It’s no wonder that some refer to cell phones as a third hand. Think about it, your phone touches everything, and then makes direct contact with your face, so you want to keep your phone as clean as you can. I won’t even get into all of the studies about the number of germs that live on your phone, just know that it’s a lot.
At this time of heightened health and safety warnings, it’s more important than ever to keep your phone clean. Luckily there are phone cases and phone accessories out there to help protect your phone’s surface against damaging microbes.
So, what exactly does it mean for a phone case to be antimicrobial? According to Microban International, a company at the forefront of developing this built-in technology, antimicrobials prevent the “growth and reproduction of harmful bacteria, mold, and mildew.” They differ from disinfectants by “[working] to continuously minimize the presence of microbes throughout the entire lifecycle of a product,” according to the brand. Note that the company says antimicrobial technology is not proven to have any antiviral properties.
For the latest health and sanitizing recommendations surrounding COVID-19, check out the CDC and WHO webpages on disinfecting methods.
Phone Cases with Antimicrobial Technology
Speck Presidio Pro
This is my phone case of choice. Not only does it provide superior protection without making the phone too bulky, but it also comes with the antimicrobial technology that still allows for wireless charging.
Otterbox Defender Series Pro
Otterbox’s antimicrobial technology uses silver ions to reduce the number of common bacteria that normally lives on a phone’s surface. Plus, it’s a heavy-duty case with drop protection.
Otterbox Amplify Glass
A glass screen protector with anti-microbial technology by Otterbox, Amplify Glass is set to release in mid-April. Combine this with either of the above phone cases for full-on protection.
StayWell Copper Phone Patch
Copper is naturally antimicrobial, and this adhesive copper patch attaches to the back of your cell phone or case to help fight off the spread of germs to your hands when you’re holding your phone. This one, in particular, is made with pure and chemical-free copper.
Other Ways to Keep Your Phone and Touch Screen Clean
HANS Swipe – Clean
This touchscreen cleaner makes it easy to disinfect your phone every day. One side features refillable cleaning solution delivered via antimicrobial cleaning sheet, which thoroughly cleans your touch screen, while the polishing side is antibacterial and safe to use on screens.
UV-Cleaning Phone Sanitizers
PhoneSoap’s products use UV-C light to kill bacteria and germs that surface on your cell phone—or other household products like keys, credit cards, and tablets. While many of the brand’s products are currently only available on a pre-order basis, it’s worth investing in one of these phone sanitizing products for your future travels, house, or office. HoMedics also makes a similar version that’s in stock here.
Touch Screen Wipes
Another simple way to keep your phone clean is with screen shine wipes. These ones by Whoosh! are in stock and come with an antimicrobial cloth.
Crossbody Phone Case
Take an extra step in avoiding phone-to-face contact with a crossbody cell phone case. It keeps your phone handy while getting your daily dose of exercise and not touching anything to your face. Plus, by wearing your phone you’re less likely to set it down on a multitude of different surfaces where it can absorb germs. A quick browse through Amazon will show options compatible with a variety of smartphone makes and models.
Is Hand Sanitizer Safe for Your Phone?
While putting any liquid directly on your phone is ill-advised, there are ways to sanitize your phone safely in addition to the above.
AT&T says that “spraying a non-abrasive or alcohol-based (70 percent isopropyl) disinfectant directly on a soft lint-free cloth” is a safe way to sanitize your phone. The telecommunications company also recommends using Bluetooth headphones or a hands-free headset when talking on your phone and to limit passing your phone around to others.
Many people are also wondering if it’s safe to use an alcohol or disinfecting wipe on technology products. According to Apple’s website: “Using a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, you may gently wipe the exterior surfaces of your iPhone. Don’t use bleach. Avoid getting moisture in any openings, and don’t submerge your iPhone in any cleaning agents.” Apple also notes that iPhones have a fingerprint-resistant and oil-repellent coating and that cleaning products may diminish that.
Other industry recommendations include using only lint-free cloth, avoiding directly spraying cleaners on to the item, avoiding excessive wiping, and unplugging any devices while you’re sanitizing.
More from SmarterTravel:
- How to Stop Touching Your Face If You Want to Stay Healthy
- 9 Products to Help You Stay Healthy While Traveling
- 12 Superfoods That Will Keep You Healthy While Traveling
Ashley Rossi is always ready for her next trip. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram for travel tips, destination ideas, and off the beaten path spots.
Some review products are sent to us free of charge and with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions, positive and negative, and will never accept compensation to review a product.
Favorite Smartphone Accessories
These five smartphone essentials will protect and improve how you use your precious phone on the road. Never lose it, break it, or run out of battery life again!
We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
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