I use a screen protector, no issues with mine.

How to clean Apple products

Clean iPhone immediately if it comes into contact with any contaminants that may cause stains, such as ink, dyes, makeup, dirt, food, oils, and lotions. To clean iPhone, unplug all cables and turn off iPhone (press and hold the Sleep/Wake button, and then slide the onscreen slider). Use a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth. Avoid getting moisture in openings. Don’t use window cleaners, household cleaners, aerosol sprays, solvents, alcohol, ammonia, or abrasives to clean iPhone. The front and back glass surfaces have an oleophobic coating. To remove fingerprints, simply wipe these surfaces with a soft, lint-free cloth. The ability of this coating to repel oil will diminish over time with normal usage, and rubbing the screen with an abrasive material will further diminish its effect and may scratch the glass.

How to disinfect iPhone if you can't use alcohol? There seems to be a narrow definition of "cleaning" that only includes removing oil to view the screen better. How does one clean bacteria from an iPhone?

Unless you're immunocomprimised or in a hospital type setting, washing your hands regularly should be enough. I've heard there are manufacturers that make disposable coverings for devices for hospitals, etc.

What data are you basing that statement on? Phones are breeding grounds for bacteria according to a multitude of sources across the Internet. For example- http://www.myfoxaustin.com/story/21528571/cell-phones-found-with-more-bacteria-t han-toilet-seat

There is no data required for that which Meg suggests. It's just common sense. Unless you have a specific reason for being paranoid about bacteria, you should not be concerned about simply cleaning with a microfibre cloth.

Infection is my specific reason to be concerned about germs and bacteria. You should read the article I linked. Here it is again.

http://www.myfoxaustin.com/story/21528571/cell-phones-found-with-more-bacteria-t han-toilet-seat

I did read it. You will be able to find any number of articles telling you that <insert anything you like here> is terribly harmful beacuse <insert anything you like here>

I suggest you look for similar articles referring to keyboards, desk tops, and picking your nose.

I am  thankful that I do not subscribe to such daft fears, and cannot imagine how you get through an average day. As my grandfather used to say: "You have to eat a peck of dirt before you die".

marlowisws wrote:

 

Infection is my specific reason to be concerned about germs and bacteria. You should read the article I linked. Here it is again.

http://www.myfoxaustin.com/story/21528571/cell-phones-found-with-more-bacteria-t han-toilet-seat

Yes, I've read it and toilet seats are probably the cleanest places in public restrooms.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/09/health/bad-mistake-consequences

But my point stands, unless you're immunocompromised, washing your hands is sufficient. There are germs everywhere. Wash your hands regularly, don't stick your fingers in your eyes or your mouth. The CDC recommends washing for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol based sanitizer if you feel the need for additional disenfecting.

http://www.cdc.gov/features/handwashing/

Thank you for the even keeled response, Meg.

marlowisws wrote:

 

Thank you for the even keeled response, Meg.

I admit to having been brought up with the same "you have to eat a peck of dirt before you die" philosophy. But I wash my hands before eating it!

As would I. But I still draw the line at disinfecting everything in my life before I dare touch it. 

tonefox wrote:

 

But I still draw the line at disinfecting everything in my life before I dare touch it. 

The cat (and the boyfriend) objected.

Would you guys consider this an appropriate cloth to wipe the iPhone screen with?

http://www.sephora.com/soft-touch-cotton-pads-P312914

Thanks.