. Wipe the phone with a damp microfibre cloth instead.

Keep reading

Phone Care

How to Clean Your Phone Safely