vincent ni, bbc news.bstances can damage the device. dr lena ciric, a microbiologist from university college london, says you can effectively clean your phone using just household soap and water. while washing your hands is vital, if you're worried about germs on your phone you can clean it effectively with simple soap and water. hi, i'm dr lena ciric, i'm a microbiologist at university college london, and i'm going to show you how to clean your phone. unplug your phone, turn it off and remove the case. all the major phone—makers warn against using chemicals, hand gels and abrasive wipes on your device, as this can damage the screen's protective coating. dampen a microfibre cloth with water and simple household soap. gently rub the surfaces of the phone with a damp cloth. take care not to get moisture in any of the openings because even water—resistant phones lose their protection over time. finally, dry your phone with a clean microfibre cloth. even just using soap and water can effectively remove bacteri