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Did you know that according to one study, some smartphones and tablets harbour more germs than a toilet seat and flush handle? Disgusting I... Time To Give Those Germ-Ridden Devices A Clean

Did you know that according to one study, some smartphones and tablets harbour more germs than a toilet seat and flush handle? Disgusting I know but the research indicated that this germ fest is due to our busy lifestyles that often leave us snacking on sticky and greasy food stuffs, as well as a growing trend for taking our devices with us to the loo.

So seeing as it is the season for spring cleaning, I thought it would be a good time to  give those smartphones and tablets a good clean too but because they don’t come cheap, it has to be done carefully and in line with any manufacturer guidelines. For example, Apple recommends that you do not use any an alcohol-based cleaner on any of its products and of course, just giving them a quick wipe on your shirt will not do the job either. So what’s the best way to make sure devices are germ-free?

clean iPads

To start with turn off your device (obvious, but it’s worth mentioning!) and get yourself kitted out with a cloth, some warm water, a drop or two of soap (literally) and a soft bristle toothbrush. Without using too much pressure, gently use the toothbrush to remove any dust, fluff, crumbs or anything else that has worked its way into the creases or ports of your device. Then dampen your cloth with the water containing the tiny amount of soap and carefully wipe down the phone or tablet, taking care to use a clean damp cloth to wipe away any soap suds or residue. You can then either let it air dry or use a dry soft cloth to give it another wipe down.

Once you have a clean device, the last thing you want to do is place it back inside a dirty case, so remember to give the case a clean too. Using the same method as above, carefully wipe your case with a cloth dampened in a little water containing a tiny amount of soap. Wipe away any soap bubbles and leave to air dry or rub down gently with  a clean dry towel.

Of course if you are in a hurry you can buy some anti-bacterial wipes that are designed to be specifically used on electronic devices and give everything a quick wipe down.

Applying these cleaning tips will ensure that only do you stay healthy but caring for your devices properly will help them last longer too.

[Image via tabtimes]