(COVINGTON, La.) — With COVID-19 spreading quickly throughout the United States, many wonder what kind of precautions they should take to avoid getting or spreading the virus. One of the best ways to prevent the spread of the virus is quite literally under your nose- cleaning your phone.

The National Institutes of Health have found that COVID-19 can remain on contaminated stainless and plastic surfaces for up to 72 hours. Cell phones are included in this group. According to Food Safety Training and Certification, cell phones have three times the amount of bacteria that dirty doorknobs do.

Some suggest cleaning your cell phone with disposable wipes. Others suggest using a small cloth with 60 percent water and 40 percent isopropyl alcohol. Using straight alcohol can strip the oleophobic coating of the cell phone that prevents liquid from damaging the display and ports. Both of these ways are proven to be effective.

While there are more germs on your cell phone than many of your other everyday items, it is also recommended that household objects such as door handles, remote controls, computer keyboards, and bath and sink towels be disinfected.

Though leaving your house is not advocated, when out in public, health agencies advise you to bring disinfectant wipes or hand sanitizer and use them when touching shopping carts, elevator buttons, coffee makers, and gas station pumps. These items have more germs than most toilet seats.

During this crisis, doctors want to ensure that everyone does their part in slowing the growth of the virus as it grips the world.