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If the thought of the dirt and germs that accumulate daily on your phone gives you the heebie-jeebies, then let TFG readers show you how to clean your cell phone.
Best Phone Cleaner
Table Of Contents
For many, a phone is a lifeline, and for travelers, that means they tend to go where you go – everywhere! Including on public transport, out on hikes, and even to the bathroom! Our phones gather all the bacteria we touch throughout the day, and then they are stored in warm and dark places like purses and pockets, leaving the bacteria to breed and grow. They are the third hand we never wash!
While it’s a precious tool to communicate with the world, a recent study has found that there are almost seven times more germs on cell phones than on a toilet seat! That’s why a cell phone sanitizer is essential for keeping healthy and hygienic—especially with something that is in our hands so often and that we put next to our faces!
TFG readers share their tip-top how to disinfect phone tips that you can use on-the-go or at home, check out what they said:
Best UV Phone Sanitizer
UV Smartphone Sanitizer and Universal Charger
Editor’s Pick: PhoneSoap 3 UV Smartphone Sanitizer
Despite the name, there’s nothing wet or bubbly about PhoneSoap sanitizer! This high-tech UV-C sanitizer has two scientifically-proven, germicidal bulbs that completely sanitize your entire phone, killing 99.99% of all bacteria and germs.The UV-C light can get to the microorganisms that hide in crevices where even cleaning wipes can’t reach.
The large size fits all smartphones, including the larger plus models. Additionally, the device also offers one USB port and one USB-C port so your phone can charge while it is being cleaned.
Although the PhoneSoap 3 was created to disinfect cell phones, it will work on anything that fits inside—smartwatches, headphones, keys—you name it!
HoMedics UV-Clean Cell Phone Sanitizer
This portable HoMedics mobile phone cleaner promises to disinfect iPhones in a minute. The pop-up design has 2 UV-C LED sanitizing bulbs that take just 30 seconds (per side) to actively disinfect your phone and kill up to 99.9% of bacteria and viruses. Free from chemicals, and with a safety lock to stop unwanted UV exposure the rechargeable device fits a variety of phones, although some reviewers warn it might not take the larger models.
After use, just conveniently collapse flat to transport. The small size is great for travel too and would fit into a carry-on without taking up packing space.
UV Portable Smart Phone Sterilizer
SOELAND UV iPhone Sanitizer
The SOELAND cell cleaner also utilizes UV-C light to kill 99.99% of germs, with no liquid, heat, or chemicals. The whole cycle takes around 6 minutes to complete, after which it will automatically stop. To prevent the UV rays from damaging your eyes, the sanitizer automatically shuts off when you open the cover.
The large inside space means it’s compatible with phones up to 6.7 inches, but it can also be used for any small objects. Powered from a USB port, you can sanitize your cell phone at work, home, or when traveling. As a bonus, it also has an aromatherapy function, simply add a couple of your favorite aroma drops inside, and your phone will freshen while sanitizing.
One user loves theirs, “This phone sterilizer is very helpful, as I use my iPhone every day, and it needs some extra cleansing! It works great on all the iPhones in my family! Great product!”
Portable Cell Phone Sanitizer Case With Wireless Charger
Marnana UV Portable Phone Sanitizer
This Marnana UV cleaner has a transparent lid, so you can easily see your device as it cleans. It cleans your phone within 15 minutes, which is longer than some of the other products mentioned. Something nifty, it does have a wireless charging ability, so it can charge your phone whilst it cleans (only for QI-enabled phones).
Unlike the other models, this one needs to be manually turned off if you need to open the lid whilst the cleaning cycle is running, as it doesn’t automatically shut down the UV lights. It fits phones and other items up to 6.3 inches long.
One user says, “This product gives me peace of mind that there are no germs on phone. Before this, there was no way to clean the germs from my phone. It also charges my phone at the same time so it’s doing multiple duties.”
Find out the best portable power bank chargers for travel!
UV Cell Phone Sanitizer Sterilizer/Wireless Charger
LioKen UV Phone Cleaner
The girly pink design by LioKen doesn’t look like an iPhone cleaner. But the LioKen will keep your phone clean and help you stay healthy within 8 minutes. Just place your phone inside, turn the box on, and let it do its thing.
This phone sterilizer also will wirelessly charge QI enabled phones. It is powered by either a USB or DC charger. This device also works as an aromatherapy humidifier: just add a couple of drops of fragrance oil and it will release a fresh scent as it sanitizes.
