Sanitizing Your Phone: Alcohol-Based Wipes Vs. Sprays

Alcohol-based disinfectants have become common household items, especially during the pandemic. While it may be tempting to use alcohol to clean your phone, it is not recommended. Alcohol can damage your phone, especially LCD screens, as it can cause the oleophobic coating to fall off, making the display blurry. Additionally, alcohol is not a high-level disinfectant and may not effectively kill all bacteria on your phone. It is recommended to use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe your phone and avoid spraying any liquids directly onto it. If disinfection is required, read the instructions carefully and gently wipe your phone with a soft cloth dipped in alcohol, without pouring or spraying it directly on the screen.

Alcohol can damage your phone's screen

Alcohol can damage your phone screen in several ways. Firstly, the liquid crystal screen of an LCD display is composed of multi-layer materials with a layer of liquid crystal molecules sandwiched between two polarizers. Both the polarizer and the liquid crystal molecules are very soluble in alcohol. Therefore, if you use alcohol to clean your phone screen, the alcohol can penetrate the gaps on the side of the screen, causing the polarizer and liquid crystal molecules to dissolve immediately and irreversibly damaging the screen.

Secondly, the surface of a phone screen is coated with a special organic film, such as an oleophobic film, which reduces oil adsorption and prevents fingerprints, smudges, and scratches. These coatings have weak resistance to alcohol, and if wiped with alcohol, the coating is likely to fall off, causing the display to become blurry.

Additionally, alcohol is not considered a high-level disinfectant for phones. While it may kill some bacteria, it is not effective in disinfecting because it lacks sporicidal activity and cannot penetrate protein-rich materials or hydrophilic viruses. Therefore, using alcohol to clean your phone screen may not effectively disinfect it, and improper application can lead to bacteria remaining on the phone.

Furthermore, when using alcohol to clean any electronic device, it is crucial to exercise caution. Avoid spraying or pouring alcohol directly onto the screen, as this can increase the risk of eroding the screen and damaging the device. Instead, it is recommended to dip a soft cloth into alcohol and gently wipe the screen to minimize the risk of damage.

In summary, alcohol can damage your phone screen by dissolving the liquid crystal molecules and polarizers in LCD screens, removing the oleophobic coating, failing to effectively disinfect, and increasing the risk of erosion and damage if not applied properly. Therefore, it is recommended to use alternative methods or products specifically designed for cleaning phone screens, such as UV-C light or LCD screen wipes.

Alcohol is ineffective at disinfecting phones

While alcohol-based disinfectants can be used to clean phones, they are not the most effective method. Alcohol is not suitable for disinfecting phones because it can damage the screen and protective coatings.

Firstly, alcohol can cause irreversible damage to LCD screens. The liquid crystal screen has a multi-layer structure with a layer of liquid crystal molecules sandwiched between two polarizers. Both the polarizer and the liquid crystal molecules are highly soluble in alcohol and will immediately dissolve when corroded, causing the screen to become mottled and blurry.

Secondly, the surface of phone screens is coated with a special organic film, such as an oleophobic film, which reduces oil absorption and fingerprints. These coatings contain organic compounds that are very weak against alcohol. Wiping the screen with alcohol can cause the coatings to fall off, resulting in a blurry display.

Additionally, alcohol can penetrate the gaps on the sides of the screen, further damaging the LCD screen. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid using alcohol or alcohol-based disinfectants directly on the phone screen. Instead, users should gently wipe their phones with a soft, lint-free cloth, dampened with warm, soapy water, or use disinfectant wipes.

It is important to prioritize gentle cleaning methods for phones, as abrasive materials can diminish the oleophobic coating and scratch the screen. While alcohol can kill germs, it is not necessary for effective disinfection. Simple cleaning with a damp cloth can remove most contaminants and expose pathogens to the effects of disinfection.

Alcohol can damage the oleophobic coating

Using alcohol to clean your phone may seem like a good idea, especially if you're trying to kill germs and bacteria. However, it's important to understand that alcohol can damage the oleophobic coating on your phone's screen, which is a special coating that repels oil and reduces smudges and fingerprints.

