{"id":132690,"date":"2024-11-26T11:38:50","date_gmt":"2024-11-26T16:38:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rbach.net\/?p=132690"},"modified":"2024-11-26T11:39:25","modified_gmt":"2024-11-26T16:39:25","slug":"germs-infest-60-of-americas-phones","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rbach.net\/index.php\/germs-infest-60-of-americas-phones\/","title":{"rendered":"Germs Infest 60% of Americas Phones"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

\"Germs<\/a>We all know that screen time and blue light<\/a> can affect the quality and quantity of our sleep.\u00a0 Another reason your mobile will keep you up all night is germs.\u00a0 A UK survey revealed that \u00a060% of Americans<\/a> sleep with their phones each night, equivalent to 199.1 million people.\u00a0 Seventy-four percent of the survey participants had to have their devices in bed.\u00a0 However, experts have warned that doing so brings millions of unwanted bacteria into your bedroom and all over your bedding.<\/p>\r\n

More germs than a toilet<\/h3>\r\n

Phones tend to go everywhere their owners do.\u00a0 They carry more germs than a toilet<\/a>.\u00a0 The average user touches their phones over 2,600 times<\/a> daily, making them very unhygienic.<\/p>\r\n

\"phones<\/a>Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most common bacteria found on smartphones and watches.\u00a0 Cockroach poop also contains Pseudomonas aeruginosa<\/a>.\u00a0 That means our phones leave cockroach feces on our hands when we scroll and on our faces when we make calls.\u00a0 The bacteria can infect humans, particularly those who are immunocompromised.\u00a0 Regularly cleaning your phone is the best way to eliminate cockroach deposits.<\/p>\r\n

Sadly, the survey by MattressNextDay found that 51 percent<\/a> of people never clean their smartphones.\u00a0 A further 10% said they only cleaned their phone once a year. <\/strong>This\u00a0allows\u00a0cockroach\u00a0poop\u00a0to accumulate on our phones, which we take to bed and hold against our faces.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n

Sleeping with the germs<\/h3>\r\n

The researchers say that sleeping with your phone in a warm environment like a bed can provide the ideal conditions for bacteria to breed.\u00a0 Martin Sealey, CEO of MattressNextDay, explained, “Remember, your bed should be a sanctuary for rest, not a petri dish for potentially harmful bacteria.”<\/em><\/p>\r\n

How to fight back<\/h3>\r\n

\"How<\/a>To avoid this, experts recommend cleaning your phone regularly with a UV sanitizer or an alcohol wipe that is safe for use on electronics.\u00a0 Correctly cleaning your smartphone is essential to keep it germ-free and functioning well.\u00a0 Here’s a step-by-step guide:<\/span><\/p>\r\n

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  1. \u00a0Review manufacturer documentation: <\/strong><\/span>Confirm it is safe to clean your smartphone.<\/li>\r\n
  2. Turn off and unplug your phone<\/strong>: This ensures safety and prevents accidental inputs.<\/li>\r\n
  3. Wash\u00a0your\u00a0hands<\/strong>: Use soap and water, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds.<\/li>\r\n
  4. Use\u00a0a\u00a0lint-free\u00a0microfiber\u00a0cloth<\/strong>: Gently wipe down the outside of your phone, including the screen.<\/li>\r\n
  5. Dampen the cloth if needed.\u00a0 For a deeper clean, use distilled water<\/strong>, but avoid getting moisture in any openings.<\/li>\r\n
  6. Avoid\u00a0harmful\u00a0products<\/strong>: Do not use bleach, ammonia, or abrasive cleaners.<\/li>\r\n
  7. Optional\u00a0UV\u00a0sanitizer<\/strong>: For a deeper clean, use a UV sanitizer like PhoneSoap to kill germs.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n

    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.<\/p>\r\n

    \u00a0<\/p>\r\n

    Related article<\/strong><\/p>\r\n