Posted on October 8, 2020
6 simple ways to improve your WiFi signal during the pandemic
For some of us, we’re doing a lot more work from home during the pandemic. If you or your loved ones are in school or college, you might still be getting used to distance learning. That means a lot of Zoom meetings and remote lessons, and more time spent on the internet than ever before.
If you’re fortunate enough to have multiple devices connected to your WiFi at the same time — like laptops, tablets, smartphones, a smart TV streaming Netflix, a kid watching hours of Tik Tok — you’ve probably noticed a lag in your video conference calls or slow down in your internet connection. All these devices could be putting a big strain on your home WiFi network — but we’re here to help.
We’ve put together a few tips and tricks to help speed up your home WiFi to ensure your video calls run smoothly and your connections stay strong.
Change the placement of your router
If you’re experiencing some dropped video calls or slower than normal download speeds, it could be something as simple as the location of your WiFi router. Because WiFi signals are stronger with fewer obstructions, it might be prudent to move your router (while still connected to your modem, of course) to a more central location in your home. If you have more than one floor, try placing your router on your main or top floor of your home, if possible, and not in a basement. Try to avoid the corners of your home, and keep the router off the floor, and opt for a higher placement in the room.
Upgrade your WiFi setup
If a new place for your router hasn’t cured your connection woes, you may want to upgrade your current WiFi setup. If you have an older router, it might be time for a new one, as newer routers operate on faster wireless signals. Look for new routers that conform to 802.11ac standards, or even WiFi 6 (but only if you have the hardware and internet connection to support it). Here are some recommendations from Consumer Reports.
If you have a dead zone in your home — a spot where your signal is pretty weak — consider a WiFi extender or mesh networking kit. Extenders are an inexpensive fix that work by taking the signal from your router and repeating it to your device. They’re best for a troublesome spot with poor strength, but not if you have a large area in your home that needs a stronger signal. For that, try a mesh networking kit that spreads your WiFi connection throughout your home across multiple access points.
Here are some recommendations for extenders from CNET and mesh networking kits from Wirecutter.
Change the channel
Most modern routers have the option to run on two different bands, 2.4GHz and 5GHz. The 2.4GHz connection covers a broader and longer range with better wall penetration, while 5GHz is much faster but lacks the distance. Many other common devices run on 2.4GHz, so the bandwidth may be more crowded than on the 5GHz band. The FCC recommends “dedicating the 5 GHz network on your router to your most important uses, such as work or school. Change the password or manage the devices that access your Wi-Fi network to keep non-essential devices from connecting.”
Check to see if you’re infected (by malware)
Your internet speeds may have nothing to do with your connection at all. It’s possible that your computer may be infected with viruses or malware, which could slow down your computer. Make sure your computer has the most recent updates and patches and your antivirus software is up to date, then run a scan. Also, reboot your router in case it’s infected with a piece of malware called VPNFilter that has infected nearly 500,000 routers worldwide.
Hardwire your connection
Remember ethernet cables? Plugging directly into your router or modem might be the perfect solution to a slow WiFi connection. Ethernet connections are more reliable and faster than your WiFi signal, and you’ll free up some wireless space for other devices in your home. If your computer doesn’t have a dedicated ethernet port, you can pick up an inexpensive USB-to-ethernet adapter or hub to connect directly with your ethernet cable.
Upgrade your internet plan
If all else fails, you may need to consider a new plan with your Internet Service Provider, if your budget allows for it. While you may have a top of the line router, your internet service could be the bottleneck. If you first signed up for an internet plan years ago, it’s possible your ISP offers much faster plans that can accommodate higher usage on multiple devices. You may also want to check with your ISP that your modem and router (if provided by your ISP) are the newest they offer, which could provide you with faster speeds at little or no cost to you.
Posted on October 6, 2020
The results are in: How CREDO members feel about the 2020 election
With only days to go, Election Day is almost upon us.
As the news cycle twists and turns by the hour, millions of Americans across the country are already casting their ballots in an election that could determine the fate of so many progressive issues we care so deeply about.
Last month, we sent our members a “Progressive Voter Survey” with a series of questions about how they will cast their ballots and their concerns for a fair, safe and accurate election.
After thousands of responses, the results are in: our members are more excited than ever to vote, but they have some concerns.
Since we were pretty certain most CREDO members plan to vote, we first asked them how they will vote. A vast majority — 67% — plan to vote by mail, compared to combined 29% who will either vote early in-person (19%) or in-person on Election Day (10%).
