Your Cellphone Is Dirtier Than a Toilet Seat
Not to freak you out, but your cellphone is... really, really gross. Don't believe us? Here are six disgusting facts that will change your mind.
1. Toilets Seats Are Cleaner Than Your Phone
Would you rub a toilet seat against your face? Well guess what — your cellphone may contain as much as 10 times more bacteria than your porcelain throne — that's 25,127 bacteria per-square-inch, folks.
2. Reconsider Scrolling in the Bathroom
Speaking of toilets, if you take your mobile phone into the restroom, you're likely introducing some fun fecal bacteria, such as E. coli. Don't even get us started on if you drop said cellphone on the floor of said bathroom.
3. Are You Eating Bacteria?
And when you leave the restroom, where do you go? Pretty much everywhere, right? Well, so does that bacteria. And that's how the germs you picked up in the bathroom get into your living room, bedroom and — eek — your kitchen, where you prepare your food. Yum.
4. You're the Problem, It's You
But the bathroom isn't the only one depositing germs onto your phone. There's another culprit — you. Yep, cellphones collect dirt, oil and bacteria from your very own skin — and then they conveniently transfer it back to you, as you hold the phone against your face. And that's how skin breakouts happen, friends.
5. 47 Times ... At Least
How many times a day do you scroll, text, and talk on your cellphone? The average American checks their phone 47 times per day — which translates to 47 times microbes can transfer from your fingertips to your device.
6. Is It Hot in Here?
You've likely noticed your cellphone can generate warmth, which comes in handy in the wintertime. Unfortunately, this creates a perfect environment for germs to multiply, especially in the range of 40 F to 140 F.
How to Get a Squeaky Clean Phone
Now that we've freaked you out, don't worry — here is a plan of action to get your phone as clean as possible. Follow these five steps:
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Use a microfiber cloth (or a solution of 60% water and 40% isopropyl alcohol) to wipe down your phone once or twice per day.
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As much as possible, leave your phone outside the bathroom — but not just anywhere. If you suspect a surface is a germ magnet (like a public table or countertop, for example), don't lay your phone there. Keep it in your purse or pocket instead.
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Wash your hands regularly to minimize the transfer of germs. Or use hand sanitizer. We can't say this enough.
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Keep your phone to yourself. You don't need other people's bacteria.
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Consider purchasing disposable wipes specifically designed for cleaning mobile phones. While you're at it, pick up an ultraviolet (UV) light sanitizer. The pulsing light will help destroy surface bacteria.
There, isn't that better? If you follow these practices, it will go a long way toward kicking those germs to the curb — and off your precious cellphone.
References: Your Cell Phone Is 10 Times Dirtier Than a Toilet Seat. Here’s What to Do About It | Quick Dose: Is Your Cell Phone Making You Sick? | How Dirty Is Your Cell Phone? | The Dirty Cell Phone: 25,127 Bacteria per Square Inch
