In our modern world, smartphones have become indispensable extensions of ourselves. We carry them everywhere, from our homes to our workplaces, and yes, even into the restroom. But have you ever stopped to consider what might be lurking on the surface of your most-used device? Startling research reveals that your cell phone can harbor 18 times more bacteria than a public restroom toilet. This isn’t just an unsettling thought; it poses a genuine concern for our health and hygiene. This comprehensive review dives deep into PhoneSoap, a revolutionary product that gained fame on Shark Tank, designed to sanitize not just phones, but also tablets, keys, and even baby toys using powerful UV-C light. We’ll explore its effectiveness, convenience, and whether it truly lives up to its promise of a germ-free device.

Contents

PhoneSoap Review: The Ultimate UV Sanitizer for Your Devices

When the concept of PhoneSoap was first introduced, it sparked a mixture of curiosity and skepticism. Many, like myself, questioned the necessity: “Do I really need to sanitize my cell phone? I can barely remember to charge it every night!” This initial resistance often stems from our ingrained habits and the sheer ubiquity of our devices. We interact with our phones constantly, often without a second thought about the invisible ecosystem thriving on their screens and cases. However, witnessing compelling demonstrations, such as the product video aired on Discovery Channel, can be a real eye-opener, transforming skepticism into a profound sense of “ick.”

Consider our daily routines: we meticulously wipe down grocery cart handles, obsessively wash our hands to the point of dryness, and diligently remind our children about hand hygiene before meals and after using the restroom. Yet, the very device we hold to our faces, scroll through social media with, and even use while on the toilet, often goes untouched by sanitizing efforts. The simple truth is, your phone is undeniably nastier than a supermarket cart handle, potentially harboring a multitude of pathogens picked up from every surface it touches and every hand it passes through.

Raise your hand if you’ve ever used your phone in the restroom. Most of us are guilty of this common habit. That same bacteria-riddled phone is then pressed against your face to answer calls, transmitting germs directly to your skin. This constant exposure can lead to unpleasant consequences, from the spread of common colds and flu viruses to skin irritations and even acne breakouts on cheeks—a direct result of dirty phones repeatedly coming into contact with facial skin. It’s a sobering realization that our most personal device can also be one of the most significant vectors for germ transmission in our lives.

This is where PhoneSoap steps in. Utilizing advanced UV-C light technology, PhoneSoap effectively sanitizes your phone, eliminating 99.99% of germs, bacteria, and viruses. Crucially, it achieves this without the need for water, harsh chemicals, or heat, ensuring that your delicate electronics remain undamaged. UV-C light works by disrupting the DNA and RNA of microorganisms, rendering them unable to reproduce and effectively killing them. This method is not only highly effective but also completely safe for your devices, offering a clean that goes beyond what wipes or sprays can achieve, without the risk of moisture or chemical residue.

PhoneSoap Models: Finding the Right Size for Your Sanitizing Needs

Understanding that device sizes and sanitizing needs vary, PhoneSoap offers two distinct models to cater to a broader range of items:

PhoneSoap Standard (Original): This compact version is perfectly designed to accommodate standard cell phones, including larger models like the iPhone Plus series. Its streamlined footprint makes it ideal for bedside tables, desks, or any small space.
PhoneSoap XL: For those with larger devices or a need to sanitize multiple items, the PhoneSoap XL provides an expansive sanitizing chamber. This larger model can comfortably fit tablets, e-readers, remote controls, keys, wallets, and even bulkier items like baby toys, pacifiers, and sippy cups.

Both PhoneSoap sizes are intelligently designed with a convenient cutout for your charging cable. This ingenious feature allows you to charge your device simultaneously while it undergoes a thorough sanitization cycle. It transforms the act of cleaning your phone from an extra chore into a seamless part of your nightly routine – simply plug in and sanitize as you sleep. This integration ensures that your device is not only fully charged and ready for the day but also hygienically clean.

For parents, the PhoneSoap XL emerges as an invaluable tool in maintaining a healthy environment for their children. Small toys, pacifiers, teething rings, and sippy cups – all items frequently placed into a baby’s mouth – can be quickly and effectively sanitized. This provides an added layer of protection against the common germs that young children are so susceptible to, offering peace of mind to caregivers.

Beyond personal use and parenting, PhoneSoap holds significant potential for professionals, especially those in the healthcare industry. Doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel often carry their phones into environments where germ transmission is a constant concern. The ability to sanitize devices without resorting to water, alcohol, or other chemicals that could damage sensitive electronics makes PhoneSoap an ideal solution for maintaining hygiene standards in clinical settings. Its gentle yet powerful UV-C cleaning ensures devices remain functional while significantly reducing the risk of cross-contamination.

PhoneSoap: A Detailed Look at the Pros and Cons

To provide a balanced perspective, let’s weigh the advantages and disadvantages of integrating PhoneSoap into your daily routine.

