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Top tips to spring clean your phone.

  • 23 February 2024
  • 84 replies
  • 24671 views
Top tips to spring clean your phone.
Nikhil P
iD Mobile Employee

It’s time to give everything a good spring clean, including your mobile phone! We’re not just talking about giving the screen a quick wipe – it’s a good idea to clean out the clutter that’s under the hood too.

Having a proper clear out of unused files, apps, photos and other stuff can really help with your phone’s performance. We’re talking speedier performance, longer battery life and quicker loading times. Plus, when you want to find that great holiday snap, you won’t have to dig through years of memes and screenshots to find it. So, let’s begin your mobile spring clean…

Cull your contacts

Take a look at your contact list. Are there any unfamiliar names on there? If so, it’s time to delete some numbers.

If you want to double-check the name before you remove them entirely, go into WhatsApp. Their profile picture should (hopefully) remind you. And while you’re on WhatsApp, why not clear out your old chats? That group organising your friend’s hen do from a couple of years ago hasn’t been touched since. It’s time for it to go.

Organize your home screen

Tidy up your home screen by grouping similar apps into folders. This cuts down the onscreen clutter and makes it easier to find what you need. Plus, fewer icons mean less strain on your phone's processor, which can give the speed a bit of a boost.

Get rid of unused apps

We’ve all got apps we don’t use anymore. And a lot of them continue working in the background, even when we’ve completely forgotten about them. Uninstalling them is a quick way to free up some space, and it’ll save your phone from working harder than it needs to.

Top tip: once you’ve binned your unused apps, check that the remaining ones are all updated. You don’t want to miss out on the latest bug fixes or handy new features.

Delete photos and videos

Having tons of photos and videos in your camera roll can take up a lot of storage space. So, the best place to start is by having a good tidy. Get rid of anything not worth keeping – do you really want loads of versions of that unimpressive selfie? Then move everything else to external or cloud storage. Even if storage isn’t a massive issue, it’s still worth doing. And if you do ever lose your phone, you’ll have everything backed up.

Turn off location tracking

Do you really want X (formerly known as Twitter) to know your exact whereabouts? It’s not just a question of privacy - apps constantly checking your location can drain your battery. That’s why turning off location tracking can make a big difference to your battery life.

Turning location tracking off – or controlling which apps can see where you are – is really easy. Just search for ‘location tracking’ in your settings and you can do everything from there.

Clear your cache

Websites and apps store information on you. This helps you log in, fill out forms, or remember what’s in your basket. But over time, all this saved data can slow things down. You can clear your cache through your internet browser, and it only takes a few minutes to do. The exact method varies, but if you go into settings you’ll usually find a menu called something like ‘Clear browsing data’.

Reset. As a last resort

If your phone is still slower than you’d like and you’ve tried everything else, it might be time for a factory reset. It’ll wipe everything from your phone, giving you a complete fresh start – as if it was fresh from the factory!

Before you take the plunge though, make sure you back everything up properly. Use iCloud for iPhones and Google Drive or OneDrive for Android.

Wipe clean your phone

Phones can get pretty dirty, from smudged screens to dusty charging posts. So it’s a good idea to clean them regularly.

Before you start cleaning, unplug any cables and switch off your phone. Then you can get to work. Google and Apple recommend using a 70% alcohol wipe for the job, but only use it on your screen and the casing at the back - you don’t want to risk getting any moisture into the headphone port or speakers.

Oh, and let’s not forget your phone case. Remove it, then clean it. With plastic, silicone, and rubber cases, you can soak them in some warm water and detergent for a couple of minutes. If there are still any stains, use an old toothbrush to get rid of them. Then just make sure to dry the case off with a cloth before you put it back on your phone.

 

Giveaway Time!

Want to give your house a good spring clean too? We can help you there as well because we are giving you the chance to win a brand new EUFY RoboVac 15C!

To enter, all you need to do is tell us what your top spring cleaning tip or hack is. Whether it's weird, wonderful, or just plain common sense we want to know!

Simply write your response below and click reply. 

Entries close at 23:59 on 14th March 2024, and we'll announce the lucky iD community winner shortly after.

Good luck! 

Did this article interest you or help you find an answer to your question?
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84 replies

MymsMan
Active Contributor
  • Active Contributor
  • 60 replies
  • March 1, 2024

Life is too short for cleaning!


  • Active Contributor
  • 6 replies
  • March 1, 2024

Get yourself a brand new EUFY RoboVac 15C to do it for you. 


