###Is Your Smartwatch a Hidden Breeding Ground for COVID-19? Find Out How to Keep It Germ-Free and Safe!
Smartwatches have become a staple accessory for many, allowing us to track our fitness, stay connected with loved ones, and monitor our health. But as the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, our beloved smartwatches may be acting as a hidden breeding ground for germs, especially the coronavirus. Studies have shown that viruses, including COVID-19, can survive on surfaces for varying periods, and your smartwatch is no exception. Here’s how to keep your smartwatch germ-free and safe.
####Cleanse Your Smartwatch Regularly
It’s essential to sanitize your smartwatch regularly to prevent the buildup of germs and bacteria. Begin by removing the band from the smartwatch and washing it with soap and water. You can also use an alcohol-based disinfectant to eliminate germs from the surface. After you’ve cleaned the band of your watch, wipe down the screen and body of the smartwatch with a microfiber cloth. If your watch is waterproof, you can rinse it with water to get rid of any lurking germs.
####Avoid Touching Your Watch Frequently
Each time you touch your smartwatch, you risk transferring germs to and from its surface. While it’s not easy to avoid touching your smartwatch altogether, try reducing the amount of contact you have with it. Instead of using your fingers, try using the voice control or gesture features of the watch. Also, avoid using your watch to take or make calls, especially in public spaces. The best practice is to wash your hands thoroughly before and after touching your watch.
####Be Safe While Charging
While charging your smartwatch, ensure you sanitize the charging stands and cords regularly. Germs tend to latch onto surfaces, and you don’t want to be transferring them to your watch during charging. Also, keep your charging cord away from frequently touched areas like the kitchen countertop or a coffee shop table. Make sure you sanitize your charging cable before plugging it in to charge your smartwatch.
####Avoid Sharing Your Watch
Sharing may be caring, but not in the midst of a pandemic. Avoid sharing your smartwatch with anyone, even your family members. Doing so may transfer germs to your watch, and while washing the band and sanitizing the screen may help, it’s best to use your watch personally. If necessary, wear gloves while handling someone else’s smartwatch to reduce the chances of germ transmission.
####Conclusion
Smartwatches have become a critical accessory in our daily lives, and it’s essential to keep them germ-free and safe. The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us a lot, and one of the most critical lessons is to maintain high levels of personal hygiene. By regularly cleansing your smartwatch, avoiding excessive contact, being safe while charging, and avoiding sharing your watch with others, you can minimize the risk of contracting the virus through your smartwatch. Stay safe and sanitize your smartwatch regularly!
This social shift has also alerted us to another dangerous vector for germs: our smartphones. Since the outbreak, more people are taking the time to sanitize their devices, which are undoubtedly among the items we touch most each day. Tap or click here to see how to clean your phone. Smartphones aren’t the only frequently-touched items that need to stay clean. Smartwatches are also exposed to coronavirus particles. Here’s how you can keep yours clean and germ-free.
A vector for disease?
Smartphones and smartwatches are handled throughout the day with ordinary use. This means you transfer germs every time you touch them. The National Institutes of Health recently found the SARS-COV2 virus, which causes COVID-19, can cling to surfaces for a longer period of time than originally thought. The virus can be found in aerosol particles for up to three hours, can stick to cardboard for up to 24 hours and can cling to plastic and stainless steel for up to three days. Knowing this, it’s logical to conclude that glass is an equally dangerous surface. According to a USA today interview with Dr. Blanca Lizaola-Mayo, an internal doctor for the Scottsdale, Arizona Mayo clinic, screens provide an easy way for viruses to “reinfect” your hands after you’ve washed them. She added that “you need everything possible to be as clean as possible, including your watch and Fitbit.”
What can I do about it?
Just like with smartphones, you’ll need to use chemical santizers like Clorox wipes, alcohol-based sanitizers or soap to disinfect screens. These chemicals destroy the fatty envelope that surrounds the coronavirus and kills germs before they can cause any harm. Even big companies like Apple have changed their tune on disinfecting screens during this time of crisis. While Apple used to advise against using bleach-based cleaners and similar agents on its products’ screens, it’s now advising customers use them to stay safe. Tap or click here to see a list of chemicals you can use to disinfect your devices. To clean your device, the first thing you should do is make sure your hands are clean. Clip long fingernails and wash your hands with soap and warm water for a minimum of 20 seconds. This prevent your hands from transferring additional germs and bacteria. Next, you’ll want to gently clean your smartwatch screen with a sanitizing wipe or even a soft-bristled toothbrush with rubbing alcohol. Avoid any holes or openings on the product, since this can harm your device. Just make sure to avoid touching the wristband with harsh chemicals, as this can cause discoloration. That said, it will still clean the band, so the choice is yours. Metal bands should be cleaned the same way as screens. Once you’re finished, dry off your watch with a soft, sterile cloth and wash your hands up to your wrist, just above where the watch rests, you can put your tech back on. As you can see, keeping your gadgets clean isn’t all that difficult. All it takes is knowing the right steps to sanitize your tech properly. And by doing so, you’re not just protecting yourself, your’re protecting others who may have greater risk if they’re exposed to the virus. I guess that means your life isn’t the only one your smartwatch could save. Tap or click here to see how a smartwatch saved a man from heart failure.