Next, as recent news reports revealed issues with mail delivery and possible political manipulation at the postal service, we asked if members were concerned that the USPS may not deliver their ballots on time.
A whopping 84% of CREDO members have some level of concern that ballots may not be delivered on time, with 45% either extremely or very concerned.
Next, we asked members about their feelings on the safety of in-person voting. A plurality of respondents (47%) believe that in-person voting will be safe, compared to 20% who believe it will not be safe, and 31% who are not sure.
We always say this election is the most important in our lifetime, so maybe there’s some bias at play, but we asked members how important this year’s election is to them. Not surprisingly, 98% believe this election is the “most important” or “more important than normal.”
Next, we asked about voter suppression. 48% of CREDO members agree that voter suppression is happening in their state, with voter ID requirements and limits on mail-in voting as the top types of voter suppression tactics they are aware of.
Lastly, we asked about racial justice and the influence of the Black Lives Matter movement. A majority of our members (85%) believe BLM will influence the outcome of the election, with 64% believing it will increase voter turnout for Joe Biden and 47% believing it will persuade voters to choose Joe Biden at the ballot box. Conversely, only 15% believe it will drive turnout for Donald Trump, and 10% believe it will persuade voters to vote for Trump.
If you haven’t voted yet or would like to get involved in this year’s election, here are some resources for you:
- Check your registration, register to vote and request an absentee ballot at Vote.org.
- Write letters to voters and strengthen our democracy with proven techniques to increase turnout at Vote Forward.
- Sign up to be a poll worker for the November 3rd election.
- Sign up to be an Election Protection volunteer to stop voter suppression.
- Learn about your voting rights and find other election resources that we compiled from our partners at the ACLU
Posted on October 4, 2020
Vote for Center for Biological Diversity, Electronic Frontier Foundation and the Innocence Project this October
Every month, CREDO members vote to distribute our monthly donation to three incredible progressive causes – and every vote makes a difference. This October, you can support climate justice, online privacy rights and civil rights by voting to fund the Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund, Electronic Frontier Foundation and the Innocence Project.
Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund
Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund pushes conservation to the forefront of national policy through uncompromising campaigns that defend environmental laws, elect candidates who believe in a healthy environment and hold accountable any politician regardless of party who does not.
Funding from CREDO members will help power the Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund’s fight against Trump and any elected official whose policies accelerate the extinction crisis, harm our planet and destroy the climate.
Electronic Frontier Foundation
For 30 years, EFF has advocated for the privacy and free speech rights of all technology users. EFF’s team achieves success through impact litigation, policy analysis, grassroots activism, technology development, and support from people like you.
A donation from CREDO members will help EFF fight for an open and neutral Internet, for your private conversations thanks to encryption, and for a world free of unchecked surveillance. CREDO funding will allow EFF to work in the courts and online for a better digital future.
Innocence Project
The Innocence Project’s mission is to free the staggering number of innocent people who remain incarcerated and to bring reform to the system responsible for their unjust imprisonment.
With CREDO’s support, the Innocence Project will be able to sustain and increase the crucial work needed to identify and rectify wrongful convictions and prevent them before they occur.
Your vote this month will determine how we divide our monthly donation among these three progressive groups. Be sure to cast your vote to support one, two or all three by October 31.
CREDO members who use our products and services everyday are the reason we are able to make these donations each month. Learn more about CREDO Mobile and CREDO Energy and join our movement.
Posted on October 1, 2020
Our September grantees thank you for your support
Each month, CREDO members vote on how we distribute funding to three incredible nonprofits. Those small actions add up – with one click, you can help fund groups working to fighting for climate justice, women’s rights, economic equality and more. In September, over 40,000 CREDO members voted to distribute our monthly donation to three important civil rights organizations: American Civil Liberties Union, Color Of Change and the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc.
These donations are made possible by CREDO customers and the revenue they generate by using our services. The distribution depends entirely on the votes of CREDO members like you. And for that, our July grant recipients thank you.
American Civil Liberties Union
$56,415
“CREDO members like you advance our agenda in times of crisis, helping us confront illegal Trump actions, win “vote by mail,” topple abortion bans, defend trans lives, support policing reforms in communities of color, and more. We are so grateful!” – Anthony D. Romero, Executive Director, American Civil Liberties Union
To learn more, visit aclu.org.
