Germ Control: Disinfecting High-Touch Surfaces of Electronic Equipment

Assess how much time you spend with electronic equipment such as computers, keyboards and mice, copiers and printers, phones, and headphones. We utilize them often in both our personal and business lives.

Disinfecting electronic equipment is more important than ever, especially considering COVID-19’s devastating impact. This comprehensive manual from Union City Carpet Cleaners will instruct you on anything you need about cleaning and sanitizing electronic equipment safely and effectively.

What is the significance of cleaning and disinfecting electronic equipment?

Bacteria and germs flourish in electrical equipment. Moreover, studies have shown that keyboards, mice, and other office equipment may be up to 10 times dirtier than a toilet seat! With how much time we spend on electronic gadgets, it’s no wonder many people become ill each year from preventable ailments like the common cold and flu. Cleansing is essential, given the outbreak. (1)

Cleaning and sanitizing electronic equipment is essential for two reasons: limiting the spread of germs that cause illness and safeguarding the item from damage. Dust, dirt, and grime may collect on electrical equipment over time, causing it to malfunction or fail. Cleaning and sanitizing your electronic equipment regularly may prolong its life and keep it working correctly.

What substances are not harmful to electronics?

Many cleaners and disinfectants on the market claim to be safe for electronics. Nevertheless, they are not created equal. Since certain cleaners may potentially damage electronic equipment, it’s vital to choose one that’s specifically designed for cleaning electronic equipment.

Isopropyl alcohol, popularly known as rubbing alcohol, is a popular and efficient disinfectant for electronics.

(2) This disinfectant is safe on most electronic equipment and very effective at killing germs and bacteria. Use an isopropyl alcohol disinfectant with at least 70% alcohol for the best effects.

Another safe and effective disinfectant for electronics is hydrogen peroxide. This disinfectant is often used in hospitals and other medical settings because it effectively kills germs and bacteria. To get the best results, use a hydrogen peroxide disinfectant with a concentration of at least 3%.

Procedures to follow before cleaning and sanitizing electronic equipment

1. Before beginning, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water to remove any dirt or germs.
2. Unplug any electrical equipment. While cleaning a computer, keyboard, or mouse, separate it from the computer and turn it off.
3. Any batteries in electronic gadgets should be removed. Since cleaning solutions might harm batteries, it is essential to remove them before cleaning.
4. Gather all necessary supplies, such as disinfectant wipes or spray, gloves, and a microfiber cloth.
5. Ascertain that the location in which you are operating is well-ventilated.
6. If possible, take the electrical equipment outside. This will help to keep any dangerous chemicals or gases from hurting the equipment.
7. Put the tape around any exposed circuits or electrical components. This will keep them safe while you clean and disinfect them.

How to clean and disinfect a computer display, keyboard, and mouse

Disinfecting monitor:

• Wipe the monitor with a disinfectant wipe or spray a disinfectant into a microfiber cloth and wipe the screen. Avoid getting any cleaner on the bezel (the frame around the screen).
• To remove any, use a dry microfiber towel. Cleaner that may have called on the bezel.
• Polish the screen using a glass cleaner and dry microfiber cloth.

Disinfecting keyboard:

• Shake the keyboard upside down to remove any loose dirt or particles.
• Clean the keys with a disinfectant wipe or spray a disinfectant into a microfiber cloth. Take caution not to step in between the keys.
• Remove any with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Cleaning that has gotten on the keys.
• Polish the keys using a glass cleaner and dry microfiber cloth.
• Taking the keys out is usually not a smart idea. But deleting the keys is straightforward if it’s safe and you want to go the extra mile. Flip the keyboard upside down and shake it. Carefully clear any dirt or debris that may be loose before prying the keys up with a flathead screwdriver or a similar tool, cleaning them with a disinfectant wipe or spraying them with a disinfectant, and leaving them to air dry.

Disinfecting mouse:

• Wipe the top of the mouse with a disinfectant wipe or spray a disinfectant into a microfiber cloth and wipe it clean.
• Remove any dirt or debris from between the buttons with a cotton swab or a toothpick.
• With a clean, dry microfiber cloth, wipe away any cleaning that has gotten on the mouse.
• Polish the mouse using a glass cleaner and dry microfiber cloth.

How to clean and disinfect copiers and printers

Disinfecting copier:

• Switch off the copier and unhook it from the power socket.
• Remove any paper from the copier.
• Open all the doors and compartments on the copier to access all the surfaces that need to be cleaned.
• Clean down all surfaces with a disinfectant wipe or spray a disinfectant into a microfiber cloth and wipe it down. Wipe off the control panel, touch screen, buttons, and other surfaces that come into touch with your hands.
• To clean, use a cotton swab or a toothpick. Remove dirt or debris between the keys or buttons.
• Remove any cleaner that has gotten on the copier with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
• Polish all surfaces using a glass cleaner and dry microfiber cloth.
• Restart the copier and reattach it to the power outlet.

