How do I clean my smartphone? A step-by-step guide!

During the corona pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the RIVM recommended regular disinfection of surfaces you frequently touch, such as your smartphone. That advice is still relevant in 2025, especially as we have become more aware of how quickly viruses and bacteria can spread through our hands and devices.

At the time, The Telegraph even wrote an article stating that the coronavirus can remain infectious for up to 28 days on banknotes, glass screens of smartphones and stainless steel, among other things. Although COVID-19 is now under control, we have since learned that good hygiene, including of your smartphone, is an important part of disease prevention.

There are right and wrong ways to clean your smartphone. Many standard cleaning products from your kitchen cupboard can actually damage your device. Think, for example, of all-purpose cleaner or aggressive household products.

We discuss the following topics:

• Smartphone cleaning: soap and water method
• Smartphone cleaning with Isopropyl alcohol (from 70%)
• What NOT to use:
• Don’t forget your smartphone case!
• Questions about cleaning your smartphone?

Smartphone cleaning: soap and water method

Many phone manufacturers, including Samsung, strongly advise against cleaning your smartphone with ordinary cleaning products. The substances in these products can damage protective coatings, such as the oleophobic coating, of the screen.

Therefore, use the old, familiar method of soap and water. Be careful with the amount of water and make sure no water gets into the phone’s ports. For this reason, it is probably best to apply this method only to phones with an IP rating for water resistance.

What you need:

• Soft, lint-free microfiber cloth
• Distilled water
• Mild hand soap
• Cotton swabs

1. 1. 1. Turn off the phone and remove all cases and accessories.
      2. In a container, make a solution of warm water and soap. Consider a ratio of 80% water and 20% soap.
      3. Moisten the cloth with the solution (but do not soak it in it) and wipe the screen of your phone clean. Avoid gates and other openings.
      4. Use the dry cotton swabs around the camera lenses, ports and other openings. Blow with your mouth if necessary to loosen dust and other particles. Never use compressed air (we’ll explain why later in this blog).
      5. Let your phone dry completely before putting it back in a case or connecting any accessories.

Important: Do you have an older phone that may not handle liquids as well? Then wipe it only with a dry cloth.

Smartphone cleaning with Isopropyl alcohol (from 70%)

As mentioned earlier, manufacturers warn against using cleaning products on smartphones. Still want to use something stronger than hand soap because you’re worried about germs wandering around? Then it’s time to start working with isopropyl alcohol. You can buy this product at the drugstore.

What you need:

• Soft, lint-free microfiber cloth
• Distilled water
• Isopropyl alcohol (from 70%)
• Spray bottle (small travel size)
• Cotton swabs

1. 1. 1. Turn off the phone and remove all cases and accessories.
      2. In the spray bottle, mix two-thirds distilled water and one-third isopropyl alcohol. In the end, the solution should consist of about 30% alcohol.
      3. Spray the solution lightly on a cloth so that it is damp but not soaking wet. Wipe the phone clean but avoid ports and other openings.
      4. Use dry cotton swabs around camera lenses, ports and other openings. Blow with your mouth if necessary to loosen dust and other particles. Never use compressed air (we’ll explain why later in this blog).
      5. Let the phone dry completely before putting it back in a case or connecting any accessories.

What NOT to use:

Cleaning your phone is important to prevent possible germs and their spread, but of course you don’t want to damage your smartphone. Avoid the following items:

• Glass cleaners (such as Glassex)
• Kitchen cleaners (such as all-purpose cleaner)
• Paper towels (these can leave dirt and even scratch the surface of your phone)
• Compressed air (the intense compressive forces can damage ports, especially the microphone)

Don’t forget your smartphone case!

There is little point in cleaning your smartphone if you then put it back in a dirty case. This is what you can use to clean any type of phone case:

Plastic case: unlike your smartphone, bleach and other household cleaners may be used for most plastic smartphone cases. After cleaning, rinse the case and let it dry before placing it back on the smartphone.

Rubber and silicone cases: Moisten a cloth with a solution of dish soap and water and wipe the cover thoroughly with it. Let it dry gently before placing it back on the smartphone.

Wooden case: Moisten a cloth with a solution of two parts water and one part vinegar and wipe the cover thoroughly with it. Let it dry gently before placing it back on the smartphone.

Leather cases: Lightly moisten a cloth with a solution of mild hand soap and water and wipe the cover with it. Dry with another cloth, such as microfiber. Optional: Apply leather conditioner to the cover to restore the leather’s shine. Let the case dry before placing it back on the smartphone.

Questions about cleaning your smartphone?

If after reading this article you still have questions about keeping your smartphone or tablet clean? If so, feel free to contact one of our specialists at ThePhoneLab. We are happy to help you keep your smartphone or tablet clean the right way! Also, you can always stop by for a free APK, during which we’ll make your smartphone completely clean and grease-free again, among other things.