Vinegar on glass or in your fabric conditioner tray. Also reduces limescale damage and no your clothes don’t smell like a chippy afterwards.


  • New
 Contributor
  • 1 reply
  • March 1, 2024

Hoover out your fridge and freezer before cleaning. 

also remember you need a second hoover to clean out your first!


Sarahlb
New
 Contributor
  • New
 Contributor
  • 2 replies
  • March 1, 2024

Clean as you go so you don’t have a big task.


Do you know if you clean your vacuum cleaner, you are in itself a vacuum cleaner.


bluetoffee
Active Contributor
  • Active Contributor
  • 6 replies
  • March 1, 2024

Clean windows with a window vac, you’ll never look back... 


  • Active Contributor
  • 23 replies
  • March 1, 2024

Use a lint roller to dust lampshades or pick up spilled glitter and small beads


LoveMK
Active Contributor
  • Active Contributor
  • 13 replies
  • March 1, 2024

Sometimes Spring cleaning can seem like a big job. However I have found if you do little jobs, but often, you will slowly get it all done, without feeling burn out or giving up on the job altogether.


  • Active Contributor
  • 41 replies
  • March 1, 2024

Those cleaning tasks I forget until almost too late, such as annual clean of the pond pump, reproofing the waterproofs; -  set them up on your To do list with the right date for next year. (Then you can intentionally “forget” them if you want!!)


CazP
New
 Contributor
  • New
 Contributor
  • 1 reply
  • March 1, 2024

White vinegar is the answer. It clears limescale, softens laundry, cleans windows and more. It's very cheap too.


Larsonsmum
Active Contributor
  • Active Contributor
  • 18 replies
  • March 1, 2024

Mine tip is to clean all year round, so there is no requirement for a massive ‘Spring Clean! 


  • Active Contributor
  • 16 replies
  • March 1, 2024

I read that coco cola has cleaning properties.

So i soaked a dirty old coin that I couldn't tell what it was. After 3 days' soaking, the coin became clean and recognisable.

I think I need to invest in a metal detector to find some ancient coins in a field and then clean them in coco cola and hopefully, find a small fortune.

Hope grows eternal. Where are we without hope? 


Pom01326
Active Contributor
  • Active Contributor
  • 15 replies
  • March 1, 2024
Nikhil P wrote:

It’s time to give everything a good spring clean, including your mobile phone! We’re not just talking about giving the screen a quick wipe – it’s a good idea to clean out the clutter that’s under the hood too.

Having a proper clear out of unused files, apps, photos and other stuff can really help with your phone’s performance. We’re talking speedier performance, longer battery life and quicker loading times. Plus, when you want to find that great holiday snap, you won’t have to dig through years of memes and screenshots to find it. So, let’s begin your mobile spring clean…

Cull your contacts

Take a look at your contact list. Are there any unfamiliar names on there? If so, it’s time to delete some numbers.

If you want to double-check the name before you remove them entirely, go into WhatsApp. Their profile picture should (hopefully) remind you. And while you’re on WhatsApp, why not clear out your old chats? That group organising your friend’s hen do from a couple of years ago hasn’t been touched since. It’s time for it to go.

Organize your home screen

Tidy up your home screen by grouping similar apps into folders. This cuts down the onscreen clutter and makes it easier to find what you need. Plus, fewer icons mean less strain on your phone's processor, which can give the speed a bit of a boost.

Get rid of unused apps

We’ve all got apps we don’t use anymore. And a lot of them continue working in the background, even when we’ve completely forgotten about them. Uninstalling them is a quick way to free up some space, and it’ll save your phone from working harder than it needs to.

Top tip: once you’ve binned your unused apps, check that the remaining ones are all updated. You don’t want to miss out on the latest bug fixes or handy new features.

Delete photos and videos

Having tons of photos and videos in your camera roll can take up a lot of storage space. So, the best place to start is by having a good tidy. Get rid of anything not worth keeping – do you really want loads of versions of that unimpressive selfie? Then move everything else to external or cloud storage. Even if storage isn’t a massive issue, it’s still worth doing. And if you do ever lose your phone, you’ll have everything backed up.

Turn off location tracking

Do you really want X (formerly known as Twitter) to know your exact whereabouts? It’s not just a question of privacy - apps constantly checking your location can drain your battery. That’s why turning off location tracking can make a big difference to your battery life.

