Expert consulted: 
Many of us plug in our phones wherever we happen to be, whether that's the couch, the car, or the bathroom counter. But where you charge your phone can affect its lifespan and, in some cases, your safety.
Here are the spots the experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute and manufacturers say to avoid.
1. Under a pillow or blanket
It's tempting to scroll in bed until you drift off with your phone still plugged in. But Apple's safety guidance specifically warns against sleeping on a device, power adapter, or wireless charger, or covering them with a blanket, pillow, or your body while they're connected to power. Phones and chargers naturally generate heat while charging, and when that heat has nowhere to go, it can cause discomfort, burns, and, in rare cases, a fire.
Do this instead: Charge your phone on a hard, flat surface like a nightstand or dresser, and keep it in a well-ventilated area, as Apple recommends.
2. In the bathroom
"Avoid charging the phone in the bathroom, which is tempting to do to get a little more juice while you're using the phone as you get ready in the morning," says Dan DiClerico, director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute.
The good news is you're unlikely to get shocked. "Electric outlets in the bathrooms have GFCIs, so it's not a risk of electrocution, so much as your phone being damaged or destroyed after coming in contact with water," he explains. One splash from the sink or a slip into the tub is all it takes.
Do this instead: If you need a charge before heading out, keep your phone plugged in in another room, like your bedroom or living room.
3. In a hot car
According to Apple, iPhones are designed to operate in ambient temperatures between 32°F and 95°F, and temperatures inside a parked car can easily exceed that range. Using or charging your phone in very hot conditions can permanently shorten its battery life. If your phone gets too hot, you may notice charging slow down or stop altogether until it cools off.
Do this instead: Let the AC run for a few minutes before plugging in, and keep your phone out of direct sunlight on the dashboard.
One more tip
Wherever you charge, use the cable and adapter that came with your phone or a certified replacement. Apple warns that adapters that don't meet applicable safety standards could pose a risk of injury.
Noah Cortez is a Brooklyn-based writer and editor writing about
travel, culture, food, and lifestyle. Prior to this, he was a social media
editor at GQ Magazine, Complex, and Conde Nast Traveler, and his writing
has been featured in Tripadvisor, Hotels Above Par, Conde Nast Traveler,
and more. Find out more at noahcortez.com.
Having written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids.
