How To Disinfect Phones in Healthcare Settings: A Comprehensive Guide

In healthcare settings, where hygiene is paramount, phones can become vectors for harmful germs and pathogens. Despite their essential role in communication, mobile devices can harbor bacteria that pose a significant risk to both healthcare workers and patients. Disinfecting phones regularly is crucial in preventing the spread of infections. 

In this blog, we will explore the importance of phone hygiene, the best practices for disinfecting phones, and how using phone cases designed for healthcare environments can provide added protection.

The Importance of Disinfecting Phones in Healthcare

Healthcare environments are constantly exposed to bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Phones, which are frequently touched and used throughout the day, can easily collect and transfer these germs from one surface to another. Studies show that mobile devices are among the dirtiest items we use daily, with one study finding that a typical smartphone is 10 times dirtier than a toilet seat. In healthcare, this can lead to the transmission of bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and even viruses like COVID-19. Regular phone disinfection plays a crucial role in disease control by preventing the spread of these harmful pathogens.

The risks associated with contaminated phones are particularly concerning in healthcare settings, where patients are often vulnerable to infections. For this reason, regular phone disinfection should be an essential part of healthcare protocols.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Disinfect Your Phone

To minimize the risk of contamination, it’s crucial to follow a proper disinfection process for mobile devices. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to disinfect your phone safely and effectively:

It's important to use appropriate cleaning solutions to ensure thorough cleanliness and prevent damage to your device.

1. Power Off Your Phone

Before beginning the cleaning process, always power off your phone to prevent any accidental damage to the device. This will also help avoid screen sensitivity issues while cleaning.

2. Remove the Phone Case

If you use a phone case, remove it to clean both the phone and the case thoroughly. Phone cases can trap germs and dirt, so it’s important not to skip this step.

3. Use a Microfiber Cloth

Wipe down the screen and body of your phone using a dry microfiber cloth or lint-free cloth to remove dust, dirt, and surface particles. This step will prevent scratching the phone during the cleaning process.

4. Prepare a Disinfectant Solution

For effective disinfection, healthcare settings should use alcohol-based wipes or sprays that contain at least 70% isopropyl alcohol. Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals, as these can damage the phone’s protective coatings. Additionally, harsh cleaners can strip protective coatings and lead to scratches on screens, so always check manufacturer instructions for safe cleaning alternatives.

Recommended Cleaning Agents: Disinfecting Wipes

• 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes
• Disinfectant wipes designed for electronics
• Mild soap and water for phone cases
• Dish soap mixed with water for phone cases

5. Disinfect the Phone

Gently wipe the phone's surface, including the screen, sides, and back, with the alcohol wipe or disinfectant cloth. Avoid getting moisture into the phone’s openings, such as the charging port, microphone, and speakers. Never spray disinfectant directly onto the phone—always apply it to the cloth first.

6. Clean the Phone Case

If your phone case is made of materials like silicone or rubber, it can be cleaned with soap and water. Rinse the case thoroughly and allow it to air dry before placing it back on the phone. For cases made of other materials, follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid damaging the case.

7. Let the Phone Air Dry

Once you’ve finished disinfecting the phone, allow it to air dry completely before placing it back in its case or powering it back on. This ensures that no moisture enters the phone’s internal components.

8. Repeat Regularly

In healthcare settings, phones should be disinfected multiple times per day, especially after exposure to high-risk areas or patient interactions. Incorporating phone disinfection into your daily routine can significantly reduce the spread of germs.

The Role of Phone Cases in Healthcare Environments

Phone cases play an important role in both protecting the phone and making the disinfection process easier. In healthcare environments, where the risk of contamination is high, choosing the right phone case can add an extra layer of defense. Major phone manufacturers like Apple and Samsung have updated their cleaning instructions to advocate for alcohol-based products, while other manufacturers have not provided specific guidance for simple maintenance tasks like cleaning the charging port. Let’s explore how phone cases can make a difference:

1. Materials That Withstand Disinfection

Certain materials, such as medical-grade silicone or antimicrobial plastic, are designed to endure frequent cleaning and disinfection without breaking down. These materials are resistant to harsh chemicals and alcohol-based wipes, making them ideal for healthcare settings where thorough cleaning is necessary.

2. Antimicrobial Properties

Some phone cases are treated with antimicrobial coatings that inhibit the growth of bacteria and viruses on the case’s surface. While these coatings do not replace regular cleaning, they can reduce the overall microbial load, making your phone safer to handle between disinfections.

3. Protection from Physical Damage

In addition to their role in hygiene, phone cases also protect the device from physical damage. In fast-paced healthcare environments, where phones are often dropped or exposed to harsh conditions, having a durable phone case can prevent costly repairs. Cases that combine antimicrobial properties with impact protection are ideal for healthcare workers.

Best Practices for Phone Disinfection in Healthcare

To ensure optimal hygiene and reduce the risk of infection transmission, healthcare workers should follow best practices for phone disinfection. It is important to note that using compressed air can pose risks, as it may damage delicate components of smartphones, and major tech companies like Apple advise against its use.

1. Use Dedicated Disinfection Stations

Healthcare facilities should consider setting up dedicated disinfection stations where workers can easily clean their phones. These stations can be equipped with alcohol wipes, microfiber cloths, and disinfectant sprays, encouraging regular phone cleaning throughout the day.

2. Avoid Shared Devices

If possible, healthcare workers should avoid sharing mobile devices to minimize cross-contamination. If sharing phones is necessary, be sure to disinfect the phone before and after each use.

3. Integrate Phone Cleaning Into Disease Control Protocols

Healthcare organizations should include phone disinfection as part of their overall infection control protocols. Regular phone cleaning should be enforced alongside hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE), and other infection prevention measures.

4. Educate Healthcare Workers

Healthcare workers should be educated on the importance of phone disinfection and trained in proper cleaning techniques. Providing clear instructions on how to disinfect phones can help ensure compliance and reduce the spread of harmful pathogens.

Protecting Healthcare Workers and Patients

In healthcare settings, where preventing the spread of infection is critical, disinfecting phones is a simple yet effective measure. By following proper disinfection protocols and using phone cases designed for rigorous cleaning, healthcare workers can reduce the risk of contamination. Regular phone cleaning should be integrated into infection control protocols, ensuring that both healthcare workers and patients remain safe from harmful pathogens. It is also important to clean the phone screen properly to maintain its integrity and avoid damage.

Sahara’s range of phone cases, designed for durability and ease of disinfection, provides an ideal solution for healthcare workers. Whether you’re looking for cases made from medical-grade materials or those with antimicrobial properties, Sahara offers phone cases that meet the demands of healthcare environments. Keeping your phone—and your patients—safe has never been easier.

Get a bulk order discount of up to 40% with Sahara’s business pricing.