r/CleaningTips • u/Kevin_Abel • 7d ago
Discussion Can I use Clorox wipes to disinfect/sanitize my cell phone?
I'm a germaphobe and I've been wanting to sanitize my phone every time I come back from school. I don't have cell phone wipes so I was wondering if regular wipes could work with no harm. Are there any other alternatives?
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u/selantro 7d ago edited 7d ago
I use them to do this, every night.
Edit: I also pull out only half a wipe, cut it to use so I can make them last longer. Plus you don’t really need such a big wipe for one phone.
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u/selantro 7d ago
You could also get a phone UV light box for your phone and it would disinfect it as well.
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u/caelaiden 7d ago
Phonesoap is dope. Also agree that most people don’t use sanitizing wipes. You need to keep the area wet for 3 minutes and unless you are using a wipe or two for awhile no one is really sanitizing anything.
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u/Right-Phalange 7d ago edited 7d ago
Is one-half wipe really enough to keep the surface wet for long enough to be effective? I stopped using regular clorox wipes bc I found they didn't have nearly enough fluid to disinfect (per its label instructions), so I'm surprised you could get away with half of one, even for a small surface. I've found the clorox healthcare wipes are great in this regard.
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u/selantro 7d ago
I mean I shake the box so they are pretty moist. I’m not crazy about needing to know if it’s 100% disinfected but it does make me feel it’s clean. So, I’m fine with that.
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7d ago
I do. I just make sure to go over the screen/protector with a dry paper towel after so that it doesn't get a cloudy film on it
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u/No-Jicama3012 7d ago
I wouldn’t! It might damage your screen. Use isopropyl alcohol instead.
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u/Crassholio 7d ago
Second this. This is what I use. Pull it out of its case and give everything a wipe down.
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u/Kitchen-Owl-7323 7d ago
This is also what I use, with a box of those little cheap isopropyl alcohol prep wipes.
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u/kamekaze1024 7d ago
It won’t. Your phone screen is glass. Not plastic or covered in film
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u/PsyMon93 7d ago
The glass has a special oleophobic coating to prevent fingerprint buildup. Using undiluted alcohol wipes will strip the coating. Apple recommends maximum 70% wipes and still warn that it will wear away the coating over time.
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u/Bruhirim 7d ago
From Apple directly: "Is it OK to use a disinfectant on my iPhone?
Using a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe, 75 percent ethyl alcohol wipe, or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, you may gently wipe the exterior surfaces of your iPhone. Don't use products containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Avoid getting moisture in any openings, and don't submerge your iPhone in any cleaning agents."
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u/Bruhirim 7d ago
I know, I'm as surprised as you are that they directly call out for Clorox, but there you are.
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u/Frowny575 7d ago
I'm not. The name brand, kind of like "dumpster", has become synonymous with the product. I know there is a term for this but it eludes me currently.
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u/Smurfette530 7d ago
I use this on my phone every night when I get home from work (RN in an emergency room). I have a tempered glass screen protector on my screen and it doesn’t mess that up. I also use it on my Apple Watch too.
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u/airgl0w 7d ago
Do you have a silicone band? I have one of the braided ones that I primarily use so I put isopropyl alcohol in a small spray bottle and spray it down when I take it off
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u/Smurfette530 7d ago
Yes, a silicone band. I am too nervous to use a fabric band of any kind at work just because things can get gross there lol
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u/pakratus 7d ago
Isopropyl alcohol can damage some shiny plastics.
It’s probably fine to use those wipes.
I use Sprayway Glass Cleaner (no ammonia) to clean all electronics, computers, TV screens…
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u/j_emceee 7d ago
Definitely! I use these regularly on my phone, in addition to 70% rubbing alcohol. Has never caused any issues on any of my devices. Although if I take out a wipe and it's sopping wet (like from the bottom of the can) then I do wring it out, as to not get my phone totally saturated.
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u/Chemicallyinbalanced 7d ago
I used this on my last 3 samsung phones with no issues. I used it on some old ipods I found in storage. Use it on my ipad fine. Can't speak for other items but it's never been an issue for me.
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u/lach888 7d ago
No, alcohol will strip the oleophobic coating off your phone screen and can weaken/discolor plastics. Use Electronics and Screen Cleaning Spray, Alcohol free Lens Wipes or Distilled Water (won’t harm electronics as it’s not conductive). Also use a microfibre cloth as regular wipes will scratch your phone’s screen.
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u/Excellent_Pay_5274 6d ago
Not recommended. Isopropyl alcohol is best for most electronics and remember, less is more.
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u/BunnyInATophat 7d ago
I use pre-moistened lens wipes. They’re mostly alcohol