Despite being on hand all the time, smartphones arent the easiest objects to clean. On its side is a place to plug it into the wall adapter, as well as two USB ports (a standard USB and a USB-C) to connect your phone charger. Gordon Lightfoot, Canadian Folk Rock Troubadour, Dead at 84 I tested out one of the most promising, the PhoneSoap 3, for a few weeks to help you determine if its worth integrating one into your daily routine to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses and bacteria. Amest Adalja, MD(Opens in a new window), a senior scholar and assistant professor at the John Hopkins University Center for Health Security, is skeptical about the efficacy of consumer UV sanitizers. A smartphone is the most personal object we own carrying it everywhere from the supermarket to bathrooms. According to the brand, you can clean your phone and other tech accessories, like earbuds in five minutes, compared to the 10-minute cleaning session of the PhoneSoap 3. It's a direct play for companies that are already using -- or considering -- a fleet of ThinkPad laptops, and want phones to go along with them. The coronavirus itself, per an analysis by the Journal of Hospital Infection, can persist on inanimate surfaces like metal, glass or plastic for up to nine days, meaning your smartphone could be at risk. Once the sanitization cycle is complete for your device, place it on a different disinfected surface, let the sanitizer run a second cycle (this is automatic on many units), then place your case in the sanitizer and run yet another sanitization cycle. Head to the companys website to find out more about the products or to purchase. Once closed, you'll see the lightning bolt power signal turn blue this means it's charging. My only issue when using the PhoneSoap was that the three-foot wall cable was a little short, so youll have to place it fairly close to an outlet. If you're willing to spend a little more, consider PhoneSoap Pro, which the company said has twice as many UV-light bulbs as the PhoneSoap 3. How to Score Last-Minute Tickets to the F1 Miami Grand Prix This Year There's no evidence right now that typical sun exposure can kill the coronavirus, so no, going outside on asunny daywon't reduce your risk of catching it. Do your research before going to establishments that have installed UV light fixtures. Moshi's Deep Purple UV Sanitizers is the most portable UV Sanitizer we recommend. All types of UV light, "including those reaching the Earth's surface from the sun and those emitted by tanning beds, have not been shown to be protective against the novel coronavirus and can certainly harm the skin," Dr. Hollmig says. By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. Finally, sheand other medical professionalsurge users to remember UV-C light is harmful to the skin and eyes. Were interested in the third spectrum: UVC, which scientists discovered ages ago can be produced artificially for sterilization. Thats why weve been using this UV sanitizer pouch from HoMedics to help disinfect our devices multiple times a day. PhoneSoap Pro is available in two colorways: Charcoal and White. Your subscription has been confirmed. Perhaps, once at the end of a day should suffice. "UV-C light has the shortest spectrum of wavelengths, but is probably the most toxic," Dr. Hollmig says. Heres what you need to know about how UV light works against Covid. But there's one huge caveat: "UV light damages human skin, so it should only be used on objects or surfaces," the NASEM continues. But do they work? This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. PCMag, PCMag.com and PC Magazine are among the federally registered trademarks of Ziff Davis and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. If you live with anyone who may have a compromised immune system young children, elderly or ill individuals PhoneSoap could be a particularly valuable investment. My parents are the kind who always, without fail, have a bottle of hand sanitizer on them. Should you invest in a UV light sanitizer from PhoneSoap? Plus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sayUV light "germicidal effectiveness and use is influenced by organic matter; wavelength; type of suspension; temperature; type of microorganism; and UV intensity." It has two large UV-C lights and a reflective inner surface to aid in the disinfection process, which takes 10 minutes. PhoneSoap that offers UV-based phone sanitation devices in a range of sizes and varieties told Digital Trends its revenue was 20 times higher last month than the same period in 2019. While completely successful in the first experiment, PhoneSoap was less successful in the second experiment, where a larger bacteria colony formed after cleaning. Laboratory tests have shown that PhoneSoap kills 99.9% of common household germs, including bacteria that leads to E.Coli, Salmonella, Staph, Flu, and the common cold. But as we discovered with UV wands, this approach doesnt yield results unless the object is