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We carry them everywhere. We touch them constantly. Some of them sit inches from our faces for hours every day.

And yet, most of us rarely, if ever, clean them.

Personal devices go from countertops to pockets, gym bags to kitchen tables, office desks to bathrooms. They collect skin oils, crumbs, dust, and bacteria from every surface they come into contact with. Because we think of them as “electronics” instead of everyday objects, they often get skipped during regular cleaning.

If you’re wiping down counters but never sanitizing the devices you handle all day, you’re likely missing some of the biggest germ hotspots in your home.

Here are the personal devices most people forget to clean, along with how to handle them safely.

computer mouse — Image Credit: Nenad Stojkovic, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Smartphones

Your phone goes everywhere with you. It’s handled constantly, set down on public surfaces, and pressed against your face. Wipe it daily with a microfiber cloth and use electronics-safe disinfecting wipes (with at least 70% isopropyl alcohol) on the screen and case. Don’t forget to remove the case occasionally and clean underneath it.

Laptops

Between the keyboard, trackpad, and outer casing, laptops collect oils from your hands along with dust and debris. Turn it off, unplug it, and wipe down the keyboard and touchpad with a lightly dampened microfiber cloth or alcohol-based wipe designed for electronics.

Keyboards

Crumbs, skin cells, and whatever was on your hands settle between the keys. Flip the keyboard upside down and gently shake it out first. Then wipe the surface with a disinfecting wipe and use compressed air to clean between keys if needed.

Computer Mouse

A mouse is handled all day but rarely cleaned. Wipe the top and sides with a disinfecting cloth or a microfiber cloth lightly dampened with alcohol. Pay attention to the underside, where grime can build up.

Remote Controls

Remote controls pass through multiple hands and are often set on shared surfaces. Wipe them regularly with a disinfectant wipe and use a cotton swab around the buttons to remove buildup.

Earbuds

Earbuds sit directly inside your ears, making them especially prone to wax and bacteria buildup. Clean the outer surfaces with a cotton swab lightly dampened with rubbing alcohol, and carefully remove debris from the speaker grilles.

Tablets

Like smartphones, tablets are handled frequently and often shared. Clean the screen and outer case with a microfiber cloth and electronics-safe disinfectant wipe to reduce bacteria buildup.

Game Controllers

Gaming sessions can leave controllers coated in sweat and oils. Wipe down buttons, grips, and joysticks after use, especially if multiple people share them.

E-Readers

They may seem cleaner because they’re mostly used for reading, but they’re still handled constantly. Wipe the screen and case regularly with a soft microfiber cloth.

Smartwatches and Fitness Trackers

These devices sit directly against your skin, absorbing sweat, oils, and bacteria. Remove the band if possible and clean both the screen and strap regularly with a soft cloth and mild disinfectant.

Headphones

Over-ear headphones collect sweat, oils, and dust on cushions and headbands. Wipe them down after extended use, particularly if they’re shared between family members.

TVs and Monitors

While you may not touch the screen often, dust accumulates over time. Use a dry microfiber cloth to gently remove buildup without damaging the surface.

Smart Speakers and Home Assistants

Devices that sit on kitchen counters or side tables collect airborne dust and cooking residue. Wipe them down occasionally with a soft, dry cloth, and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines if deeper cleaning is needed.

Cameras

Cameras are handled frequently and exposed to outdoor elements. Wipe down the body with a microfiber cloth and use proper lens-cleaning tools to safely remove smudges and fingerprints.