Color Of Change
$48,988
“Thank you for your support! CREDO members like you help Color Of Change amplify the voices of our millions of members to move decision-makers in corporations and government to do what is right for Black people, and all people, until justice is real.” – Rashad Robinson, President, Color Of Change
To learn more, visit colorofchange.org.
NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc.
$44,596
“Thank you for joining LDF’s fight for racial justice and equality! We appreciate your recognition of the importance of our work. With help from friends like you, LDF will continue to protect and expand America’s democracy.” – Sherrilyn Ifill, President and Director-Counsel, NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund, Inc.
To learn more, visit naacpldf.org.
Now check out the three groups we are funding in October, and cast your vote to help distribute our donations.
CREDO members who use our products are the reason why we are able to make these donations each month. Learn more about CREDO Mobile, the carrier with a conscience.
Posted on September 25, 2020
After Justice Ginsburg’s passing, CREDO donates $50,000 to Take Back the Court
In the wake of the passing of progressive icon Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Donald Trump, Mitch McConnell and their Republican allies are quickly moving to ram through a conservative replacement before the election to solidify a right-wing majority for generations, putting at risk Roe v. Wade, access to health care, voting rights, immigration, climate change and so much more.
The urgent need to reform our democratic institutions — including the Supreme Court — is more important now than ever before. That’s why CREDO is donating $50,000 to Take Back the Court, an important ally in the fight to expand the Supreme Court and restore the right to vote, ensure reproductive freedom, protect workers, halt our climate emergency and save our democracy.
Take Back the Court is working to inform the public about the danger that the Supreme Court poses to democracy, and about the viability of court expansion — adding seats to the Court — as the only strategy that re-balances the court after it was stolen in 2016 when the Senate blocked President Obama’s nominee Merrick Garland. Now that Trump and McConnell are hypocritically moving to stuff the court with another right-wing justice before an election, Take Back the Court’s work is critically important.
For some of our CREDO members, reforming and expanding the Supreme Court may be a new concept, but the progressive values we hold dear, like protecting equality and expanding civil rights, ending voter suppression, combating the climate crisis, and of course, protecting a woman’s constitutional right to an abortion, all hinge on a Supreme Court that rules in favor of these values — which now could all be under threat.
If you’re interested in learning more, here are some resources about the urgency of court expansion and the critical work by Take Back the Court:
- Why Court Expansion?– An explainer from Take Back the Court
- The Democrats’ Supreme Court Hail Mary – The Atlantic
- How Court Packing Can Protect the Election—and Democracy – Crooked Media
- Making the Case for Court Expansion – Dan Pfeiffer
Posted on September 24, 2020
CREDO Tip: Write letters to voters and strengthen our democracy
With the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, so many of the progressive issues we care deeply about — women’s rights and voting rights, climate change, health care, equality, racial justice, and so much more — are hanging in the balance.
CREDO members are now more energized than ever before to participate in the election and help protect and strengthen our democracy.
That’s why we’ve partnered with our friends at Vote Forward to help channel that energy to empower grassroots volunteers to help register voters from under-represented demographics and encourage them to vote in this election. Vote Forward has found that writing these letters is the single most effective use of volunteer time from afar.
It’s easy to sign up with Vote Forward and write letters to other voters across the country. Check out our newest CREDO Tip to learn more and get started today.
In 2020, Vote Forward’s goal is to inspire volunteers to write 10 million “Please vote!” letters in the months leading up to the election. The letters will be mailed en masse this October, at the start of the get-out-the-vote period. They’re calling it “The Big Send” and forming a coalition of volunteers and allies to help make it as big as possible.
Vote Forward is also very aware of the recent issues and mail delays at the U.S. Postal Service. They provide guidance and reassurance on their website and have recently filed a lawsuit with a group of other plaintiffs and supported by the National Redistricting Foundation, challenging recent policy changes at the U.S. Postal Service that unlawfully infringe on the right to vote in this year’s elections.
Here’s how you can get started with Vote Forward:
- Visit votefwd.org and sign up for a new account. You’ll receive a confirmation email to continue the process.
- After registering, you’ll need to fill out a very short questionnaire, asking you to pledge to vote and ensuring you want to help other voters this election.
- Vote Forward will then review your application, which should take 12 to 36 hours. Once you are approved, you’ll receive an email and you’ll be ready to start writing letters!
- For writing letters, the organization suggests using a blue pen and having enough stamps and #10 business envelopes for each letter. (Yes, you are actually sending the letters yourself!)
- Once you’re logged in, you’ll be assigned a campaign (or you can choose a new one) where you will adopt voters in a particular state to whom you’ll send letters.
