We all know that screen time and blue light can affect the quality and quantity of our sleep. Another reason your mobile will keep you up all night is germs. A UK survey revealed that 60% of Americans sleep with their phones each night, equivalent to 199.1 million people. Seventy-four percent of the survey participants had to have their devices in bed. However, experts have warned that doing so brings millions of unwanted bacteria into your bedroom and all over your bedding.
More germs than a toilet
Phones tend to go everywhere their owners do. They carry more germs than a toilet. The average user touches their phones over 2,600 times daily, making them very unhygienic.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most common bacteria found on smartphones and watches. Cockroach poop also contains Pseudomonas aeruginosa. That means our phones leave cockroach feces on our hands when we scroll and on our faces when we make calls. The bacteria can infect humans, particularly those who are immunocompromised. Regularly cleaning your phone is the best way to eliminate cockroach deposits.
Sadly, the survey by MattressNextDay found that 51 percent of people never clean their smartphones. A further 10% said they only cleaned their phone once a year. This allows cockroach poop to accumulate on our phones, which we take to bed and hold against our faces.
Sleeping with the germs
The researchers say that sleeping with your phone in a warm environment like a bed can provide the ideal conditions for bacteria to breed. Martin Sealey, CEO of MattressNextDay, explained, “Remember, your bed should be a sanctuary for rest, not a petri dish for potentially harmful bacteria.”
How to fight back
To avoid this, experts recommend cleaning your phone regularly with a UV sanitizer or an alcohol wipe that is safe for use on electronics. Correctly cleaning your smartphone is essential to keep it germ-free and functioning well. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Review manufacturer documentation: Confirm it is safe to clean your smartphone.
- Turn off and unplug your phone: This ensures safety and prevents accidental inputs.
- Wash your hands: Use soap and water, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds.
- Use a lint-free microfiber cloth: Gently wipe down the outside of your phone, including the screen.
- Dampen the cloth if needed. For a deeper clean, use distilled water, but avoid getting moisture in any openings.
- Avoid harmful products: Do not use bleach, ammonia, or abrasive cleaners.
- Optional UV sanitizer: For a deeper clean, use a UV sanitizer like PhoneSoap to kill germs.
In addition, if you sleep with your phone in your bed or underneath your pillow, experts recommend washing pillowcases twice a week and other bedding regularly.
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Ralph Bach has been in IT for a while and has blogged from the Bach Seat about IT, careers, and anything else that has caught my attention since 2005. You can follow me on Facebook or Mastodon. Email the Bach Seat here.
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