Cleaning tablets and mobile phones is essential to extend the life of these devices. However, there are some mistakes that we usually make that have the opposite effect. According to SPC, a Spanish consumer electronics brand, “misuse of cleaning products or lack of care when handling them can damage key components of the devices.”
Those who clean their smartphones or other electronic products often do so to stay away from germs. But the truth is that it is also a good way to provide greater durability and good performance. Whatever the reason you want to remove dirt from your cell phone or tablet, you must be careful.
In the best case scenario, the device will not be completely clean and the screen or body will be dirty. But in the worst case… you could damage the device and reduce its useful life or even damage it directly. To prevent this from happening, SPC has shared a list of the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Do not turn off the device
Before getting to work on cleaning, we must turn it off and disconnect it from the power. SPC advises against having it on or charging when we want to get rid of dirt. This could pose a risk to the device, but also to the person.
Once the mobile phone or tablet is turned off and there are no cables in between, the device can be safely cleaned. But it is not the only thing we must take into account, as you will discover as you read this article.
Using inappropriate cleaning products
Alcohol, bleach, or ammonia-based cleaners do not mix well with device screens or cases. As SPC experts point out, these cleaning liquids contain chemicals that damage the protective layers and cause permanent damage. If you use these products, you could end up with stains that are impossible to remove or reduce the sensitivity of touch screens.
Instead of using these products to clean your tablet or smartphone, it is better to use a soft microfiber cloth. Simply moisten it a little with water (do not wet it) or use specific solutions for screens or electronic surfaces.
Apply liquid to the device
No matter how waterproof a mobile or tablet is, it is advisable to use a damp cloth, as we have said previously. It is not advisable to spray liquids directly on the surface, as it can lead to irreparable damage.
When you get a device wet, water can get into the ventilation slots or the ones used to connect cables (ports). The liquid could leak inside and damage internal components, such as the battery. Even if the device is waterproof, it is not recommended.
Clean the camera with any tissue
What we usually clean the most are the camera lenses on our cell phones or tablets. When we want to take a photograph, it can be blurred by our own footprints or anything. Therefore, it is normal for us to use a piece of clothing that we are wearing to rub and try to remove dirt.
SPC clarifies that “this method can cause more problems than benefits.” A cloth can scratch the surface of the lens, which is usually very delicate. This would cause the images to always end up looking blurry or with unwanted flashes.
As with the screen, it is best to use microfiber cloths. As the Spanish company clarifies, these are specifically designed “for delicate surfaces, they are very soft and do not generate friction that could damage the glass.”
Don’t overlook ports and openings
Superficial cleaning of a smartphone or tablet does not help much. We also have to pay attention to the cavities that the devices have, such as the ports or ventilation slots that we talked about in the previous section, or the speaker holes, for example.
SPC advises cleaning all these openings with compressed air or, failing that, with a plastic stick specifically designed for this purpose. In addition, it emphasizes that sharp or metallic objects must be avoided, as we could damage any internal components.
Do not clean cases or screen protectors
The accessories that accompany our smartphones or tablets also get dirty. They accumulate dust, germs, and more every day, and it’s a good idea to wash them, too. If they are not cleaned regularly, they can become a source of bacteria and cleaning the devices as such will be of no use.
If the case is made of silicone or plastic, it will not require as much care as an electrical product. You can use soap and water to clean it thoroughly. However, SPC says that we can wash it in the same way as the mobile or tablet screen: with a microfiber cloth and an appropriate solution.
