Latest news with #germfree
CNET
21-05-2025
- CNET
You Aren't Disinfecting Your Grimy Phone Daily? Here's the Right Way to Clean It
Even if you take good care of your phone, it's impossible to escape the grit and grime of everyday use. And without routine cleaning, you're inviting bacteria to develop -- in fact, a phone is often dirtier than a toilet seat. Considering that Americans spend more than 5 hours a day on their phones, according to a December 2024 survey, it's in the best interests of your health to make phone cleaning a regular habit. The FCC suggests disinfecting your phone daily, but not all cleaning methods are safe. Harsh chemicals and abrasive materials can damage protective coatings and potentially harm your screen. To keep your phone both clean and intact, it's crucial to use the right cleaning techniques. Luckily, there are safe and effective ways to sanitize your phone without causing any damage. We'll guide you through the best methods and products for keeping your device germ-free, no matter if you have an iPhone or a Samsung or whatever its level of water resistance. For more cleaning tips, here's how to clean wireless earbuds and AirPods. What are the best products for daily cleaning? CNET After touching surfaces that see a lot of action from the public -- such as door handles, seats on public transportation, grocery carts and gas pumps -- you might think you need a heavy-duty cleaning agent to use on your phone. However, you should avoid rubbing alcohol or products made of straight alcohol, since they can damage the protective coatings that prevent oil and water from harming your screen. Some suggest making your own alcohol-water mix, but getting the concentration wrong can damage your phone. The safest option is using disinfectant wipes with 70% isopropyl alcohol. For daily cleaning, consider a UV light product like PhoneSoap, which kills 99.99% of germs and bacteria. We can also turn to phone manufacturers and cell service companies for guidance, too. Apple now approves using Clorox Wipes and similar disinfectants, which was not recommended before the pandemic since they were thought to be too abrasive on the screen's coating. AT&T advises spraying a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution on a soft, lint-free cloth and wiping your device down. Samsung also recommends using a 70% alcohol solution with a microfiber cloth. Always make sure your phone is powered off before cleaning it. What are the best methods for removing fingerprints, sand and makeup? Sometimes your phone needs a more specific treatment when washing up. The recommended process for daily cleaning may not be enough to remove pesky grains of sand after a beach vacation or tough foundation stains. Get rid of fingerprints Fingerprint smudges are inevitable since your skin produces oils. Every time you pick up your phone, your screen will get fingerprints. The safest way to make your screen print-free is with a microfiber cloth. For a deeper clean, dampen the cloth with distilled water (never apply water directly to the screen) and wipe down the surface. This works for the back and sides of your phone as well. Alternatively, try a microfiber screen cleaner sticker that sticks to the back of your phone for easy wiping. Remove sand and small particles Grains of sand and lint can easily get stuck in your phone's ports and crevices. To remove it, we recommend you use Scotch tape. Press it along the creases and speaker, then roll it up and gently insert it into the ports. The tape will pull out any debris. You can then just simply throw away the tape for easy cleanup. For smaller speaker holes, use a toothpick gently or a small vacuum crevice tool to suck out the debris. These tools work well for other small appliances or hard-to-reach areas in your car too. Sand and small particles can be tricky to remove. A piece of tape should do the trick. MartenBG/Getty Images Cleanse makeup off your phone screen When you wear makeup and skin care products, such as foundation and moisturizers, you'll leave residue on your phone screen. While makeup remover works for your face, it's not safe for screens due to potentially harmful chemicals. Instead, try a screen-safe makeup remover like Whoosh, which is alcohol-free and gentle on all screens. Alternatively, use a damp microfiber cloth to clean your phone, then wash the cloth afterward. Make sure your cloth is only slightly wet to avoid soaking your phone in water. What if my phone is waterproof? For waterproof phones (IP67 and above), it's best to clean the device with a damp cloth instead of submerging or running it under water -- even if the phone advertises that it can withstand submersion for a certain amount of time. Afterward, dry your phone with a soft cloth, ensuring all ports and speakers are patted dry. While your phone can withstand water, submerging it can lead to water in the ports, delaying charging. Remember, water resistance is meant for accidents, not swimming or regular cleaning. Fingerprint smudges on your phone are inevitable since your skin produces oils that rub off on the to avoid when cleaning your phone We've already covered why you should avoid makeup remover and rubbing alcohol, but those aren't a comprehensive list of harmful cleaning agents. Here are a few other items and products you should never use to clean your phone: Hand sanitizer: Fragrances and ethyl alcohol found in many sanitizers can harm your phone. Fragrances and ethyl alcohol found in many sanitizers can harm your phone. Window or kitchen