Over half of smartphones contaminated with microbes, study reveals

The average smartphone harbours over double the biological matter (germs) of a toilet seat, with one recording a shocking contamination level of over six times as much (558%) according to new research.  

The study, conducted by Initial Washroom Hygiene, was based on ATP (adenosine triphosphate - a molecule found in and around living cells) swab tests and an ATP bioluminescence reader, which detects levels of biological life not visible to the human eye. Alongside the swabbing exercise, a consumer research survey of over 2000 respondents was also undertaken to find out the mobile phone habits of the general public.

This survey was taken on behalf of Initial Washroom Hygiene by Opinum of 2074 nationally representative respondents in the UK between March-April 2024, with a cross section of age groups, regions, and backgrounds included in the sample.

Detailed surface samples were taken from 50 separate smartphones in April 2024. 

Samples were taken using sterile surface swabs and a rapid ATP analysis was undertaken on each sample to establish the level of microbial-related contamination on the screens and backs of the mobile phones.  The units are expressed as Relative Light Units by this method, with a higher ATP reading suggesting a greater level of bacterial contamination. This technique is widely used to assess the cleanliness of surfaces before and after undertaking cleaning in hospitals and other premises.

For comparison, using the same swabbing method, Initial Washroom Hygiene previously collected data across various touchpoints within washrooms and the average reading for a toilet seat is 220 – therefore the average mobile phone reading is more than 6.5 times higher than a toilet seat.

The analysis of the results found that more than half (52%) of the smartphones swabbed were what experts would describe as ‘heavily contaminated’ with microbial contamination. The accompanying consumer research revealed exactly why our phones are so contaminated; as one in four UK adults admitted that they never clean their smartphone. 

This lack of cleaning is all the more worrying as 59% admit to using their smartphones while in the bathroom or washroom. Furthermore, 15% of individuals confess to not washing their hands every time they visit the washroom - meaning they could transfer bacteria to their smartphones, even if they do not use them in the toilet cubicle itself. Men were 10% more likely (64%) than women (55%) to admit to taking their device to the washroom, 24% of them doing so every time.

With parents and carers often using smartphones to help keep kids occupied, many could unwittingly be passing on germs to their children. Indeed 84% of parents surveyed said that their child plays with a smartphone or tablet, and two in three (63%) say that they see their children put their phones in their mouths, with one in three (32%) saying their child does it ‘often’ or ‘every time’.  

Jamie Woodhall, technological innovations manager at Initial Washroom Hygiene said: “Our phones are a common reservoir for potentially harmful pathogens, and we know that people are prone to using them while visiting the washroom.  This is especially alarming when you consider that up to 80% of all infections are transmitted by touch. So when people use their phones and put them near their mouths when on calls, they are potentially increasing the likelihood of picking up an illness.

“Hand hygiene is vitally important. Think about the number of times you touch your phone each day. Every time you do so, you could potentially collect and spread microbial activity. Washing your hands regularly is one of the most powerful steps people can take to help prevent the spread of bacteria and illness. We recommend washing your hands at least five times a day, as well as every time you use the washroom. And of course, it helps to give your phone a regular clean with an antibacterial wipe.” 

As smartphones often go everywhere we do, individuals must prioritise proper hygiene practices to mitigate the risk of bacterial contamination. Regularly sanitising your smartphone and refraining from using it while you are using the toilet or visiting the washroom are simple yet effective measures that can significantly help to reduce the spread of harmful bacteria.

Smartphones vs Toilet Seats (average + high counts recorded) Smartphones (average 586 / high 1,455)  Toilet seat (average 220 / high 424)

The ATP reading scale of objects used by our hygiene experts: > 500 units (indicates a high level of biological contamination) = 200-500 units (is considered to be within a normal range) < 200 units (indicates a low level of biological contamination)