How to disinfect a smartwatch and phone

Coronavirus germs can survive on your smartwatch, here’s how to disinfect it.
Coronavirus (SARS-COV-2) and it’s related disease (COVID-19) make people around the world rethink their hygiene habits. In 2018, a CDC study found that only 31% of men and 65% of women wash their hands after using the bathroom. Go ahead today and you will be lucky to find any remaining soap in the bathroom dispensers.

This recent social change has also alerted us to another dangerous vector for germs: our smartwatches, smartphones and other technological gadgets that we use all the time. Since the outbreak, more people are spending time cleaning their devices, which are undoubtedly among the items we touch most every day. Touch or click here to see how to clean your phone.

Smart gadgets like many other personal objects need to remain clean. They can also be exposed to particles of coronavirus. See how you can keep yours clean and germ free.

A vector for the disease?
Smartphones and smartwatches are treated throughout the day with common use. This means that you transfer germs every time you touch them.

Recently, the National Institutes of Health discovered that the SARS-COV2 virus, which causes COVID-19, can cling to surfaces for a longer period than originally thought. The virus can be found in aerosol particles for up to three hours, can stick to cardboard for up to 24 hours, and can cling to plastic and stainless steel for up to three days.

Knowing this, it is logical to conclude that glass is an equally dangerous surface. According to an interview in the United States today with Dr. Blanca Lizaola-Mayo, an intern at the Scottsdale, Arizona Mayo clinic, screens offer an easy way for viruses to “reinfect” your hands after washing them.

She added that “you need everything possible to be as clean as possible, including your watch and Fitbit”.

What can I do about it?
As with smartphones, you will need to use chemical sanctifiers, such as Clorox wipes, alcohol-based disinfectants or soap to disinfect screens. These chemicals destroy the fat envelope surrounding the coronavirus and kill germs before they can cause any damage.

Even big companies like Apple changed their minds about disinfecting screens during this period of crisis.

While Apple used to advise against using bleach-based cleaning products and similar agents on the screens of its products, it is now advising customers to use them to stay safe. Tap or click here to see a list of chemicals you can use to disinfect your devices.

To clean your device, the first thing you should do is make sure your hands are clean. Hold your long nails and wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. This prevents your hands from transferring additional germs and bacteria.

Next, you want to gently clean the screen of your smartwatch with a disinfectant cloth or even a soft bristle toothbrush with alcohol. Avoid holes or openings in the product, as this can damage your device.

Just avoid touching the bracelet with chemicals, as this can cause discoloration. That said, it will still clean the band, so the choice is yours. The metal bands must be cleaned in the same way as the screens.

When finished, dry the watch with a soft, sterile cloth and wash your hands up to the wrist, just above where the watch rests, you can replace the technology.

As you can see, keeping your gadgets clean is not that difficult. You just need to know the right steps to properly sanitize your technology. And in doing so, you are not only protecting yourself, you are protecting others who may be at greater risk if exposed to the virus.

I think that means your life is not the only one your smartwatch could save. Tap or click here to see how a smartwatch saved a man from heart failure.