cleaners: Harsh cleaners can strip the protective coating on your phone and leave it more vulnerable to scratches. Harsh cleaners can strip the protective coating on your phone and leave it more vulnerable to scratches. Paper towels: Paper can shred, making the debris on your phone much worse, and the rough texture can leave scratches on your screen. Paper can shred, making the debris on your phone much worse, and the rough texture can leave scratches on your screen. Dish and hand soap: Most soaps require you to combine them with water, and since you should keep water away from your phone, it's best to stick to a damp cloth. Most soaps require you to combine them with water, and since you should keep water away from your phone, it's best to stick to a damp cloth. Vinegar: Like cleaners and alcohols, vinegar will strip your phone screen's coating. Like cleaners and alcohols, vinegar will strip your phone screen's coating. Compressed air: Blowing intense and direct air into your phone's portals can cause damage, especially to your mic. Apple specifically warns iPhone owners not to use compressed air. For more cleaning tips, explore how to clean your Apple Watch.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
New Mom Lets Nieces and Nephews Meet Their Baby Cousin Through the Window (Exclusive)
A mom went viral for the germ-free way she introduced her newborn to her nieces and nephews The woman, a nurse practitioner and midwife, wanted a 'clean, safe, and low-stimulation environment' for the first few days after she gave birth Her sister, Summer Rose Jackson, spoke to PEOPLE about her family's reactionWhen a family is as large and loving as the Jacksons, nothing can stop the joy of welcoming a newborn baby. On a sunny afternoon filled with anticipation, a group of young nieces and nephews crowded around a window, eyes wide, filled with the excitement of catching the first glimpse of their newest family member. Behind the glass sat one of their aunts, gently rocking her two-day-old baby in her arms. Her youngest sister, Summer Rose Jackson, captured the moment in a viral TikTok that touched the hearts of online viewers. 'That week was incredibly special,' Jackson tells PEOPLE exclusively. Most of the family was already in town, and they'd all been waiting for the go-ahead to visit the new mom and her child. The baby's first few visitors included a small circle of family members. The day her sister gave birth, Jackson and her other siblings accompanied their mom to the hospital, each getting a turn to hold their brand-new niece. Two days later – the day shown in the video – the new mom was finally ready to introduce the little one to the rest of the family, but at a distance. 'They knew their baby cousin was arriving soon and were eager to meet her,' Jackson says of her nieces and nephews. 'It was all really calm and respectful. We just kept the kids outside to preserve that peaceful feeling that newborns bring into the world.' Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. From Jackson's spot inside the room, she saw it all unfold. 'You can see the joy and curiosity all over their faces…The glass window didn't take anything away from the magic,' she reveals. 'It actually made the moment feel that much more special.' On the other side of the window, sitting at the patio table, sat Jackson's mother and her three sisters. 'I had the best time sitting inside seeing all of their adorable faces light up…I felt as if I was living in a moment that I would remember for forever because of how wholesome and tender it was,' Jackson says. 'It's almost like I was viewing that day in slow motion with a beautiful soundtrack playing over it as I admired my family.' Jackson says her sister 'wanted a peaceful, calm, and clean sanctuary for her and her newborn" in the days after her birth. "So, we kept the kids outside while some of the adults went in, one at a time, to hold the baby after sanitizing,' Jackson explains. 'The whole experience was incredibly thoughtful and filled with love.' As a nurse practitioner and midwife, Jackson's sister knew exactly what she needed in those first few days at home. 'She was confident and intentional, trusting her instincts and doing what felt right for her and her newborn,' she explains. Her sister's wishes were deeply respected by the entire family, especially with the baby arriving in the middle of cold and flu season, when illnesses are more common. 'I appreciated the importance of a clean, safe, and low-stimulation environment for my precious two-day-old niece,' Jackson says. However, just a few weeks later, the newborn was out and about with the rest of the family. 'Once the baby had settled in, she was out smiling and spending time with the same cousins she'd first met through the window,' Jackson says. 'It was just about creating space at the beginning for rest and bonding.' As the youngest of eight, six girls and two boys, Jackson says their large family has always been a happy and supportive one. 'This is a perfect example of how we have always come together…and how we continue to honor our dad, who passed away from Early-onset Alzheimer's about five years ago,' she reveals. 'Family is the most important thing in my life, and they bring me so much joy.' With seven nieces, seven nephews, and even one great-niece, Jackson says there is plenty of love to go around. 'They're truly my best friends,' she says of her family. 'I look forward to any family gathering full of energy, noise, and a whole lot of fun.' Read the original article on People
