Never use harsh cleaning products to clean your smartphone — here's a safer alternative. Put that bleach down. Smartphones have become an essential part of daily life for many people, often being the last thing they touch before bed and the first thing they hold in the morning. While the health implications of this habit are debated, one thing is clear: cleaning your smartphone is necessary. These devices accompany us everywhere — from living rooms to conference rooms, parties, and even the toilet in a friend's home. Given this wide usage, it's no surprise that the average smartphone is about 10 times dirtier than a toilet seat. Cleaning your phone is a simple task, but it's important to avoid harsh products like Windex, compressed air, hydrogen peroxide, or bleach. These contain strong chemicals that can permanently damage your phone's screen. Specifically, they can strip away the oleophobic coating — a thin layer that makes the screen fingerprint-resistant and oil-repelling. To clean your phone properly, you only need a lint-free microfiber cloth and either a bit of soapy water or a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol solution (or wipes). These are easy to keep on hand and are safe for your device. To clean your smartphone, first, gather your materials, power off your phone, and remove the case if it has one. Then, dampen your microfiber cloth with soapy water or 70 percent isopropyl alcohol — the cloth should be slightly damp, not wet. Gently wipe your phone, paying special attention to areas like the camera lenses and side buttons. Be careful around openings like the USB-C port to avoid moisture getting inside. This method works for both the screen and the back glass of your phone. Phone cases often get just as dirty as the phone itself. How you clean your case depends on the material. For silicone or plastic cases, use the same soapy water or alcohol wipes you used for your phone. However, for leather cases, avoid alcohol, as it can dry out the material and cause cracking. Instead, use a damp cloth with mild soap. When cleaning your phone, avoid applying cleaning liquid directly to the device. Any liquid that gets into the small openings around the screen, buttons, or ports can cause water damage, even if the phone is waterproof. Also, don't clean your phone while it's plugged in — combining moisture with electricity is risky. Avoid overusing alcohol wipes, as repeated use can gradually break down the screen's protective coating. Lastly, skip rough fabrics or paper towels, which can cause tiny scratches that become more visible over time. Microfiber cloths are the best choice because they are soft and non-abrasive.