Portable UV Light Smart Phone Sterilizer
Kmesoyi UV Phone Sanitizer
This sleek, bacteria-zapping Kmesoyi smartphone cleaner comes in a dazzling shade of aqua blue. UV lights target those difficult to reach areas, eliminating germs and up to 99.9% of bacteria.
This model will stop automatically after six minutes when the clean cycle is finished. Compatible with phones up to 7 inches, you can also use it for any other small objects. This one also has an aromatherapy function and is powered by USB.
Reusable Liquid Free Touchscreen Cleaner
iRoller Touch Screen Cleaner
The iRoller portable roller is great for removing fingerprints, smudges, and smears from touch screens on your phone. It’s small, cylindrical design can easily pop into your purse for on-the-go cleaning. It uses no water or cleaning fluid, so it promises to be safe on your phone or other devices. Plus it is reusable, so better for the environment than disposable wipes.
Although it offers no actual ‘germ-killing” protection, if you’re just looking for how to clean your phone screen, it’s well recommended. One user says, “This roller has really impressed me! My compulsion to get spotlessly clean iPhone screens has been satisfied with the use of this little guy! I’ve used it several times, rinsed it, and used it again and it works like it did when used for the first time. Its size is very convenient and is so easy to use!”
UV Light Mini Sanitizer Travel Wand
BRIGHTINWD Portable Sanitizing Travel Wand
If you like everything clean and germ-free, then why not try the BRIGHTINWD sanitizing wand. This bad boy is laboratory-proven to kill 99.% of germs in just a second! Simply pass the wand over the area you want to sanitize. It also destroys odor-causing bacteria as well, to reduce lingering smells.
This can be used in a ton of places – not just for your phone. Its handbag size means you can take it with you on the go to also sanitize carts at supermarkets, ATMs, and on airplanes.
One TFG reader has it as a ‘must-have’ item on her packing list, she says, “My go-to for when I travel. I use this wand on EVERYTHING.”
Other portable sanitizing wands are available—check them out here.
Best Cell Phone Wipes
iCloth Cell Phone Screen Cleaner Wipes
iCloth Touch Screen Wipes
Designed specifically for electronics, iCloth phone sanitizer wipes are super soft and won’t damage screens and other optical surfaces. They’re individually wrapped, keeping the wipe perfectly moist until you are ready to use it. Take them anywhere, just pop one into your purse or carry on.
This has great reviews too, one shares, “Definitely the best screen cleaner I’ve used. We have a ton of devices. These by far have worked the best to clean my cell phones and improve response to touch.”
Pre-Moistened Lens Cleaning Cloths
Care Touch Cleansing Wipes
Although not specifically designed as a cell phone cleaner, these cleansing wipes from Care Touch have been touted by readers as their pick for how to sanitize phones. The packet is small enough to take with you when you are out and about or to pop in your carry on to take on vacation.
They kill 99.9999% of germs and bacteria, but contain no bleach or solvents and have a fresh fragrance. One TFG reader explains, “Care Touch wipes are the absolute best wipes, I use them to clean my iPhone, and for everything!!!!”
Clorox Disinfecting Wipes
If you’re looking for how to clean cell phone screens, you may already have the answer in your kitchen. Readers recommend Clorox Wipes as simple and easy cell phone disinfectant wipes that kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria.
Normally used for cleaning up messes, these thick cleaning wipes are safe to use on most electronic devices. Use them on phones, tablets, remote controls, and your computer.
Readers share their tips for how to avoid getting sick on a plane or while traveling!
Product Comparison Chart
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How to Clean iPhone Screen (or Any Other Smartphone!)
Phones are delicate and most have components that use touch screen technology. We recommend never using a liquid cleaner and cloth, as it may affect the ability to detect your touch or even get into the charging ports. Wet wipe style products are best, simply wipe phone clean!
How to Clean Phone Case
Your phone case can easily be removed and cleaned. Give it a good scrub with a wipe or even with any of the phone cleaners listed here and use an old toothbrush to get into the corners! For your phone to be clean with the sanitizers we mentioned, it’s best to take the case off, but you could also put your case in for its own cleaning cycle too.
Remember that the cases probably need to be replaced more often than the phone!
What do you think of our how to disinfect cell phone tips? Share your own tips below!
For more help on electronics, please read:
- Best Travel Power Strip
- Best Noise Cancelling Headphones
- Best Portable Power Bank Chargers for Travel
- Voltage Converter vs. Travel Adapter
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