Is It Safe to Use Hand Sanitizer on Your Phone? Understanding the Risks
Hand sanitizers have become an essential part of our daily routines, especially in the current environment of widespread health concerns. However, using them on your phone may seem like a convenient solution. But is it safe? In this article, we explore the potential risks and provide valuable insights into the impact of hand sanitizer on your electronic devices.
Potential Risks of Using Hand Sanitizer on Your Phone
It is strongly advised not to use hand sanitizer on your phone, as liquids can easily penetrate through small cracks and crevices in the device case. Some liquid sanitizers, particularly those like Wacol, pose additional risks. Learn more about Wacol by conducting a quick Google search.
Liquid Damage and Potential Shorting
The use of any liquid to clean electronic devices is ill-advised. Liquids, even thicker ones like hand sanitizer, can easily penetrate through small crevices and enter the interior of the device, causing permanent damage and electrical shorts. In the worst-case scenario, this could result in a short circuit across the battery, leading to an electrical fire.
Screen Coating Damage
Additionally, the display screen on your phone has sensitive coatings applied to it, which help to eliminate issues like screen glare. These coatings can quickly break down under the influence of caustic agents, including the concentrated isopropyl alcohol found in hand sanitizers. In the best-case scenario, this coating may be completely removed, leading to a loss of its functions. In the worst-case scenario, the coating may peel off, causing visible and functional issues on your screen.
Plastic and Painted Surface Erosion
Sanitizers can also cause erosion to plastic parts and painted surfaces, and damage the protective coatings on the screen if they remain in contact for an extended period. While wiping your phone quickly with hand sanitizer might not be the end of the world, caution is advised. The alcohol in hand sanitizer is aggressive and can remove oleophobic coatings, which help prevent fingerprints. You also want to avoid getting it into your phone's speakers, as these can be fragile and prone to damage.
Safe Alternatives
Instead of using hand sanitizer, a simple and effective solution is to use soap and water on a dampened cloth or kitchen towel. This method is less likely to cause damage to your phone and still provides a hygienic surface. The outer fatty layer of the coronavirus is destroyed by soap and water, making it a reliable and safer choice for cleaning electronic devices.
For those who prefer a more convenient method, using camera lens cleaner wipes is a safer alternative. These wipes are designed with care to avoid damaging the sensitive elements of your phone while still providing thorough cleaning.
In conclusion, while hand sanitizer might seem like a quick solution for sanitizing your phone, it poses significant risks that can result in damage to your device. Opt for safer, more hygienic alternatives, such as soap and water or camera lens cleaner wipes, to ensure your phone remains in good condition.