[Skip to content](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/community/how-to-clean-up-your-device-hygiene#maincontent) [Newsroom](https://www.t-mobile.com/news)Toggle secondary navigation - [Network](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/category/network) - [Devices](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/category/devices) - [Un-carrier](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/category/un-carrier) - [Community](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/category/community) - [Offers](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/category/offers) - [Business](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/category/business) English [CommunityCategory](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/category/community)[Story](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/story) # Keep It Clean: How to Up Your Device Hygiene March 10, 2020 Studies have shown that our phones are dirtier than a toilet seat. Here’s what you need to do to keep the germs away and seasonal illnesses at bay.  2 min read - Facebook IconShare on Facebook - Share on Twitter - LinkedIn IconShare on LinkedIn We touch tons of surfaces a day, from that screen we sign to pay for lunch at a food truck to the stubborn office elevator button we need to press 10 times. But we touch nothing as often as we touch our phones. According to recent studies, Americans are checking their phones anywhere from about [50](https://time.com/4908654/cell-phone-bacteria/) to [100](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/americans-check-their-phones-96-times-a-day-300962643) times a day, and actually pressing and swiping over [2,500](https://www.businessinsider.com/dscout-research-people-touch-cell-phones-2617-times-a-day-2016-7) times per day. While other studies have shown that our phones are [germier than a toilet seat](https://cals.arizona.edu/news/why-your-cellphone-has-more-germs-toilet). Here’s how to keep the germs away and seasonal illnesses at bay. ##### __Tip one:__ Don't use your phone in the restroom. When toilets flush, they can spread germs all over the place, including the surface of our phones. And as long as we're having the bathroom talk, make sure to always wash your hands after visiting the facilities and, of course, throughout the day. The CDC recommends washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds — about the amount of time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice. We know, singing “Happy Birthday” several times a day can get annoying. Shout out to [@JenMonnier](https://twitter.com/JenMonnier/status/1234532567610605568) for [offering up 10 awesome songs to sing instead](https://www.seattletimes.com/life/wellness/coronavirus-prevention-10-awesome-tunes-to-sing-while-you-wash-your-hands/). ##### __Tip two:__ Hand sanitizer isn’t an exact substitute for washing your hands, but for general germ battling throughout the day, it’s a decent, reliable backup. Spend about the same 20 seconds covering your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer until they’re dry. And here’s a bonus pro tip: avoid touching your face with your phone. Rather than sneezing or coughing into your screen when you're sick — and turning your device into a germ breeding ground — think about using earbuds, AirPods or speakerphone. ##### __Tip three:__ Last but not least, clean your device. Different device manufacturers have different do’s and don’ts for cleaning your phone; check the booklet that came with your device or visit the manufacturer's website for specifics. We suggest cleaning your device with a damp microfiber cloth, and wiping down your phone and case completely. Be cautious of using alcohol and household cleaners as they may damage your phone. (Some further information on that can be found [here](https://slate.com/technology/2020/03/coronavirus-clean-phone-wash-hands.html).) Remember, if you want a relatively germ-free device, your phone can never be too clean!   Tags[Consumer](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/archive/consumer)[Devices](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/archive/devices)[Network](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/archive/network) ## Related Stories [More Stories](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/category/community) [ \ DevicesStory \ __What Type of Relationship Do You Have with Your Phone?__ \ February 10, 2020|4 min read](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/devices/what-type-of-relationship-do-you-have-with-your-phone) [ \ DevicesStory \ __5 Ways Your Device Can Help You Keep Your 2020 Resolutions__ \ January 06, 2020|4 min read](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/devices/5-ways-your-device-can-help-you-keep-your-2020-resolutions) [ \ NetworkBlog \ __T-Mobile Live Translation and the Rise of Intelligent Connectivity__ \ May 21, 2026|4 min read](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/network/t-mobile-live-translation-and-the-rise-of-intelligent-connectivity) [ \ CommunityStory \ __Your Backstage Pass to Music Festival Season__ \ April 21, 2026|8 min read](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/community/your-backstage-pass-to-music-festival-season)