With the current COVID-19 outbreak, it is recommended to wash your hands frequently and to disinfect your regularly used items to contain the spread of the coronavirus. When it comes to personal devices like a smartphone, it is reported to be much dirtier than a toilet seat and it’s a device that you touch dozens of times a day. The folks at Apple has updated its device cleaning guide and there’s a recommended product that you can use to safely disinfect your iPhone and other Apple products.
According to Apple, it is OK to use disinfectant wipes on its products. They recommend using a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes to disinfect your iPhone, iPad, iMac and other devices. Previously, the only recommendation was to use a soft, lint-free cloth with water.
They added that you can use the disinfecting wipes gently on hard and nonporous surfaces of your Apple products which include the display, keyboard and other exterior surfaces. However, they warned against the use of bleach and to avoid getting moisture in any opening and not to submerge your Apple product in any cleaning agents. They have also warned against using a disinfectant on any fabric or leather surfaces.
Even if you use normal disinfecting wipes, Apple also reminds you to avoid excessive wiping which might cause damage. Although some Apple devices may come with water resistance, do note that liquid damage isn’t covered under the standard Apple warranty. If there’s liquid getting into your Apple product, you are advised to seek help from an authorised Apple Service Provider as soon as possible.
If you’re thinking of using alcohol-based hand sanitiser and other stronger chemicals, do note that this may affect the oleophobic coating on the phone. This extra coating is applied to keep your display smudge-free.
