Unveiling the Germ-Attracting Secrets of Smart Home Devices: How to Keep Your Home Healthy
In today's technology-driven world, smart home devices have become ubiquitous, offering convenience, security, and efficiency. After the pandemic, many new smart devices, like smart air purifiers, have helped us monitor and keep the air in the home clean from dust and toxic particles. However, recent research from Vivint has shed light on an unexpected aspect: smart home devices can also harbor a surprising amount of germs. But fear not; with proper care and attention, users can keep their smart homes germ-free, reducing the risk of respiratory illnesses and promoting a healthier living environment.
Exclusive data from Vivint reveals that smart home products, while beneficial in many ways, can inadvertently become hotbeds for germs if not properly maintained. For instance, here are the top five smart home devices that can attract germs:
Smart Thermostats
Smart Thermostats can attract more germs than your kitchen sink.
Smart Thermostat:Surprisingly, a smart thermostat has been found to harbor three times the bacteria typically found on a kitchen sink. Given that it's a frequently touched device, it's essential to regularly clean and disinfect it to prevent the spread of germs.
Learn more about Vivint Smart Thermostat.
▲Smart Remote
Remote controls, like this one by Control4, can accumulate more bacteria than your toothbrush.
Smart Remote: Users may be shocked to learn that a smart remote can accumulate twelve times more bacteria than a toothbrush holder. Given its constant handling, sanitizing the remote regularly is crucial to minimize germ buildup.
▲Master Control Panel or Keypad Hub
GearBrain
Your smart home security keypad or hub, like this one by Vivint, attracts more bacteria than a pet bowl.
Master Control Panel or keypad hub: The master control panel of a home security system, which is often touched multiple times a day, can harbor five times more bacteria than a pet bowl. Regularly wiping down this control panel with disinfectant wipes can help keep germs at bay.
To learn more about Vivint's Smart Home System, click here.
▲Smart Video Doorbell
Video Doorbells, like this one by Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro (Gen 2) can be a source for germs.
Smart Video Doorbell: With seven times the bacteria of a bathroom faucet handle, a smart doorbell can be a surprising source of germs. Regular cleaning and disinfecting of the doorbell's surface can help prevent the spread of bacteria.
See our full review of Vivint's 2nd Gen video doorbell.
Buy Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro
▲Security Cameras (Indoor and Outdoor)
Smart Security Cameras, like Vivint Spotlight Pro, can attact more bacteria than your toilet handle.
Security Camera: Even the seemingly innocuous security camera can harbor four times more bacteria than a toilet handle. Regularly cleaning the camera's exterior can help reduce germ buildup and maintain a hygienic environment.
(See our full review of the Vivint Spotlight Pro Security Camera pictured above.)
Buy Security Cameras from Vivint
▲Despite these findings, smart home devices offer numerous benefits that can contribute to overall well-being, including remotely monitoring and controlling various aspects of the home. By implementing a few simple strategies, users can ensure that their smart homes remain clean and germ-free:
- Regular Cleaning: Develop a routine for cleaning and disinfecting smart devices, focusing on high-touch surfaces such as touchscreens, buttons, and control panels.
- Use Disinfectant Wipes: Keep disinfectant wipes handy to quickly and easily clean smart devices, especially those that multiple people frequently touch.
- Hand Hygiene: Encourage household members to practice good hand hygiene by washing their hands regularly, especially after touching smart devices.
- Limit Touch: Minimize unnecessary contact with smart devices by utilizing voice commands or smartphone apps whenever possible.
- Educate Household Members: Raise awareness among family members about the importance of keeping smart devices clean and germ-free to prevent the spread of illness.
If you want to buy or learn more about Vivint's Smart Home System, click here.
Cleaning Tips for your Smart Home Devices
Here are a few cleaning tips you can use to clean your smart home devices:
- On your smart thermostat, make sure you change your settings while cleaning it. Also, use a microfiber cloth with water or glass cleaner to wipe away dirt and grime.
- For your remote, make sure you remove the batteries before cleaning it.
- Use a cotton swab to clean small areas of your smart device, including the battery cavity or around the buttons.
- For the camera and video doorbell, make sure you power it down or unplug the camera before cleaning it. For the lens, use an air duster to remove debris on the camera and its lens. Also, use a microfiber cloth with a lens cleaning solution to wipe away dust and grime on the lens.
- Never use harsh cleaners on or around your camera lens. Rubbing alcohol, disinfecting wipes, and a soap solution are ok to use to clean the camera lens.
- The recommended time to clean your smart devices is at least once a week, while cameras should be cleaned a few times a year. Note that outdoor cameras might need to be cleaned more frequently, depending on where they are located outside your home and if they are protected from the weather. All these steps can help keep dangerous microorganisms to a minimum.
In conclusion, while smart home devices offer numerous benefits, it's essential to be mindful of their potential to harbor germs. By taking proactive steps to clean and disinfect these devices regularly, users can create a healthier living environment and reduce the risk of respiratory illnesses. With proper care and attention, smart homes can continue to provide convenience and comfort for years to come.
I would also like to thank Vivint for bringing their research study to our attention and helping us help our readers keep their smart homes safe, secure, and germ-free this year.
If you are interested in buying or learning more about Vivint's Smart Home System, click here.
Check out The GearBrain, our smart home compatibility find engine. It can help you find, buy, and connect any smart device. It can even help you find other smart devices or systems compatible with Vivint and your existing smart devices, such as Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa-enabled devices.