Smartphones are often thought to harbor numerous germs, especially when used in various environments, including bathrooms. However, microbiology expert Markus Egert explains that their smooth surfaces limit microbial growth, and regular hand hygiene plays a crucial role in minimizing risks. Interestingly, while using phones in kitchens may pose a greater contamination risk from foodborne pathogens, maintaining cleanliness through handwashing and occasional wipes can effectively manage germ levels on devices.
Created with agency material
We interact with our smartphones countless times throughout the day, and some even take them into the restroom. This raises the question: are our devices crawling with germs?
Fortunately, insights from Markus Egert, a microbiology and hygiene professor at Furtwangen University, provide some reassurance. His research indicates that smartphones are not as significant of a germ carrier as one might think—provided we maintain proper hand hygiene when not engaged in scrolling.
Why Aren’t Smartphones as Germ-Infested as We Assume?
Markus Egert: The touchscreen of a smartphone does not create an ideal environment for microorganisms. Its smooth, dry surface is low in nutrients, which limits microbial growth. The only things that remain are perhaps a few skin flakes or oils.
Interestingly, we often clean our smartphones without even realizing it, such as when we wipe them on our clothing. This action can mechanically remove germs.
While this phenomenon hasn’t been extensively studied, preliminary research shows that using a microfiber cloth can eliminate about 80 to 90 percent of microorganisms from the device.
Do Germs from Our Hands Transfer to Our Smartphones?
Markus Egert: Indeed, smartphones act as extensions of our hands. However, not every germ from our hands transfers to the device. Certain germs thrive better on our skin than on a smartphone, leading to a selective process.
Moreover, smartphones are typically personal devices, used and touched by one individual, which minimizes their hygiene risks. This contrasts with shared devices, like work smartphones or tablets in hospitals, which are handled by multiple users.
Important Note: This is why placing your smartphone on the table in front of you may not be the best idea.
What About Using Phones in the Bathroom?
Markus Egert: Picture this: You sit on the toilet, pull out your phone, read something, then put it away before cleaning yourself and leaving. Initially, your smartphone doesn’t pick up additional germs. The surrounding air doesn’t contribute much to bacterial presence on the device.
The key element here is your hands. If you touch your smartphone with hands contaminated with fecal bacteria, those germs will transfer. However, practicing good hand hygiene can prevent this from happening.
Of course, environments vary: public restrooms typically have higher germ counts. However, in most homes, the bathroom is cleaner than the kitchen.
What Implications Does This Have for Your Smartphone?
Markus Egert: It’s actually more concerning when you use your phone in the kitchen. Many people don’t consider this risk. For instance, while thawing chicken, you might listen to music or follow a cooking video on your phone.
In these situations, the likelihood of contaminating your smartphone with foodborne pathogens increases significantly, as raw meat harbors millions to billions of germs per cubic centimeter.
Furthermore, if you taste something and then touch your mouth, you introduce a risk that doesn’t exist when using the phone in the restroom.
This discrepancy may stem from our instinctive aversion to feces, leading us to prioritize hygiene in restrooms over kitchens.
Further Reading: Learn how to disinfect your phone properly to eliminate bacteria and viruses.
How Can You Manage Germ Levels on Your Smartphone?
Markus Egert: Regular handwashing is the best way to keep your smartphone clean. Additionally, you can periodically wipe it down with a slightly damp cloth, especially after cooking or visiting a hospital.
About the Expert: Markus Egert is a professor of microbiology and hygiene at Furtwangen University, where he also studies the germ levels on glasses and dish sponges.