Bad news: Your phone screen is pretty gross. According to previous HuffPost reporting, phones can carry thousands of germs, even more than most toilet seats, and if you’re putting those germs next to your face all the time, experts say it can even exacerbate acne, rosacea or other pre-existing skin conditions. So how can you make sure you’re getting rid of that bacteria?

Amazon

Enter: PhoneSoap, a nifty little device that uses UV-C light to sanitize your device and kill bacteria and viruses. Former HuffPost editor Danielle Gonzalez reviewed an older model of the PhoneSoap back in 2020, and confirmed with Dr. Charles Gerba, a microbiologist and professor at the University of Arizona, that UV light does work well to kill germs and sanitize your phone.

This third-generation model of the PhoneSoap has garnered 4.5 stars across over 15,000 ratings on Amazon. Available in six colors, the device is like a case for your phone that provides 360-degree disinfection in 10 minutes. The light from the UV-C bulb bounces off the reflective interior to hit every spot on your phone.

All you have to do is plug the PhoneSoap in, put your phone inside and close the lid. The indicator light on the top will let you know that it’s disinfecting. You can even use the USB-A and USB-C ports on the side to charge your phone while it works.

The PhoneSoap’s interior dimensions are 6.8 by 3.74 by 0.78 inches, able to fit larger iPhone and Android models — just make sure to check the specs for your specific device. But that’s not all; just because it’s called PhoneSoap doesn’t mean you can only use it for your phone. Germs collect on a bunch of high-contact surfaces like your headphones, jewelry, keys, credit cards and so much more. Depending on the size of your personal items, you can use the PhoneSoap to sanitize basically anything that fits.

As a heads up, Gonzalez noted in her original review that the PhoneSoap doesn’t clean in the same way an alcohol wipe would, so don’t expect a visible difference when you take it out. Gerba also said in that story that an alcohol wipe is the best way to clean your screen (and since you’re getting it wet that way, smudges will more visibly disappear that way).

But the PhoneSoap is still useful, as one reviewer points out: “The UV light does the trick and sanitizes my phone. Second, every time I stick in ― which I do every day or so, whenever my phone needs charging, as the device charges my phone as well as sanitizes ― It reminds me to wipe the face of my phone down and remove all the oil and bacteria that accumulates each day. It’s like having a new phone every day.” Other reviewers also mention that using chemical cleaners on their phones adversely affected their skin, making the PhoneSoap a great alternative.

Below, check out more promising reviews for the usefulness of the PhoneSoap and the peace of mind it can provide, or just go ahead and add it to your cart. Your skin will thank you.

“Let me just say, I am a bit of a germaphobe. I have been disinfecting my phone every single night for the past few years with Lysol or Clorox disinfecting wipes. I started developing bad rashes and dry skin on my hand from the chemicals. I then started wearing gloves but even that became meticulous and the latex from the gloves also irritated my skin. I came across this when browsing Amazon one day and I am so glad that I bought it. It has saved me so much time and money. More than that, it’s has saved my sensitive skin from handling chemical wipes and cleaners. It does not leave an odor and it’s a great hands free way of sanitizing. I pop my phone in while I shower or get ready. It is so convenient and actually works! It does not make any noise and can charge while disinfecting. It’s about the size of a plastic space maker pencil box (if you remember those)! I got the pink one and it’s very cute. I sit it on my desk and it’s perfect!” —Sydney

“I have used this for a few years now and it’s still working great. It pretty quick, easy to use and cleans my phone which, I use all the time.” —Richard

“I use this product to clean my phone and oh my goodness it is such a relief from trying to use sanitizing wipes and remembering how often I clean it. Think about all the times your phone is around when you’re cooking and food items spray (hello oil/veggie peels/raw meat) or you pick it up to check a recipe and germs just transfer. Now think about when you use your phone during private bathroom time. Admit it, we all toilet scroll. Also, I work with children, who can be a little well slimy and unhygienic at times. My point is, there are so so so many reasons why my phone is disgusting on the regular. This product easily cleans my phone and does it well. Talk about peace of mind. Added bonus, you can charge it at the same time! It’s a little pricey initially but if you think about how often you’ll use it, it’s definitely worth it.” —Rach

“I work for a medical office and handle a lot of patients on the daily basis. My boyfriend (who works at a hospital) recommended me this phone soap because it’s a medical grade produce that they also use at every nurses station. With COVID-19 going around, I have been extra careful with what I touch and want I need to sanitize after. Since I received this product, I have it set up near my front door so I can easily drop my phone inside as soon as I walk thru the doors then wait 10 minutes. Meantime in those 10 minutes, I will make myself dinner or take a shower as it finished up killing all the germs and bacteria collected during that day. Definitely would recommend this for all essential workers who use their phones a lot while on the job.” —Joanna

“I love th Phonesoap! This is my second one. I use it daily to clean my Apple Watch, glasses, and iPhone. I also use it from time to time for ponytail holders, Bobby pins, small clips, headphones, keys, jewelry, and basically anything else small enough to fit! If you hate germs, get a Phonesoap!!!!!” —Ashleigh

Get it from Amazon for $51.95+ (available in seven colors).

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.