directly in the light of sight. The CDC now recommends that you clean and disinfect "frequently touched surfaces" daily, including phones, desks, and keyboards. Maybe you take a cloth to your phone now and then to wipe away the smudges and call it a day, but if you think that actually cleans it, you're in for a rude awakening. To use, simply wave the wand a few inches over the surface you want to disinfect. The type of UV sanitizer you choose will depend on what youre trying to disinfect and the amount of space you have available. Related So you can use the case 24,000 times before the bulbs burn out. The International Ultraviolet Association concurs with the CDC, reporting that inactivation of viruses with UV light has been "demonstrated under controlled conditions in the laboratory," and that "the effectiveness of UV light in practice depends on factors such the exposure time and the ability of the UV light to reach the viruses in water, air, and in the folds and crevices of materials and surfaces.". Because theres no manual on/off switch, the lights will turn on whenever the unit is plugged in and closedeven without anything insidebut I didnt notice any overheating given that it automatically turns off. It's worth noting that PhoneSoap has not been tested against COVID-19 yet, so there's no evidence to show that it kills the virus itself. In an interview withNBC News(Opens in a new window), he said, I just have a hard time trying to find a role for [UV sanitizers] that is effective in the general public where you have an actual, meaningful impact, and not just some kind of marginal benefit thats not really worth it., Richard Webster(Opens in a new window), a clinical researcher and methodologist at the CHEO Research Institute in Ontario, Canada, also has doubts about consumer-grade UV sanitizers. Ive gotten into the habit of popping my phone into the chamber to sanitize while I take a shower, so my phone and I can wash up at the same time. UV sanitizers come in various forms, from UV sanitizing wands, to sanitizing cases, to UVC lamps (often called germicidal lamps). Our expert industry analysis and practical solutions help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology. PhoneSoap's products, which kill germs on phones by bathing them in UV light, haven't been tested against COVID-19. Everyone from hospital workers to office janitors have been using UV light for years to help sterilize objects and surfaces. Based on the available scientific evidence that UV light can destroy various viruses, it's probably true that UV light can kill SARS-CoV-2. Studies have found it to be dirtier than toilet bowls. To use: unzip the pouch and place your phone on the cleaning dock inside. One of its newest products, the PhoneSoap Pro, is large enough to fit just about any cell phone and can take on smaller items, including jewelry, cash, AirPods, and even credit cards. I also use the PhoneSoap to sanitize my wallet, keys, AirPods, and any other small items I touch multiple times in a day. PhoneSoap is a simple solution to keep harmful bacteria from spreading not only from your phone to you but from you to others as well. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider For better or for worse, our phones are sticking with us. - Dr. Charles Gerba, microbiologist (AKA Dr. Germ). For those concerned about coronavirus, the CDC recommends using a mixture that is 60%-70% isopropyl or ethyl alcohol by volume, which would translate into . The radiation (light is a form of radiation), kills viruses much the same way that other harmful radiation kills things by causing lots of chemical mutations in the RNA or DNA genome of the virus. UV sanitizers use ultraviolet light to sanitize your phone and offer a second layer of protection against viruses and other harmful microbes. UV sanitizers such as PhoneSoap are versatile. In my house, we take a lot of other precautions to keep clean, so why should we just throw our phones (which touch all sorts of germs) on the kitchen counter, on our beds, or on the couch like it's no big deal? The built-in UV lights disinfect all sides of your phone without the use of liquids or harmful chemicals. As mentioned earlier, a good UV sanitizer will only work through direct exposure. And, unless you're planning on washing your hands and face before and after each time you pick up your device, all that bacteria is sticking with you too. UV light will sanitize your phone too. However, the representative said the coronavirus was similar to influenza A (H1N1), and tests showed PhoneSoap removed 99.99 per cent of that virus from surfaces. The second and third-generation iPhone SE reused the older iPhone 8 body, which had a slightly larger 4.7-inch screen, and are still the only iPhones left using Touch ID. In fact, they seemed just as loud as if the phone werent inside the box. That's a lot of stuff to consider, and something that manufacturers who are trying to quickly create UV lights may inadvertently (or purposely) ignore. Traffic to its website has surged 3,000% as well and most of its UV products have gone out of stock. Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is still the gold standard for disinfecting skin, and there's no risk of giving yourself a severe sunburn-like reaction. Need to sanitize larger devices? When you close the lid of your unit, the UV lights will turn on for pre-programmed amount of time and automatically shut off when done. While pricey, the Simplehuman Cleanstation tops our list of UV phone sanitizers thanks to its slim form factor and ease of use. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. The EPA keeps a list ofCOVID-19-approved disinfectants(Opens in a new window) that can be used on various surfaces. I historically dont clean my phone as often as I wash my hands. HuffPost may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. About the Coronavirus. Airlines and hotels are also betting big on the technology. The bulbs on the top and bottom of the device, paired with the reflective interior inside the entire gadget, help achieve 360-degree disinfection so even the tiny, hard-to-reach crevices of your phone are clean. Tucker Carlson Bashes Fox Nation in Leaked Video Apple iPhone SE 2022: Rumors, Leaks, News, Analysis, and More, New Moto Edge+ Makes Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra Look a Lot Less Appealing. While UV phone sanitizers can destroy most germs, you should only pick one that can back up its claims. The unit is equipped with UVC lights. That doesn't mean you need one. Since UV-based sanitation devices only run for 10 minutes at a time, your phone likely wont suffer any damage. Our bodies do count on some strains of bacteria to function correctly, but many forms of bacteria are harmful and can cause illness and infections. Compared to the PhoneSoap 3, the Pro has twice the UV bulbs to sanitize in 5 minutes and has a larger interior for bulkier accessories. 2023 SELECT | All rights reserved. A child-lock design prevents kids from opening up the lamp (the UVC light is not hazardous but you still want to avoid any prolonged exposure. To effectively kill viruses, UV-C light must be emitted in a range of 200 to 280 nanometers, which has potential for harm. All types of UV light, "including those reaching the Earth's surface from the sun and those emitted by tanning . Theoretically, then, these devices should be able to rid your phones surface of coronavirus. A simpler solution that avoids those issues may be using an ultraviolet-light sanitizer. If youre looking for an easy way to keep your home germ-free, weve rounded up some top-rated UV sanitizers available online. Fortunately, the device has what PhoneSoap calls an acoustic audio amplifierfancy talk for holes in the bottomthat allows you to hear any alarms and notifications when its inside. The company claims that our cell phones hold. PhoneSoap Pro review: What I like The answer is probably close to never, but it shouldn't be. This would be a major limitation for those of us who use cases that protect the screen, Dr. Simon Swift, an associate professor for Molecular Medicine and Pathology at the University of Auckland told Digital Trends. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives. Otterbox added PhoneSoap 3. She specializes in women's lifestyle, but loves to learn about any and all products that add value and excitement to our everyday lives. It can cause burns and is a known carcinogen (as is all UV light), Dr. Hollmig says. But between the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, bathroom breaks that are better with Instagram, and all the questionable surfaces we leave our phones on, theres really no way to avoid germs. The USB and USB-C . Upgrade your lifestyleDigital Trends helps readers keep tabs on the fast-paced world of tech with all the latest news, fun product reviews, insightful editorials, and one-of-a-kind sneak peeks. In our monthly recap of the most popular reader favorite items, PhoneSoap 3 UV Smartphone Sanitizer and Universal Charger makes a regular appearance and is continuously highly in-demand. The PhoneSoap Pro goes for $119.95 and is the ultimate tool for sanitizing your phone and other small objects. PhoneSoap Pro Best For Speedy Sanitizing It costs 50% more than the base model, but it's a nice upgrade for people with bulky phone cases and anyone who's always on a time crunch. These sanitizers use UV-C (instead of UV-A or UV-B) light because it can break apart germ DNA, preventing it from reproducing and spreading. PhoneSoaps UV sanitizers employ UV-C light, which is able to kill some germs, according to Philip Tierno, PhD, a clinical professor in the department of pathology at New York University Langone Medical Center. Home accessories brand, BRIGHTINWD, says this lamp is effective at getting rid of everything from bacteria and mold. And it's more than just peace of mind. A more effective and hassle-free alternative are sanitizing accessories that use ultraviolet (UV) light. UV light is classified into types based on wavelength, he says, with UV-A light (the longest wavelength) being most associated with skin aging and also with certain skin cancers, and UV-B light (middle wavelength) being associated with sunburn and most skin cancers. The idea has resonated well with smartphone owners who are scrambling to keep themselves safe from the pandemic. It disinfects items in just five minutes and has both manual and automatic settings. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. It's happened before: In the past, the Federal Trade Commission called out manufacturers for making false claims about what their light-based products could do. Laboratory tests have shown that PhoneSoap kills 99.9% of common household germs, including bacteria that leads to E.Coli, Salmonella, Staph, Flu, and the common cold. The family-owned company recently introduced this UV light sanitizing wand, which promises to eliminate 99.99% of germs, viruses and bacteria on surfaces. I have the PhoneSoap Go, which can be charged ahead of time and taken on the go to clean your phone at anytime, anywhere. Weve used a UVC wand on everything from keyboards to couches to stuffed animals. The Mate 50 Pro is one of its highest-profile new devices to launch without Leicas involvement in the camera, so its fitting to put it up against the iPhone 14 Pro to see whether Huaweis cameras still stack up against the best Apple has in 2022. Add a few drops of castile soap, scrubbing it in for 20 seconds. Several airlines use UV light robots(Opens in a new window) that can disinfect an entire airline cabin within 10 minutes, and the Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts created an extensive health and safety protocol in conjunction with Johns Hopkins Medicine International, calledLead With Care(Opens in a new window), that includes the use of ozone technology for air purification and UV technology for HVAC systems at its properties. ", Dr. Tyler Hollmig, director of dermatological surgery at University of Texas Dell Medical School in Austin. Professor Armani also recommends looking at prices, since high-powered UV-C LEDs are expensive, and youll need several for adequate sanitation. If you were thinking that the PhoneSoap might be a little impractical in that you cant carry it around with you all day to sanitize your phone on-the-go, the company does make a portable, battery-powered option. guide to Ultraviolet (UV) light sanitizers, Expert shopping: Antimicrobial face masks, PhoneSoap 3 UV Smartphone Sanitizer and Universal Charger, Looking for a new mask? UV light sanitizers are popping up as the answer to killing coronavirus on our hands and phones, but consumer devices may have more risks than they're worth. There are also two charging ports to fit whatever cell phone you use its also the only PhoneSoap product on this list sporting a travel-friendly carrying case. PhoneSoap 3 UV Smartphone Sanitizer from Amazon for $79.95 Target Isopropyl 70% Alcohol Wipes (40-ct) from Target for $3.99 Simple Alcohol Wipes (25-ct) from Target for $9.99 PhoneSoap Basic UV. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. PhoneSoap has been tested and clinically proven to kill 99.99% of Influenza type A, an enveloped virus similar to the coronavirus. Consumer devices aren't the only place to find UV light sanitization. Filter 1 result PhoneSoap HomeSoap - White PhoneSoap 3 $199.99 When purchased online If you find a wand for $20, its most likely not going to provide any protection whatsoever. My main concern when testing PhoneSoap for myself was that your phone doesnt actually come out looking any different after its spent 10 minutes in the UV chamber. Its not that the ThinkPhone is only available in China, or that its a super limited edition, or that it costs the same as a rather nice house. UV-light technology for disinfection isnt newthe medical industry has been using it for decades. Send us a tip using our anonymous form. It works because UV-C light is strong enough to destroy the genetic material -- either DNA or RNA -- of viruses and bacteria. In addition to phones, the HoMedics Portable Sanitizer can be used on things like keys, jewelry, glasses, remote controls, a deck of cards, and other small accessories. A cell phone reportedly has 18 times more bacteria than a public restroom. The WHO echoes this, reporting on its coronavirus myth-busters webpage that people should not use UV lamps to disinfect their hands or other areas of skin, as UV radiation "can cause skin irritation and damage your eyes.". "They're meant for those looking to build on healthy lifestyles." Don't just take our word for it NBC News Shopping readers have also regularly purchased PhoneSoap devices to help keep their phones clean, even in a pre-corona world. The product claims to eliminate 99.9% of household germs in less than 10 minutes using UV-C light, a short-wavelength, ultraviolet light that has been shown to neutralize airborne microbes so they become inactive.