Therapist Svetlana Burnatskaya has set out clear guidelines on how to properly clean smartphones to prevent the accumulation of dangerous bacteria on their surfaces.
Speaking to news outlet RIAMO, the physician explained that cleaning a mobile device once a week is generally sufficient for most users to maintain good hygiene.
Burnatskaya recommended using special wipes designed for electronics or a soft cloth dampened with a solution based on isopropyl alcohol at a concentration of approximately 70 percent.
She emphasized that users do not need to attempt to destroy every single microorganism on the surface of their gadget, adding that reasonable hygiene is enough to protect against infections.
High risk environments and daily habits
However, for individuals who use their smartphones in medical institutions, on public transport, or in other places with a high risk of contamination, the doctor advised wiping devices more frequently.
Healthcare facilities and busy public transportation systems are known to have higher concentrations of airborne and surface-bound microbes due to high foot traffic and shared spaces, increasing the likelihood of contamination on personal items.
In addition to routine cleaning, Burnatskaya outlined several everyday precautions to keep mobile devices clean and reduce infection risks.
She recommended that people avoid using their smartphones while eating meals, and cautioned against handling devices with unwashed hands after returning from outdoors or using the toilet.
Proper cleaning techniques for electronics
Isopropyl alcohol at a 70 percent concentration is widely used in electronic cleaning because it effectively neutralizes bacterial cell membranes while evaporating quickly to avoid moisture damage.
Applying the solution to a soft microfibre cloth rather than spraying liquid directly onto the gadget helps protect sensitive components, such as speakers, charging ports, and microphone openings, from water ingress.
Specialized electronics wipes offer a premoistened alternative formulated to clean touchscreen glass without stripping away protective oleophobic coatings that resist fingerprint smudges.
Everyday hygiene and personal devices
Because smartphones are touched hundreds of times throughout the day and frequently held close to the face, personal devices can readily collect oils, dust, and microorganisms from hands and surfaces.
Medical professionals routinely emphasize that simple hygiene practices, such as washing hands with soap and water before handling devices and periodically wiping screens, form a vital front line against seasonal illnesses.
Burnatskaya concluded that maintaining regular, sensible cleaning habits provides adequate protection without requiring aggressive chemical sterilization in daily life.