Turning location tracking off – or controlling which apps can see where you are – is really easy. Just search for ‘location tracking’ in your settings and you can do everything from there.

Clear your cache

Websites and apps store information on you. This helps you log in, fill out forms, or remember what’s in your basket. But over time, all this saved data can slow things down. You can clear your cache through your internet browser, and it only takes a few minutes to do. The exact method varies, but if you go into settings you’ll usually find a menu called something like ‘Clear browsing data’.

Reset. As a last resort

If your phone is still slower than you’d like and you’ve tried everything else, it might be time for a factory reset. It’ll wipe everything from your phone, giving you a complete fresh start – as if it was fresh from the factory!

Before you take the plunge though, make sure you back everything up properly. Use iCloud for iPhones and Google Drive or OneDrive for Android.

Wipe clean your phone

Phones can get pretty dirty, from smudged screens to dusty charging posts. So it’s a good idea to clean them regularly.

Before you start cleaning, unplug any cables and switch off your phone. Then you can get to work. Google and Apple recommend using a 70% alcohol wipe for the job, but only use it on your screen and the casing at the back - you don’t want to risk getting any moisture into the headphone port or speakers.

Oh, and let’s not forget your phone case. Remove it, then clean it. With plastic, silicone, and rubber cases, you can soak them in some warm water and detergent for a couple of minutes. If there are still any stains, use an old toothbrush to get rid of them. Then just make sure to dry the case off with a cloth before you put it back on your phone.

 

Giveaway Time!

Want to give your house a good spring clean too? We can help you there as well because we are giving you the chance to win a brand new EUFY RoboVac 15C!

To enter, all you need to do is tell us what your top spring cleaning tip or hack is. Whether it's weird, wonderful, or just plain common sense we want to know!

Simply write your response below and click reply. 

Entries close at 23:59 on 14th March 2024, and we'll announce the lucky iD community winner shortly after.

Good luck! 

Make a note of when your Phone contract runs out so you can switch to an ID sim only deal.


Sarah Mcritchie
New
 Contributor

Furniture polish on your shower screen olive oil on your stainless steel oven door.


  • New
 Contributor
  • 3 replies
  • March 1, 2024

It's not really a "cleaning" hack, but if you're struggling for storage space, get some vacuum bags and put your winter clothes in them, then pack them away somewhere. You'll be surprised just how much space you save thanks to sucking the air out of things! At the end of Summer, switch them with your Summer clothes. 


  • New
 Contributor
  • 1 reply
  • March 1, 2024

Wear rubber gloves. 


A wipe never hurts,

on a phone, make sure you’re backed up

and at home, make sure the cleaning sprays are appropriate for the surface, dont bleach your drapes!


Pom01326
Active Contributor
  • Active Contributor
  • 15 replies
  • March 1, 2024

Make a note of when your phone contract ends. You can then switch to an ID sim only contract.


Pom01326
Active Contributor
  • Active Contributor
  • 15 replies
  • March 1, 2024
Pom01326 wrote:

Make a note of when your phone contract ends. You can then switch to an ID sim only contract.

Pom01326 wrote:
Nikhil P wrote:

It’s time to give everything a good spring clean, including your mobile phone! We’re not just talking about giving the screen a quick wipe – it’s a good idea to clean out the clutter that’s under the hood too.

Having a proper clear out of unused files, apps, photos and other stuff can really help with your phone’s performance. We’re talking speedier performance, longer battery life and quicker loading times. Plus, when you want to find that great holiday snap, you won’t have to dig through years of memes and screenshots to find it. So, let’s begin your mobile spring clean…

Cull your contacts

Take a look at your contact list. Are there any unfamiliar names on there? If so, it’s time to delete some numbers.

If you want to double-check the name before you remove them entirely, go into WhatsApp. Their profile picture should (hopefully) remind you. And while you’re on WhatsApp, why not clear out your old chats? That group organising your friend’s hen do from a couple of years ago hasn’t been touched since. It’s time for it to go.

Organize your home screen

Tidy up your home screen by grouping similar apps into folders. This cuts down the onscreen clutter and makes it easier to find what you need. Plus, fewer icons mean less strain on your phone's processor, which can give the speed a bit of a boost.

Get rid of unused apps

We’ve all got apps we don’t use anymore. And a lot of them continue working in the background, even when we’ve completely forgotten about them. Uninstalling them is a quick way to free up some space, and it’ll save your phone from working harder than it needs to.

Top tip: once you’ve binned your unused apps, check that the remaining ones are all updated. You don’t want to miss out on the latest bug fixes or handy new features.

