People use their phones frequently every day, which makes your phone a "high-touch surface," and potentially a carrier of the virus, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

Therefore, disinfecting your phone is essential to keeping viruses and germs off your hands, especially during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.  

So, how should you be cleaning your phones? Apple's official website suggested using a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe or Clorox disinfectant wipes.  

However, for those who are not Apple users, the CDC said household disinfectants registered by the Environmental Protection Agency are effective. The 84 disinfectant is not suitable for phones since it's corrosive to metals.  

Wipe the phone in the same direction, and don't forget the phone case. After you wipe it both the phone and case thoroughly, let the alcohol evaporate before reassembling it. It's suggested to let the disinfectant remain in contact with the surface long enough to kill viruses and other pathogens. 

The coronavirus was detected as viable in the air for up to three hours, on cardboard for up to 24 hours, according to a study of preprint database medRxiv.  

It remains unclear how long the coronavirus will stay on the surface of cellphones, given the frequency of use, it's recommended to disinfect your phone at least once a day. 

Read more: Answer Bank: How long can the novel coronavirus survive on surfaces? 

(Cover photo designed by Sa Ren)