A Dubai based microbiologist has warned that smartphones can carry more bacteria than a toilet seat, urging people to clean their devices regularly to reduce the spread of germs and improve everyday hygiene.
Neethu Sureshkumar shared the warning in an Instagram video that has attracted widespread attention on social media. She explained that smartphones constantly come into contact with contaminated surfaces throughout the day before ending up near people’s faces, hands and even food.
Opening the video, she asked, “What if I told you that your mobile phone might have more bacteria than a toilet seat?”
While the comparison may sound alarming, health experts have long cautioned that frequently touched objects such as smartphones can accumulate significant amounts of bacteria because people rarely clean them. Studies published by the University of Arizona and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine have found that mobile phones often carry thousands of bacteria, although most are harmless to healthy individuals.
Why smartphones collect so many germs
According to Sureshkumar, the issue stems from modern lifestyles. People carry their phones almost everywhere, allowing the devices to pick up microorganisms from multiple environments throughout the day.
She explained, “Studies have shown that mobile phones can harbour large amounts of bacteria because we take them everywhere.”
The microbiologist highlighted several common places where phones collect germs. These include shared office desks, kitchen counters while cooking, gym equipment, handbags, pockets and even bathrooms.
She also pointed out one common habit that increases the risk of contamination.
“Sometimes even use them in the washroom,” she said.
The problem does not end there. After touching contaminated phones, many people continue eating, preparing food or placing the device against their face during calls.
Sureshkumar warned, “Then we keep touching the same phone while eating, cooking, or placing it close to our face during calls.”
She explained that this habit “can constantly transfer bacteria from one surface to another,” creating an ongoing cycle of cross contamination.
In the caption accompanying her video, she summed up the message with a simple reminder: “Your phone might be dirtier than you think.”
Simple cleaning habits can reduce germ transfer
Despite the attention grabbing comparison, Sureshkumar stressed that she was not trying to frighten people.
She said, “As a microbiologist, I’m not trying to scare you. This reel is just a reminder to clean your phone regularly.”
She recommended cleaning smartphones with phone safe disinfectant wipes or by applying a small amount of hand sanitiser to a soft cloth before gently wiping the device. Directly spraying liquids onto a phone should be avoided because manufacturers such as Apple and Samsung recommend using soft lint free cloths with approved disinfectants to prevent damage.
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The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends regularly cleaning high touch surfaces to reduce the spread of germs, particularly during cold and flu seasons.
Sureshkumar concluded her message with a simple hygiene reminder.
“Clean phone, better hygiene.”
Health experts note that regular hand washing remains the most effective way to reduce infections. However, cleaning frequently touched personal devices can further minimise the transfer of bacteria between surfaces, hands and the face.
Hindustan Times noted that the report was based on social media content and that it had not independently verified Sureshkumar’s claims. However, the broader advice to clean frequently handled devices aligns with recommendations from public health authorities and smartphone manufacturers.
