How to Disinfect a Phone Case

If the Covid-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it is the importance of sanitization. While a select few may have diligently disinfected their phones long before the pandemic, it is indeed becoming more mainstream in today's world. 

Unfortunately, our phones can carry a lot of bacteria, and we mean a lot. 

One study showed that they could carry up to 25 000 bacteria per square inch. Astoundingly, that is even more than a kitchen counter and, wait for it, a toilet seat! Yep, you heard it. 

For these reasons, disinfecting your phone is essential as they can carry all sorts of germs (according to the Journal of Germs) like E. coli, influenza, staph, and strep, to name a few! 

Luckily, disinfecting your phone is a pretty simple job, and our impressive collection of silicone cases at Burga are super easy to clean! 

Here we explore the best ways to disinfect your device so that it's sparkly clean and free from those grizzly germs. If you have ever wondered how to disinfect a phone case, this guide is bound to help!

Disinfecting a Silicone or Plastic Phone Case 

You can keep bacteria away with the following methods: (You can use these for plastic or silicone cases) Clean a phone case with these simple steps. 

Method 1: Using Alcohol Wipes

If you have ever wondered ‘can I use alcohol wipes on my phone?’, the answer is yes! 

First, you will want to remove your phone case and power off your cellular device.

Wipe down your phone with a gentle microfibre cloth and an alcohol wipe, and leave it out to air dry for at least 5 minutes. Focus on the screen area and the buttons but try to avoid the ports, and you don't want the inside to get wet.

Repeat this process with the silicone or plastic case, making sure you wipe all of the corners and edges prone to gathering dirt and germs. 

 

The result? A clean silicone phone case. As an added bonus, if you’ve got a Sharpie marker on your phone case and have thought about how to get permanent marker off a phone case, this might work too. 

Method 2: Using Soapy Water 

1. Remove the case and power off your device.
   
2. Wash your silicone or plastic phone case in warm, soapy water. If you notice any stubborn stains or marks, use an old toothbrush to get them out.
   
3. Wipe the phone down with a damp, microfibre, or lint-free cloth and follow with some disinfectant wipes. Allow it to air dry.
   
4. Rinse the case, cool water, and let the air dry completely before putting the case back on your phone. 

Voila! A clean plastic phone case!  

FAQ 

Can I make my own disinfectant?

You can make your own natural disinfectant with equal parts vinegar and distilled water. 

You need to add the water so that the vinegar dilutes and won't corrode the case. Create the mix and wipe the case and phone down (with a lint-free, soft cloth) as you would with an alcohol wipe or soapy water. 

Can hand sanitizer disinfect my phone?

Certain hand sanitizers should be okay on an exposed screen. Opt for alcohol-free ones without abrasive or corrosive ingredients like bleach, and don't spray it directly onto your screen. 

Can disinfecting a phone case remove scratches?

Disinfecting a phone case won’t remove scratches, but if you have ever wondered how to remove scratches from a clear phone case, you’ll be amazed to know that you can do it with a bit of toothpaste. 

Rub it into the scratches, gently moving in circular motions, and then wipe the case with an alcohol wipe. 

How Can I Stop Bacteria Getting on My Phone?

While you cannot stop bacteria completely, there are certain precautions that you can take to limit exposure. While out, keep your phone safely in your bag or pocket, rather than placing it on exposed surfaces. 

If you’ve ever thought ‘how do I keep my phone dust-free?’ or ‘why do phone cases turn yellow?’, these disinfecting solutions should help to keep everything squeaky clean.

However, phones are there to be used, and if you regularly disinfect them with alcohol wipes, or soapy water and a lint cloth, they’ll be A-okay.