PROs: The Advantages of PhoneSoap

Aesthetically Pleasing and Practical Design: The smaller PhoneSoap model is available in an attractive range of colors, including gold, silver, rose gold, white, and black, making it a stylish addition to any decor. Its compact size ensures it fits seamlessly on a bedside table, desk, or countertop without being obtrusive.
Excellent Value and Universal Compatibility: The standard PhoneSoap offers great value, typically priced around $50. This is particularly appealing as it’s not specific to any phone model, accommodating various sizes, including larger smartphones, and is compatible with both iOS and Android devices. The PhoneSoap XL, while pricier at around $119, offers expanded capacity for larger items.
Multi-Purpose Functionality (PhoneSoap XL): The XL version truly shines in its versatility. Its spacious sanitizing chamber can disinfect a wide array of items beyond just phones, such as tablets, remote controls, keys, credit cards, jewelry, and even children’s toys, making it a powerful household hygiene tool.
Quiet and User-Friendly Operation: PhoneSoap operates silently, ensuring no disturbance during its cleaning cycle. Its simple open/close mechanism is straightforward, without any difficult latches or small, fiddly buttons, making it accessible for everyone.
Integrated Charging Capability: Both models feature a built-in USB port, allowing you to charge your device concurrently with sanitization. This dual functionality is a major convenience, streamlining your evening routine.
Efficient Sanitization Cycles: The standard PhoneSoap completes a full sanitization cycle in just 5 minutes, offering quick disinfection. The PhoneSoap XL, due to its larger volume and potentially increased surface area for items, requires a slightly longer but still efficient 15 minutes.
Automated Safety Features: The device incorporates an auto on/off mechanism. When the lid is opened, the UV-C lights automatically turn off, preventing direct exposure to UV-C light, which can be harmful to eyes and skin.

CONs: Potential Drawbacks of PhoneSoap

PhoneSoap XL’s Design Aesthetics and Practicality: The PhoneSoap XL features a somewhat unconventional shape with sloped surfaces and non-rectangular angles. While functional for UV distribution, this design can feel awkward and limits the ability to stack items on top of the unit. A more rectangular, stackable design might allow for more efficient use of space and greater internal capacity for diverse items.
Lack of Visibility During Sanitization: The entire PhoneSoap unit is opaque, meaning there’s no clear window to view your device while it’s sanitizing. While this ensures optimal UV-C exposure and safety, it means you can’t quickly glance at your phone to check for calls or messages without interrupting the cycle.
Interruption of Sanitization Cycle: If you open the PhoneSoap unit to check notifications, the UV-C lights automatically power off as a safety measure. When you close the lid again, the sanitization timer resets and starts from the beginning. This can be frustrating, especially for the 15-minute cycle of the XL model, making it challenging to complete a full cycle during active use hours. For optimal effectiveness, it’s best utilized during periods when your phone won’t be needed, such as overnight while sleeping.
Single Charging Port: While the built-in USB charging port is a significant plus, the current design offers only one. An ideal upgrade for future versions of the PhoneSoap XL, especially given its larger capacity, would be the inclusion of multiple USB charging ports. This would allow users to sanitize and charge more than one device simultaneously, enhancing its utility for households with multiple gadgets or for charging accessories alongside a primary device.

The Verdict: Is PhoneSoap Worth the Investment?

In conclusion, despite a few minor considerations, PhoneSoap stands out as a highly recommended product, particularly for individuals who are conscious about hygiene and prone to germophobia. The peace of mind that comes from knowing your most frequently touched items are thoroughly disinfected without chemicals or damage is invaluable. For its reasonable price point, the investment in a PhoneSoap, especially the XL size, is a wise decision, extending the benefits of UV-C sanitization to a broader range of personal items and household gadgets.

While the standard PhoneSoap is excellent for daily phone hygiene, the PhoneSoap XL truly elevates its utility, offering versatility for tablets, keys, and an array of baby essentials. The convenience of simultaneous charging further cements its role as a practical, everyday tool. My personal wishlist for the next iteration of the XL model would certainly include more than one USB charging port, allowing for simultaneous sanitization and charging of multiple devices—a feature that would undoubtedly enhance its appeal and functionality for modern households.

PhoneSoap isn’t just about cleaning; it’s about fostering a healthier living environment and minimizing the spread of germs in a world where our devices are constantly in our hands and on our minds. It’s a simple, effective step towards a cleaner, more hygienic lifestyle.

PhoneSoap in Action: Watch the Video

Support Our Work!

Thank you for supporting Steamy Kitchen! Even if you don’t purchase the specific product featured, starting your Amazon shopping here helps our small family business. We receive a modest commission from Amazon, which plays a crucial role in keeping this site running and providing free content!

PhoneSoap Giveaway!

We’re excited to give away one PhoneSoap unit to a lucky reader! The winner will have the choice between the standard PhoneSoap or the larger PhoneSoap XL, depending on their sanitizing needs. Stay tuned for details on how to enter and sanitize your life!