The oleophobic coating on smartphone screens is typically made of organic compounds that are very sensitive to alcohol. When alcohol is applied to the screen, it can dissolve or erode this coating, causing it to wear off over time. As a result, your phone's screen may become blurry, smeared, or more prone to scratches. This is especially true for LCD screens, which have a multi-layer structure with polarizers and liquid crystal molecules that are highly soluble in alcohol. Once corroded by alcohol, these components can dissolve immediately, leading to a mottled and damaged screen.

Additionally, alcohol may not even be effective at disinfecting your phone. According to the Association for Professionals in Infection Control (APIC), ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol lack sporicidal activity and cannot penetrate protein-rich materials, making them less effective at killing bacteria and germs. Improper application of alcohol can also lead to residue and bacteria remaining on your phone, potentially causing more harm than good.

To effectively clean your phone without damaging the oleophobic coating, it is recommended to use a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid using abrasive materials, towels, or paper towels, as they may cause scratches. Gently wipe down your phone with the cloth, being careful not to apply too much pressure. There are also specific LCD screen cleaners available on the market that are designed to safely clean smartphone screens without causing any damage.

In summary, while it may be tempting to use alcohol to disinfect your phone, it is important to avoid doing so due to the potential damage it can cause to the oleophobic coating. Instead, opt for gentle cleaning methods using soft cloths or specialised LCD screen cleaning wipes to safely clean your phone without causing any harm to its sensitive components.

Alcohol can be used to dry out a water-damaged phone

While it is not recommended to use alcohol to clean your phone screen, as it can cause irreversible damage, it can be used to dry out a water-damaged phone. If your phone has been submerged in water, placing it in 99% isopropyl alcohol will dry out any water left inside the phone. It is important to note that this method may not work if the phone has already sustained physical or water damage.

Before using alcohol to dry out your phone, it is crucial to disassemble the device and carefully inspect all components and connectors for any signs of corrosion or damage. Look at the connectors, cable ends, and pins in the connectors. If you notice any corrosion or damage, clean the affected parts with isopropyl alcohol and a soft brush, such as a small soft-toothbrush or artist paintbrush. Avoid using compressed air during the cleaning process, as it can drive liquid and corrosion particles into areas that may cause issues later on.

When using isopropyl alcohol, opt for a concentration of 90% or higher, as it will evaporate quickly and effectively dissipate the water. After cleaning, you can place the phone in a warm oven (180-200 Fahrenheit) for about 10 minutes to further aid the evaporation process. However, ensure that the oven is not hot, only warm.

It is worth mentioning that there are alternative methods to drying a water-damaged phone, such as using rice or silica gel packets. Additionally, professional cleaning services are available, which can ensure a thorough and safe drying process. Remember, always assess the damage to your phone before attempting any cleaning or drying methods.

Alcohol can be used to clean internal phone components

While it is not recommended to use alcohol to clean your phone screen, it can be used to clean internal phone components.

Alcohol can be effective in drying out a water-damaged phone. If your phone has been exposed to water, submerging it in a high concentration of isopropyl alcohol (99% if possible) will help to evaporate any water residue. However, it is important to disassemble the phone first and only use alcohol on the internal components, not the display. Use a soft brush, such as a small soft-tooth brush, to clean the parts. It is also recommended to place the phone in a warm oven (180-200°Fahrenheit) for 10 minutes to aid evaporation.

It is crucial to be cautious when using alcohol in this way, as it can cause irreversible damage to your phone if done incorrectly. Firstly, always refer to the product instructions before disinfecting with alcohol. Do not spray or pour alcohol directly onto the phone, as this can increase the risk of eroding the screen and other components. Instead, dip a soft cloth into the alcohol and gently wipe the affected areas. Additionally, ensure that you do not use compressed air during the cleaning process, as this can drive liquid and corrosion particles into areas that may cause issues later on.

While alcohol can be useful in drying out a water-damaged phone, it is not considered a high-level disinfectant. It may kill some bacteria, but it is not effective against all germs and viruses. This is because alcohol lacks sporicidal activity and cannot penetrate protein-rich materials or viruses with a hydrophilic nature. Therefore, if disinfection is your primary concern, it may be more effective to use alternative methods or products specifically designed for phone sterilisation.

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