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paulchiu

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Feb 26, 2009
424
357
nyc
1. For those not using glass or film screen protectors for your iPhone 11, iPhone 12, etc., what are you using to disinfect?
2. What is safer on the iPhone Oleophobic coating over time from your experience.

Thanks for your help.
 
You want something that will kill germs and also evaporate quickly. I would not use anything less than 90% Isopropyl Alcohol. 70% has too much water added. Avoid hydrogen peroxide at all costs. Gimmicky UV devices are a waste of money.
 
Is 90% safe on the coating?

Apple recommends 70% but also in the same sentence states this will lead to degradation of the coating over time. The only way to sanitize without wearing the coating is via UV. Personally, I don’t sanitize my phone even though we should. I just cup some water in my hand and gently rinse the outside to at least wash some germs off.
 
You want something that will kill germs and also evaporate quickly. I would not use anything less than 90% Isopropyl Alcohol. 70% has too much water added. Avoid hydrogen peroxide at all costs. Gimmicky UV devices are a waste of money.

You do realize 90% is less effective against bacteria? It causes cell walls to coagulate. And it evaporates too fast to be effective. There’s a reason why hospitals all use 70%.
 
@BasicGreatGuy @HobbesInVA This looks interesting. Have you had any issues? I see from the PhoneSoap site that their product can be used for different electronic devices. Are you pleased with the results?
Yes. I haven’t had any problems. I also bought the extra large size that can hold an iPad Pro, along with anything else that you can fit in there. I also use Phone Soap to sterilize masks.
 
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I have two micro scratches on my 8 Plus. I was using CareTouch wipes a few times a week when COVID first hit. I wonder if it played a part in the scratches.

I think moving forward PhoneSoap is the way to go.
 
Here is the guidance from Apple:
Is it OK to use a disinfectant on my iPhone?
Using a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, you may gently wipe the exterior surfaces of your iPhone. Don't use bleach. Avoid getting moisture in any openings, and don't submerge your iPhone in any cleaning agents.

 
Every day since March, I wipe down my phones with Lysol - their wipes don't remove any film/coating/colors or make your skin dry out due to the QAC (quaternary ammonium compounds)

lysolwipes_1024x1024@2x.jpg
 
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Every day since March, I wipe down my phones with Lysol - their wipes don't remove any film/coating/colors or make your skin dry out due to the QAC (quaternary ammonium compounds)

lysolwipes_1024x1024@2x.jpg

You have extra tough skin my friend. Lucky for you, mine dries up after using above for house chores.
 
I have two micro scratches on my 8 Plus. I was using CareTouch wipes a few times a week when COVID first hit. I wonder if it played a part in the scratches.
The wipes didn't, but the grit you had trapped on one of them certainly did.
 
Every day since March, I wipe down my phones with Lysol - their wipes don't remove any film/coating/colors or make your skin dry out due to the QAC (quaternary ammonium compounds)
Does *someone* sell these things unscented? Please?
 
Just wiping a phone down with lysol disinfecting wipes is usually good, but UV like Phone Soap is very thorough if the whole phone surface is exposed.
I agree that UV-C is very effective but finding one that is TRULY UV-C 250-280nM is difficult as most are made in China and the LEDs used are not certified for the effective wavelength.

I'd love to buy a true germicidal UV-C light for a room but where ???
 
I have read that 70% isopropyl alcohol is actually preferable. The alcohol needs to remain on the surface long enough to kill the virus, and 90% alcohol evaporates too quickly for that.
You will have to go over over it a few times with the wet cloth. It doesn't evaporate immediately. That's 99%. I have had issues before with the liquid going under the screen and damaging it. I stick with 90% for that reason.
 
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