How to Clear the Most Common Smartphone Problems
We take our phones with us everywhere, so they will inevitably end up feeling the brunt of the life we live in. And just like we go to shower after a long weekend of camping, our smartphones also need a deep cleaning from time to time.
No matter what life throws at you – soda, dirt, or some kind of unrecognizable glue – there is a way to safely remove it from your smartphone without shortening the device’s lifespan. Here are some of the most common smartphone problems and how to clean them up, from removing debris from the charging port to removing dirt from a cloth case.
Problem: Clogged charging port
Wireless charging is not yet the de facto standard for smartphones, so until then we’ll have to contend with messy charging ports. Fluff, dust and other debris that lives in our pockets and bags can accumulate over time in the charging ports of our devices. It might even explain why your phone doesn’t always start charging when you plug it in.
You will want to grab a toothpick and get to work. I like to use plastic toothpicks because traditional wooden ones tend to crack quite easily. You can even use a SIM eject tool if you have one lying around, or the sharp end of a plastic spatula. When you’re ready, shine a bright light on the charging area and carefully insert a toothpick. Start scooping up what is there with gentle scooping motions along the outer edges of the port. Be strict, but not too aggressive, so as not to damage the port.
This method works for both Apple Lightning ports and Android USB-C ports. If your device is a little older and has a microUSB connector, try spraying compressed air on this area before trying to dig with a toothpick. And if you decide you’re going to get in, be careful because the connectors protruding from the inside are easy to bend.
Problem: Dust in the speaker grille
Stereo speakers are a welcome addition to smartphones, although that also means the devices are a little more porous than before. Before prying open the speaker grill with a sewing needle or SIM eject tool, try blowing a can of compressed air into the hole to remove any obstructions. If that doesn’t work, then you are working with a harder material. Use a needle or SIM tool very carefully to remove whatever is stuck there in the same upward motion as when cleaning the charging port.
Problem: Food debris on the screen
I take my smartphone with me to eat, because looking into emptiness when you are alone in a restaurant seems to scare people. It’s amazing what can end up on your phone after one meal. Whether it’s a speck of marinara sauce or a few drops of olive oil, quickly blot the area with a tissue to prevent spills from spreading, then wipe it off to remove excess.
You will have to do deep cleaning at home or near the sink. Dab some dish soap on a clean towel or cloth and then rub under the tap to create a lather. Avoid getting wet, but just enough for you to wipe your phone. Soap and water are safe to use in small amounts, especially on waterproof devices. Wipe your phone to get rid of excess grease from food, then dry it as if you were washing your hands.
After that, don’t forget to disinfect your phone. Hold a spray bottle with a half mixture of white vinegar and distilled water for use in such cases, and then wipe the device with a microfiber cloth. Or, if you’re looking to buy something, use an alcohol-free, ammonia-free cleaner like Koala Kleaner .
If you find yourself frequently stuck with food on your phone, consider purchasing individually wrapped device wipes to help you in times of need. Amazon has many varieties, and Sephora packs them very nicely for people looking to clean their phones.
Problem: unidentifiable stickiness
There have been several times when I took my smartphone out of the case only to find some sticky sticky residue that remains on the back of the device. In most cases, rubbing it with your thumb will remove whatever is on it . You can also try rubbing the surface with a damp, soapy cloth to soften it.
If your fingers are struggling, try a plastic spatula or the edge of a credit card to scrape the surface without scratching your phone. In some cases, you can try rubbing the affected area with a cotton swab or cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover before scraping it off. Be careful, however, as acetone-based nail polish removers can badly damage the painted exterior of some phones. I would only recommend this last step for tough jobs like removing remnants of stickers.
Problem: make-up all over the screen
It’s nice to meet old friends who are still ready to talk on the phone, but this is how skin oils and creamy makeup make it to our screens. If I’m at home, I grab my Alcohol Free Koala ammonia and spray and then wipe my phone with a microfiber cloth. If I go outside, have a microfiber cloth or one of the aforementioned individually wrapped cloths handy to keep my phone clean again.
Some suggested purchasing an oleophobic screen protector to curb the attraction of grease and fingerprints, but it is clear that this person was not wearing full coverage foundation on a hot summer day. For best results, switch to video calls and keep your phone away from your face.
Problem: the phone case is dirty
Whether you’re working with an inexpensive plastic phone case or an intricate fabric case, you can extend its life by periodically cleaning it.
If your plastic case looks dull, try submerging it in a bathtub of warm water and dish soap and then scrubbing it with a toothbrush. The bristles will soften whatever is stuck there. If the case is stained with ink or dried food, try wiping it off with a towel dampened with Method all-purpose cleaner. In both cases, remember to wipe down the case and let it dry before putting the smartphone back inside. If none of these methods work, you can try rubbing the affected area with a cotton pad moistened with 70 percent alcohol or higher.
You can still use your toothbrush on the fabric cases. Dip it in soapy water to wipe the case, or use a little baking soda to polish stubborn material. Remember to sprinkle the container with a homemade or store-bought disinfectant when you’re done.
Problem: The charging cable needs to be wiped clean
The charger for my Pixel 3 is white and it tends to pick up dust, dirt, and soot from my travels and hikes. A little warm, soapy water on a clean towel is usually enough to dry it off. However, be careful not to get the cable wet. For stubborn marks, try a little Method on a rag.