- The Vote Forward dashboard will guide you through the entire process — from writing letters to mailing them to voters.
To learn more about Vote Forward and the process of writing letter, you can visit some of the resources on Vote Forward’s website:
- How-To: Write Letters to Voters
- How to host a virtual letter writing party
- Frequently Asked Questions about Vote Forward
With so much at stake this election, we hope you can sign up and participate in this important project — and have a little fun doing it. Let’s ensure more voters participate in this election!
Posted on September 22, 2020
How CREDO grantee Friends of the Earth is fighting for climate justice
Friends of the Earth
Friends of the Earth was founded in 1969 and since then has continued to be a champion to the planet while defending the environment. Our work to create a healthier and more just world is multifaceted, with campaigns ranging in focus from combating the climate crisis, protecting people from toxic and potentially harmful technologies, low-pollution alternatives, organics for all, and a healthy food system.
We continue to shine a light on the corrupt corporate system geared towards profit over people. Friends of the Earth fights for the rights of all people to create a safe and healthy living and working environment. The health of the planet and health of the people go hand in hand.
Fighting for Climate Justice
The horrific impacts of the climate emergency are already hitting home. Climate-change-driven wildfires burn in California and Oregon, while many environmental justice communities endure greater suffering and hardship due to COVID-19 because their health has been compromised by living near fossil fuel infrastructure. The climate crisis is already impacting the world’s most marginalized people. With just ten years left to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, we know it’s past time for a rapid and just transition to clean energy.
One of the biggest obstacles to phasing out fossil fuels is corporate polluters — like BP, Shell, Chevron, Exxon, and Anadarko – that receive bailouts from Congress while they plunder our lands and water. We are fighting against these giveaways.
Big Oil is getting billions of dollars in COVID-19 relief money with the help of congressional Republicans. Taxpayer dollars are flowing to line their pockets, giving Big Oil a lifeline they were begging for long before the pandemic. So far, three primary COVID-19 mechanisms have included polluter bailouts, including the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and the Economic Security Act (CARES act). Additionally, the Federal Reserve is forcing American taxpayers to hold tens of millions of dollars of oil companies’ debts.
At the same time, frontline workers aren’t getting the help they need. Unemployment has been slashed. People are being evicted. But our leaders are more interested in lining the pockets of polluting companies. That’s why Friends of the Earth is leading the way to stop Congress from bailing out the fossil fuel industry.
Steps in the Right Direction
To have a fighting chance, we need to keep fossil fuels in the ground. Fossil fuel projects – from extraction to transportation – must be halted.
Thanks to the power of grassroots activism, in July 2020 Duke and Dominion Energy scrapped their proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline. Over 156,000 Friends of the Earth activists spoke out to financial institutions, Congress, and elected officials in North Carolina calling for an end to this destructive project. Members of the Lumbee Nation joined other local communities and marched in North Carolina to stop the pipeline. Staff and activists from Friends of the Earth joined communities taking over the streets in front of the Supreme Court and attended shareholder meetings.
The risky, unnecessary pipeline was two years behind schedule and billions over budget. With pressure from the community, like-minded groups, and a former energy executive on call, the pipeline that only benefited special interest while massively harming the environment and communities was stopped.
Local communities in North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia celebrate this victory– and the victory for the climate and our environment. But other pipeline projects throughout the country continue to threaten the health and safety of residents, wildlife, and the environment.
Projects like the Robeson Liquified Natural Gas Pipeline in North Carolina, the Suncor refinery in Colorado and many others disproportionately impact Native American and African American communities throughout the Southeast. In the midst of a global pandemic, Friends of the Earth is working to stop these and other projects and the harm they cause to communities.
How You Can Help Friends of the Earth
To help, join Friends of the Earth as they work to stop another polluting fossil fuel project. Sign the petition to stop the shale gas LNG pipeline here.
People power can evoke change. We saw it play out with the Atlantic Coast Pipeline! Friends of the Earth would love to help amplify your voice to put an end to other polluting projects.
CREDO is proud to be a long-time ally of Friends of the Earth. Over the years, our members have helped us donate more than $1.1 million to help the organization fight for climate justice. To learn more about our donations program and vote for this month’s grantees, please visit CREDODonations.com.
