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I rarely write a tip that will impact people's health, but learning how to clean and sanitize your Apple devices, including your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods, Mac, and even Apple TV remote, is part of how to prevent coronavirus. Some of these items are on our person nearly all the time, especially the iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods, and therefore have more bacteria and viruses on them than the average toilet seat. Apple has recently changed their cleaning guidelines, so let's go over how to sanitize your cellphone, tablet, earbuds, smartwatch, and other Apple devices.
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Apple previously warned customers not to use ANY cleaning products whatsoever, to prevent damage to their oleophobic finish. In light of the current situation, Apple has updated its cleaning guidelines with the following announcement, saying it is safe to use a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe, such as a Clorox Wipe.
How to Sanitize Your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods & Other Apple Tech
- Remove your device's case.
- Turn off your phone or tablet and unplug any attached cables.
- Throroughly clean your device with a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe, such as a Clorox Wipe.
- Avoid excessive wiping and rubbing; this may damage finishes.
- Try not to get moisture in any openings, ports, or speaker or microphone meshes.
- Do not use any other cleaning products, sprays, abrasives, or compressed air.
If you're cleaning your Apple Watch, keep in mind that Clorox wipes may damage the band. As in the previous steps, be sure not to get moisture from the antimicrobial wipe into any openings in your device. For those of you who are concerned about your iPhone or iPad's finish, use a case and screen protector and leave them on, then use your Clorox wipes to sanitize them thoroughly.
