The Members Forum

Flu season is creeping its way toward us once again, and your gadgets are among the most germ-ridden objects in your house. Here's how to safely disinfect them.

First, if you're the only one using your gadgets, you're probably pretty safe from the spread of germs. But as soon as you start handing off your iPhone, iPad, laptop, video game controllers, cameras, and other tech to your ogling friends, germs (and illness) can start spreading quickly.

Use alcohol or disinfectant (sparingly!)...

Most of your oft-touched tech, like your keyboard, mouse, laptop, and headphones, can usually be cleaned safely with simple alcohol or disinfecting spray. You probably don't want to go with pre-soaked wipes, here—instead, get a bottle of ethyl or isopropyl alcohol and put it on a soft cloth before wiping down your gear. The less moisture you expose your gear to, the better.

...but not necessarily on touchscreens...

The trickier matter is cleaning touchscreen devices like your tablet or smartphone. Apple doesn't recommend using anything with alcohol, ammonia, and other popular cleaners in it, though some quick googling reveals substantial anecdotal evidence that it won't noticeably harm your screen in small doses. However, if you don't feel comfortable taking that route, you have other choices.

...unless you've got a screen protector...

Your first option is to get a screen protector, like the popular Power Support anti-glare film or, my personal favorite, the ZAGG InvisibleSHIELD, and use the above alcohol/disinfectant method. Screen protectors cover up the supposedly delicate oleophobic screen coating on many devices, freeing you up to use pretty much any cleaning products you want. Again, just be very careful about getting your phone too wet—even if you don't damage anything, you could trip your gadget's moisture sensor and void your warranty.

Lifehacker has the details HERE!