Watch: How to clean your mobile phone without damaging it

You might be surprised to know that it's advised that you clean your phone every day – and with these devices so fundamental for many of us, it's easy to see how quickly they can attract grime and fingerprints. 

But despite being more robust than ever, there are still delicate parts at risk if you clean your phone the wrong way. We've shortlisted the best ways to clean your phone and its case, and some things to watch out for.

Looking for a bargain on a mobile phone? Check out our mobile phone deals for our best recommendations.

The best ways to clean your smartphone

Mobile phone manufacturers have previously been reluctant to advise owners to use antibacterial products on their phones. However, after the coronavirus pandemic, Apple, Samsung, and Google updated their advice to say that 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes are safe for disinfecting your phone. But these aren't the only options, Apple has also proved 75% ethyl alcohol wipes and Clorox Disinfecting Wipes.

Before cleaning, always start by turning your phone off and unplugging any cables, and make sure you leave it to dry once before turning it back on. It's important to always avoid getting moisture into any openings, like charging ports, speaker grilles, and, if your phone still has one, headphone ports. While it might be tempting to use a metal paperclip or a needle to dig out lint, never use metal tools inside your charging port, as they can short out the internal pins. A wooden toothpick or a dedicated plastic soft-pick is a much safer alternative for dislodging debris.

The safest option is wipes

As advised by brands such as Apple and Google, using a 70% alcohol wipe is a great option for cleaning your phone. These wipes can be used on all the exterior surfaces of the phone, such as the display and rear casing, avoiding any openings on the phone (headphone ports, speakers, etc).

If you have a phone with a titanium frame, you might notice the colour appearing to change or look 'greasy' over time. This isn't damage; it’s just skin oils temporarily altering the metal's appearance. A simple wipe with a slightly damp microfibre cloth should restore the original finish immediately.

For owners of foldable phones, extra care is required. Never remove the pre-installed screen protector or pick at the edges of the inner display. When cleaning the internal screen, use only a dry, soft cloth and avoid applying any pressure, as these displays are significantly softer than standard glass.

Use mild soap and water as an alternative

This method might not be as good for germ-busting as alcohol wipes, but if all else fails, with some soap on hand, you can get rid of some of the grubby bacteria that's hiding in plain sight on your phone.

Start by making a mixture of dish soap and water (tap water is fine, but distilled water is better, if available). All advice points to avoiding dunking your phone in soapy water at any cost because this can seriously damage its internals (Google goes further, suggesting you should only use ordinary household soap on the back and sides of the phon,e but not the screen). Instead, dip a microfibre (and preferably soft and lint-free) cloth into the solution. These cloths are much less abrasive than paper towels, kitchen roll or tissues and are less likely to damage the protective, scratch-resistant layer on your phone's display. Before you wipe, give your microfiber cloth a quick shake or inspection. Even a tiny grain of sand or grit trapped in the fibres of a dirty cloth can act like sandpaper, leaving permanent micro-scratches on your screen’s anti-reflective coating.

Ensure that the cloth isn't dripping wet either. It should only be damp so that no excess water gets into the phone, especially if it's not waterproof. Never spray any cleaner or liquid onto the phone; always apply it to a cloth first.

With USB-C now the universal standard, be aware that the centre 'tongue' inside the port is fragile. If you find lint trapped inside, do not use compressed air—which can force the dust deeper—and never use a metal needle. A plastic flosser pick or a wooden toothpick is the only tool you should use to gently clear a port.

Don't rinse your phone, even if it's water-resistant

Some advice states you can give your phone a light rinse, especially if it has an IP waterproof certification such as IP67 and up. But we disagree.

IP (Ingress Protection) ratings certify your phone against dust ingress and contact with water at varying levels, depending on the rating number. If your phone is IP67 certified, your phone can withstand immersion in up to 1 metre of water for up to 30 minutes, while IP68 certified phones are fine in up to 1.5 metres of water, although this can vary by manufacturer, so it's always best to check.

Manufacturers like Apple, Samsung and Google all state their warranties do not cover liquid damage under any circumstances, and, given that water resistance degrades over time, it's best to go with some of the other cleaning options on this list instead.

It is also worth remembering that water resistance is provided by internal rubber gaskets and adhesives that degrade over time. A phone that was waterproof when it came out of the box three years ago may no longer have the same seal today. Furthermore, avoid steam or high-pressure taps, which can force moisture past these ageing barriers regardless of the phone's IP rating.

Want to get rid of those annoying cracks and dents in your phone? Our guide on how to repair your smartphone tells you how much those repairs will set you back.

Don't use household cleaning products like bleach

If you don't have wipes to hand, you might be tempted to mix up your own concoction using some trusty cleaning supplies under the kitchen counter.

Manufacturers, such as Apple, have warned against doing this because the harsh chemicals in these cleaners can wear down the protective layer of your display, especially if you're using it consistently over a long period of time. Always avoid using products like bleach anywhere near your phone.

Similarly, avoid using gel-based hand sanitisers. While they contain alcohol, they also feature fragrances and moisturisers like aloe vera. These additives can leave a greasy, stubborn film on your screen that interferes with the oleophobic (oil-repellent) coating, making your display feel sticky and less responsive to touch.

Another thing in your cleaning arsenal that you should also keep away from your phone is kitchen roll, which can often be abrasive. Also, never spray a cleaner directly onto your phone.

Tips from companies such as AT&T have changed to reflect the fact that even tissue can be harsh on your phone's display, possibly leaving scratches, especially if used several times and with excessive force. Opt for a gentler microfibre cloth instead.

If you have an iPhone, Apple lists how you should clean them depending on which device you have, but the advice is very similar across them all.

Don't forget to clean your phone case

Cleaning advice doesn't just go for those who are getting hands-on contact with their smartphone. If you're using a phone case to cover your precious handset, you should be just as diligent with cleaning it, particularly if your phone case doubles as a purse to store your cards and money.

On the whole, the same tips apply to your case as to our phone, but in some cases, you may have a bit more freedom. Ensure that you always remove the phone case from your phone before cleaning it.

Cleaning advice varies depending on the material of the case you have. We've given some tips below so that whether you're clutching a leather, wood or silicone-coated smartphone, you're keeping it germ-free:

• Leather – To clean these types of cases, use a damp cloth with a mild hand soap and water solution on it. You can also use a mild cleaner with the cloth to get stubborn stains out.
• Recycled textiles and FineWoven – These cases act like clothing and can hold onto stains. Use a cloth dampened with a mixture of water and a tiny amount of laundry detergent (rather than dish soap). Rub in circular motions and allow it to air dry completely. Avoid alcohol wipes on these materials as they can cause the dyes to bleed.
• Plastic, rubber and silicone – Soak the case in a solution of dish soap and warm water for a few minutes. If you have any stubborn stains, you can gently scrub a toothbrush to try and get them out. Dry the case with a microfibre cloth.
• Wood – Contact with water can deteriorate the wood over time, so use a dry microfibre cloth regularly to wipe these cases down.

One last tip: Clean the inside of your case. It’s easy to forget, but dust and pocket grit inevitably find their way between your phone and its case. If left alone, the constant vibration of the phone against the case causes this grit to act a bit like sandpaper, potentially permanently pitting and scratching the glass or metal back of your device. Every time you clean your phone, take ten seconds to wipe the inside of the case and the back of the handset to keep it looking brand new.