Posted on September 21, 2020
Help us honor Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Like you, we were all so heartbroken when we learned of the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg last Friday evening. For many of us, it will be one of those moments, forever marking a dark day in our memories. Justice Ginsburg was an unrivaled trailblazer for women’s rights, equality and justice for all people, and she was a critical offset to the worst elements of the conservative Supreme Court, and the worst elements of human nature.
Our world is a more just and fair place because of Justice Ginsburg’s incredible, selfless and inspiring work, and she is and will continue to be deeply missed by all of us.
We at CREDO also join our allies in the incredible anxiety being felt throughout the progressive community, as her passing also poses an imminent threat to our shared core values — with abortion rights, health care, LGBTQ equality, voting rights, and fundamental civil liberties being just the start — as Donald Trump, Mitch McConnell and their spineless colleagues attempt to ram through her replacement just weeks before a presidential election.
On her deathbed, Justice Ginsburg said, “My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed.” That’s why, as we mourn her passing, we must also heed her call to take action and fight for the values Justice Ginsburg spent her life working to protect and expand. The stakes are simply too high not to act.
I’m asking that you please join us in this call to action. Here are some ways to make your voice heard, protect our democracy, and fight for Justice Ginsburg’s dying wish:
- Call your senators at (202) 224-3121 and demand they not confirm a new Supreme Court justice until after Inauguration Day.
- Visit our voter information website “CREDO Votes 2020” to check your voter registration, sign up to volunteer with Black Voters Matter, take online trainings with Democracy for America, and write letters to other voters.
- Sign up to be a poll worker for the November 3rd election.
- Sign up to be an Election Protection volunteer to stop voter suppression.
- Join CREDO Mobile or if you’re already a member refer your friends and family, and help us fund our progressive allies who are fighting for voting rights, reproductive freedom, climate justice, equality, civil rights and more.
Thank you,
Ray Morris
Posted on September 17, 2020
CREDO Tip: Incredible voter resources from the ACLU
Next Tuesday is National Voter Registration Day, and we’re working hard to ensure our members are registered to vote and that everyone can participate in the most important election in generations. We’re building voter resources and guides to help you vote, while funding great progressive groups working to defend our voting rights.
One of our incredible allies in this fight is the American Civil Liberties Union, who are experts on voting laws and protecting our rights at the ballot box. Over the years, thanks to our members, CREDO has donated nearly $1.4 million to the ACLU, and the group is up for a share of our monthly donation this September.
This year, the ACLU has developed comprehensive voter resources to help you and others vote safely and navigate the troubles you might face during this unprecedented election. We’ve compiled some of these resources in a quick blog post so you know your voting rights and learn how to register, get your ballot, and vote safely by mail or in person.
Visit the ACLU’s “Let People Vote” resource
The ACLU’s “Let People Vote” website is a one-stop resource to find all the information you need to vote by mail in this election. Visit the site and choose your state, where you’ll find important deadlines for requesting and mailing your absentee ballot as well as links to check your voter registration and helpful tips to ensure your ballot is delivered correctly.
The ACLU also includes additional state-specific information, like voter eligibility (Yes, you can vote in Indiana if you’ve been previously incarcerated) and action the ACLU is taking in the courts right now to protect your vote.
Visit the ACLU’s “Let People Vote” website.
Learn about your voting rights
Many people will face significant challenges accessing their right to vote this year because of a fundamentally unequal process that is rigged against people of color, seniors, immigrants and other marginalized communities. It will become that much more difficult amid a pandemic as some states and local governments will force voters to choose between their health and exercising their right to cast a ballot, while Trump and others in his administration are actively working to spread misinformation and reduce public confidence in the postal service and our election systems.
The ACLU has compiled a great guide for knowing your voting rights, including what you’ll need to register to vote, documentation you may need on Election Day, and what to do if a poll worker says you’re not registered to vote. Here are some quick links to the topics they cover:
- I need to register to vote
- I need to find my polling place
- I’m not sure what to bring to the polls
- I want to vote before Election Day
- What are my general rights on Election Day?
- The poll worker says my name is not on the list of registered voters
- I am a voter with a disability
- I speak English less than “very well”
- Someone is interfering with my right to vote
Subscribe to the ACLU’s “At the Polls” podcast series
If you’re like many of us here at CREDO, you can’t get enough election news and information. The ACLU just launched “At the Polls”, a weekly mini-series on this election and all things voting.
The first episode, “What Will Election Night Look Like in a Global Pandemic?,” features host and ACLU voting rights lawyer and organizer Molly McGrath who talks to election law scholar Rick Hasen and election administrator Rachel Rodriguez about what to expect in this year’s election.