Delete photos and videos

Having tons of photos and videos in your camera roll can take up a lot of storage space. So, the best place to start is by having a good tidy. Get rid of anything not worth keeping – do you really want loads of versions of that unimpressive selfie? Then move everything else to external or cloud storage. Even if storage isn’t a massive issue, it’s still worth doing. And if you do ever lose your phone, you’ll have everything backed up.

Turn off location tracking

Do you really want X (formerly known as Twitter) to know your exact whereabouts? It’s not just a question of privacy - apps constantly checking your location can drain your battery. That’s why turning off location tracking can make a big difference to your battery life.

Turning location tracking off – or controlling which apps can see where you are – is really easy. Just search for ‘location tracking’ in your settings and you can do everything from there.

Clear your cache

Websites and apps store information on you. This helps you log in, fill out forms, or remember what’s in your basket. But over time, all this saved data can slow things down. You can clear your cache through your internet browser, and it only takes a few minutes to do. The exact method varies, but if you go into settings you’ll usually find a menu called something like ‘Clear browsing data’.

Reset. As a last resort

If your phone is still slower than you’d like and you’ve tried everything else, it might be time for a factory reset. It’ll wipe everything from your phone, giving you a complete fresh start – as if it was fresh from the factory!

Before you take the plunge though, make sure you back everything up properly. Use iCloud for iPhones and Google Drive or OneDrive for Android.

Wipe clean your phone

Phones can get pretty dirty, from smudged screens to dusty charging posts. So it’s a good idea to clean them regularly.

Before you start cleaning, unplug any cables and switch off your phone. Then you can get to work. Google and Apple recommend using a 70% alcohol wipe for the job, but only use it on your screen and the casing at the back - you don’t want to risk getting any moisture into the headphone port or speakers.

Oh, and let’s not forget your phone case. Remove it, then clean it. With plastic, silicone, and rubber cases, you can soak them in some warm water and detergent for a couple of minutes. If there are still any stains, use an old toothbrush to get rid of them. Then just make sure to dry the case off with a cloth before you put it back on your phone.

 

Giveaway Time!

Want to give your house a good spring clean too? We can help you there as well because we are giving you the chance to win a brand new EUFY RoboVac 15C!

To enter, all you need to do is tell us what your top spring cleaning tip or hack is. Whether it's weird, wonderful, or just plain common sense we want to know!

Simply write your response below and click reply. 

Entries close at 23:59 on 14th March 2024, and we'll announce the lucky iD community winner shortly after.

Good luck! 

Make a note of when your Phone contract runs out so you can switch to an ID sim only deal.

Thank you.


Jamie-Kevin Faülkner
New
 Contributor

I microwave a lemon and move the vacuum to another room so it looks and smells like I’ve cleaned  works like a charm. 


  • New
 Contributor
  • 3 replies
  • March 1, 2024

Like many things - little and often is best - that way things don’t get too messy and the jobs don’t seem overwhelming. 


Sue
Active Contributor
  • Active Contributor
  • 16 replies
  • March 1, 2024

You need vinegar and rubber gloves windows will be cleaned ...


Mick2122
Active Contributor
  • Active Contributor
  • 12 replies
  • March 1, 2024

In springtime's bloom, with dust and grime,
My dear wife waltzes, she's quite the prime.
With mop in hand, and feather duster too,
She conquers chaos, there's nothing she can't undo!

Oh, how she sweeps with such grace,
Leaving no speck, no trace to erase.
She's the queen of clean, the guru of shine,
In her domain, dirt dare not recline!

But fear not, dear hubby, in her cleaning spree,
For I've got a hack, just for thee.
To win her heart and perhaps that vac,
Listen close, here's my little knack:

A massage for her weary shoulders, oh so kind,
A cup of tea, her favorite, you'll find.
And when she's relaxed, with a smile so bright,
Present her with the vacuum, to her delight!

For in the realm of spring cleaning, my friend,
A little gesture goes a long way, in the end.
So let her know she's the best, beyond compare,
With a RoboVac gift, you'll surely fare!


Victoria Evans
Active Contributor
  • Active Contributor
  • 11 replies
  • March 1, 2024

Baby oil is the only thing I have found that removes rubbery marks from patent shoes. I think it is rubber from the sole that transfers when kicking my own feet???…can’t think how else it gets there! A little baby oil gently rubbed on using cotton wool totally removes these marks 😊