This is why our beloved gadget is covered with more germs and bacteria than most of our personal belongings.

According to tempo.co, studies suggests that more than 17,000 bacteria can be found on a junior high school student's phone.

Meanwhile, researchers from the University of Arizona in the United States also found that phones contain 10 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. According to the study, the bacteria found on phones are quite dangerous, such as Streptococcus, MRSA and even E. coli. 

Without a doubt, the worst place to use a phone is the bathroom. Do note that when you’re flushing the toilet, germs will spread everywhere and end up on your phone, including fecal bacteria like E. coli.

Read also: A how-to guide to fixing a water-damaged phone

Hence, it is highly advised to wash your hands after going to the bathroom, after eating and even regularly throughout the day.

It's also important to clean your phone, which is highly exposed to bacteria and germs.

So what are the safest ways to clean your smartphone? Read on to find out:

1. Make sure to unplug the charging cable, earphones and data cable from your phone.

2. Remove the phone's protective case.

3. Make sure the phone is turned off.

4. Mix water with 70 percent isopropyl alcohol in a small spraying bottle, using a 60:40 ratio.

5. Spray a little bit of the mixture onto a non-furry microfiber cloth. 

6. Never directly spray your phone with it. Also avoid pouring too much of the mixture onto the cloth.

7. Use the cloth to wipe the entire front and back area of the phone.

8. Let the phone's surface dry entirely for at least 15 minutes before you turn it on or operate it again. (kes)