Listen to the “At the Polls” podcast mini-series here.
Watch: CREDO Votes 2020 Live with the ACLU’s Cecillia Wang
This August, we hosted a livestream discussion with Cecillia Wang, the ACLU’s Deputy Legal Director and Director of the Center for Democracy, who gave a very important presentation on voting rights, voter suppression and the ways the ACLU has been working to fight for everyone’s right to vote, particularly in the upcoming election.
If you missed it, you can watch the discussion here:
Vote for the ACLU on CREDO’s donations ballot
As you may know, CREDO sets aside funds each month — at no extra cost to our customers — to donate to three organizations making positive change. This September, the ACLU joins Color of Change and the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund to receive a portion of our monthly donations to progressive nonprofits.
Click here to vote and help us distribute these funds among these three great organizations.
Posted on September 10, 2020
CREDO Tip: How to disinfect your phone and other household items
Six months ago, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, and our lives have been forever changed in the months since. We’ve contended with a public health crisis and economic downturn unseen in generations. Some of us may have lost our jobs, fallen ill or even tragically lost a loved one to the virus.
We’ve also built resiliency to cope with this crisis. We’ve learned to stay home, wear masks and social distance to remain healthy. And we’ve been reminded that proper hygiene, including washing our hands and disinfecting surfaces, is important to stop the spread of contagious diseases.
Last April, we published a wildly popular CREDO Tip on cleaning your phone. We wanted to update you on what we’ve learned since then and some new technologies to clean your phone and other everyday items around your house.
Cleaning your phone and household items manually
When we first published “Your phone is dirty. Here’s how to clean it,” scientists and public health officials were still learning how the coronavirus was transmitted. In the months since, official sources like the CDC and the WHO have concluded that the primary way the virus spreads is through respiratory droplets from close person-to-person contact. That’s why the advice and mandates to wear masks and remain socially distant are so important.
However, the CDC does warn that “it may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this isn’t thought to be the main way the virus spreads.”
That means, here at CREDO, we’d rather not take any chances. In addition to washing your hands regularly and avoiding touching your face, we continue to recommend these steps to clean your devices (and other household surfaces):
- Unplug and power down your device. Use a good, lint-free microfiber or lens cleaning cloth to remove oil and fingerprints. If your phone case is waterproof, wash it thoroughly with soap and water and let it dry completely.
- Don’t spray any disinfecting liquids directly on your device, as they may damage your device or its coating. Instead, dampen the corner of your cloth in your cleaning solution and gently wipe your phone.
- Apple suggests using 70 percent isopropyl alcohol or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes to disinfect your phone. Avoid bleach and don’t submerge your phone in liquids. (Read more from Apple.)
- Samsung recommends using a “hypochlorous acid-based solution (containing 50-80ppm) or an alcohol-based solution (containing more than 70% ethanol or isopropyl alcohol)” gently applied to your device using a microfiber cloth.
- You can apply these methods to other items and surfaces around your house, like remotes, glasses, door knobs, kitchen counters, light switches, and other high traffic areas
Cleaning your phone and other household items with a UV-C device
Since publishing our previous article, many ultraviolet sanitizing devices have become much more readily available on the market. These devices work by shining a type of ultraviolet light — UV-C light — that can destroy the genetic material of viruses and bacteria. Simply place your phone or other household item in the UV-C sanitizer, and in a minute, your device should be virtually free of germs. In addition to phones, you can use these devices to sanitize earbuds and headphones, remotes, sunglasses, keys — just about anything that can fit into the UV-C device.
But does UV-C light kill the coronavirus that causes COVID-19? According to the National Academies of Sciences, “Probably. UV light has been shown to destroy other coronaviruses, so it will probably work on the novel coronavirus.” But we can’t stress enough, please avoid using UV light on your body, as it can damage your skin.
So which UV-C sanitizer should you choose?
At CREDO, we recommend the HoMedics UV-Clean Sanitzer. This device is portable, faster than any UV sanitizer on the market and kills up to 99.9% of bacteria and viruses at the DNA level. It’s also environmentally friendly and mercury and chemical free.
Whether you’re brand new to CREDO or an existing member wanting to add a line, for a limited-time we’re offering a free HoMedics UV-Clean Sanitizer! Plus, we’ll give you a discount on a new CREDO phone or a Visa Prepaid Card with your new line of CREDO service. As always, our friendly experts are available to talk M-F 6:30am-7pm PT at 1-877-762-7336.
