When was the last time you cleaned your cell phone? Most people don’t think twice about carrying their phones round with them everywhere they go – from the office bathroom to the dinner table. But, cell phones are far dirtier than you would ever think. In fact, scientists from The University of Arizona say that cellphones carry 10 times more bacteria than most toilet seats. And, while the toilets in your office likely get cleaned on a regular basis, the cell phones your associates carry on them 24/7 likely aren’t. To help prevent the spread of germs, encourage your associates to clean their phones.

Here’s how to clean your cell phone:

• Use sanitizing wipes

Using sanitizing wipes is one of the best cell phone cleaning techniques. There are even specific electronic wipes for cleaning your phone safely and to avoid damaging it.

• Use a combination of 60% water and 40% rubbing alcohol. Mix the ingredients together and then dip a cloth in the solution before wiping it gently across your phone.

Some alcohol wipes may work for cell phone cleaning as well, but just check the directions for usage and check your phone manual to be sure if you are uncertain. A microfiber cloth will be safe to use on the phone as well to wipe it down with a spray for electronics.

How to keep a cellphone cleaner, longer:

• Encourage associates to not take their phones into the restroom.

Maybe just mention to your associates that taking a cell phone into the restroom increases their risk of getting sick. The reasoning behind this is that when toilets flush, the germs are projected into the air. Testing has been done and has found a percentage of fecal matter on phones from persons using their phones in the restroom. Sound pretty gross? It is!

• Wash your hands several times a day

This may seem like common sense, but it is very important that you keep up with washing your hands throughout the day. After your meals or snacks you should definitely do it, and also after using the restroom. However, there are a few other times you should wash your hands. For example, after using or touching another persons’ phone, after taking public transport to work, flying in an airplane, and after visiting the doctors office. These are just a few examples of other places that potentially have a large number of germs in them, but there are definitely many more!

• Don’t touch your phone while eating

Sitting down to eat a hamburger in the office cafe? This is not the time to take a bite, send a text, take another bite, then respond to a work email. Not only will the grease and food get on your phone, you are setting up yourself to spread germs from your phone to your food and then in essence, gobbling up those germs.

• Sanitize your phone after letting someone else use it

Ever handed your phone to your colleague to let them check out some photos or a video on your phone? How about when you are out for happy hour with your work colleagues and after many selfies you want a decent photo and you yell out to a stranger who happily accepts to take your picture. Well next time this happens you are going to need to sanitize your phone. Passing your phone from person to person, is all potential for a germ swap.

These are all tips to help prevent you from spreading germs in the office.