You use it from morning to evening, in your bed, at the office or even in the toilet. And yet, your smartphone is nowhere near as clean as it looks. Studies show it can harbor fecal bacteria, viruses and even fungi. A worrying observation when we know that most users never think to clean it.
An everyday object dirtier than it seems
Door handles, subway bars, elevator buttons… there are many objects that promote the spread of microbes. But according to several research carried out between 2009 and 2022 in different countries, the mobile phone, although personal, is among the most contaminated media. If some exaggerate by asserting that it would be “ten times dirtier than a toilet bowl“, laboratory analyzes confirm that it harbors a significant quantity of microorganisms.
Scientists have detected various bacteria, viruses and fungi there. Among the most common: Escherichia Coli (E. Coli), often linked to fecal contamination, and Staphylococcus aureus, known to cause skin infections and sometimes resistant to antibiotics. A British study published in 2011 revealed that one in six phones contained traces of fecal matter. The cause: the use of smartphones in the toilets and the lack of hand washing afterwards.
Should you be worried about your health?
Should we panic? Not really, according to Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of True Medical: “Cell phones may be veritable breeding grounds for germs, but there is little risk that they are truly pathogenic, i.e. causing illness simply by touching them.“In other words, the bacteria present on the screen are not enough, on their own, to make you sick.
The right actions for a cleaner smartphone
The fact remains that simple hygiene measures can limit the proliferation of these micro-organisms.
- Clean your phone regularly, ideally once a day, with an alcohol-free disinfectant wipe;
- Avoid placing the phone on dirty or damp surfaces;
- Wash your hands after using your device in public places;
- Do not use your phone in the toilet;
- Choose a washable case and clean it frequently;
- Limit sharing of the device, especially with children.
No, your phone is not a public danger. But yes, it can carry bacteria from fecal matter or other sources. By adopting a few simple habits, you can significantly reduce your risks without obsessing over cleanliness.