Disinfecting printer:

• Switch off the printer and unhook it from the power socket.
• Remove any paper from the printer.
• Open all of the printer’s doors and compartments to access all surfaces that need cleaning.
• Use a disinfectant wipe to clean all surfaces, or spray a disinfectant into a microfiber cloth and wipe everything down. Wipe off the control panel, touch screen, buttons, and any surfaces with which you come into contact.
• With a toothpick or cotton swab, clean and remove dirt or debris between the keys or buttons.
• To clean the printer, use a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
• Polish all surfaces using a glass cleaner and dry microfiber cloth.
• Restart the printer and reattach the power cord.
• Phone and headset cleaning and disinfection

Disinfecting phones:

• Turn your phone off.
• Remove the battery (if feasible) and SIM card.
• Clean down all surfaces with a disinfectant wipe or spray a disinfectant into a microfiber cloth and wipe it down. Wipe off the screen, buttons, and other surfaces that come into contact with your hands.
• Make use of a toothpick or cotton swab to remove dirt or debris between the keys or buttons.
• With a clean, dry microfiber cloth, wipe away any cleaner that has gotten on the phone.
• Polish all surfaces using a glass cleaner and dry microfiber cloth.
• Replace the battery (if feasible) and switch on the phone.

Disinfecting headsets:

• Switch off the headset.
• Take out the battery (if possible).
• Use a disinfectant wipe to clean all surfaces, or spray a disinfectant into a microfiber cloth and wipe everything down. Cleaning the earpieces, buttons, and other surfaces that touch your skin is essential.
• With a cotton swab or a toothpick, remove any dirt or debris from between the keys or controls.
• Clean any cleanser that may have gotten on the headset using a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
• Polishing all surfaces with a glass cleaner and a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
• Replace the battery (if possible) and turn the headset on.

How to clean and disinfect a laptop

Disinfecting the exterior:

• Wipe the monitor with a disinfectant wipe or spray a disinfectant into a microfiber cloth and wipe the screen. Keep any cleaner away from the bezel (the frame around the screen).
• Clean down the keyboard with a disinfectant wipe or spray a disinfectant onto a microfiber cloth. Take caution not to step in between the keys.
• Wipe the touchpad with a disinfectant wipe or spray a disinfectant into a microfiber cloth and wipe it down.
• Wipe away any cleanser that has gotten on the display, keyboard, or touchpad with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
• Polish the screen using a glass cleaner and dry microfiber cloth.
• Polish the keyboard using a glass cleaner and dry microfiber cloth.

Cleaning the interior:

• Blow any debris or dust from the keyholes using compressed air.
• To clean the keyboard, use a disinfectant wipe or a disinfectant spray on a microfiber cloth. Take care not to get your fingers in between the keys.
• To clean the touchpad, use a disinfectant wipe or spray a disinfectant into a microfiber cloth and wipe it down.
• Remove any dirt or debris between the buttons using a cotton swab or toothpick.
• Wipe away any cleaner from the keyboard or touchpad with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
• Polishing the keyboard with a glass cleaner and a clean, dry microfiber towel.

Is UV light useful for disinfecting electronic devices?

UV light disinfection is a popular method for cleaning electronic devices. However, there is no scientific evidence that UV light disinfection kills germs and bacteria. Some studies have shown that UV radiation may cause damage to electrical equipment. (3)

If you apply UV light disinfection, ensure you do it appropriately. Begin by unplugging the gadget from all power sources. Remove the UV light from the gadget and place it at least six inches away. Please turn on the UV light and allow it to disinfect the equipment for at least two minutes. Before using or storing the equipment after disinfection, ensure it is completely dry.

What not to do when cleaning and sanitizing electronics

There are a few things to avoid while cleaning and sanitizing electrical equipment.

• Any cleaners or disinfectants that have not been specifically designed for cleaning electronic equipment should be avoided. These cleaners have the potential to damage equipment.
• Avoid submerging electrical equipment in liquids. This might harm devices and void warranties.
• UV light disinfection should not be utilized on any electronic equipment with sensitive surfaces, such as LCD screens. UV light can damage these surfaces.
• Avoid putting harsh chemicals on electrical equipment, such as bleach. These compounds have the potential to ruin electronics.
• While cleaning electrical equipment, avoid using compressed air. Compressed air may drive dirt and particles into the equipment, causing it to malfunction.

How often should electronic equipment be disinfected?

It’s vital to disinfect electronic equipment, especially if it’s shared regularly. But, if you use electronic equipment in a hospital or if it has been used by someone who is ill, you should clean it more often.

If a user becomes unwell while using the equipment, disinfect it immediately. If the equipment comes into touch with body fluids like blood or saliva, it should be disinfected as well.

What are the advantages of frequent cleaning and sanitizing electronic equipment?

Washing and sanitizing electronic equipment on a regular basis may help to avoid disease in the workplace. Employee sick days may be reduced if the equipment is cleaned. This has the potential to boost workplace productivity and morale.

Moreover, it promotes the longevity of your electrical gadgets. By disinfecting the equipment on a regular basis, you may avoid the accumulation of dirt and dust. Take these steps to thoroughly clean and disinfect your electronic equipment.

Do you need professional assistance?

Union City Carpet Cleaning specializes in cleaning commercial properties, even the most sensitive areas, and equipment. It is more important than ever for employees and customers to be at ease and to emphasize sanitation. Eliminate the pressure of trying to manage it yourself or wondering whether your firm is clean. Contact Union City Carpet Cleaners at 2511 Summit Ave in Union City, NJ, for customized service plans.