Germ Control: Disinfecting High-Touch Surfaces of Electronic Equipment

Think about all the time you spend with your electronic equipment, from computers, keyboards and mice, and copiers and printers, to phones and headsets. We use them constantly in our personal lives and in our professional lives. 

It’s more important than ever to disinfect electronic equipment, especially with the unprecedented impact of COVID-19. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about cleaning and disinfecting electronic equipment safely and effectively from the experts at Foreman Pro Cleaning.

Why is it important to clean and disinfect electronic equipment?

Electronic equipment is a major source of germs and bacteria. In fact, studies have shown that keyboards, mice, and other office equipment can be up to 10 times dirtier than a toilet seat! With all the time we spend using electronic equipment, it’s no wonder that so many people get sick every year from preventable illnesses like the cold and flu. And cleaning is especially important because of the pandemic.(1)

Learn more: 4 Benefits of Janitorial Cleaning Services

Cleaning and disinfecting electronic equipment is important for two reasons: to prevent the spread of illness-causing germs, and to protect the equipment from damage. Dust, dirt, and grime can build up on electronic equipment over time, causing it to malfunction or break down completely. By regularly cleaning and disinfecting your electronic equipment, you can prolong its lifespan and keep it functioning properly.

What chemicals are safe for electronics?

There are many different cleaners and disinfectants on the market that claim to be safe for electronics. However, not all of them are created equal. Some cleaners can actually damage electronic equipment, so it’s important to choose one that is specifically designed for disinfecting electronic equipment.

One of the most popular and effective disinfectants for electronics is isopropyl alcohol, also known as rubbing alcohol.(2) This disinfectant is safe to use on most types of electronic equipment, and it’s also very effective at killing germs and bacteria. Look for an isopropyl alcohol disinfectant that is at least 70% alcohol to get the best results.

Another safe and effective disinfectant for electronics is hydrogen peroxide. This disinfectant is often used in hospitals and other medical settings because it’s very effective at killing germs and bacteria. Look for a hydrogen peroxide disinfectant that is at least 3% to get the best results.

Steps to take before cleaning and disinfecting electronic equipment

1. Begin by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water to remove any dirt or germs.
2. Unplug all electronic equipment from electrical outlets. If you’re cleaning a computer, keyboard, or mouse, make sure to turn it off and unplug it from the computer.
3. Remove any batteries from electronic equipment. Cleaning solutions can damage batteries, so it’s important to remove them before cleaning.
4. Gather all the supplies you will need, including disinfectant wipes or spray, gloves, and a microfiber cloth.
5. Make sure the area you are working in is well-ventilated.
6. If possible, take the electronic equipment outside. This will help to keep any harmful chemicals from fumes from damaging the equipment.
7. Cover any exposed circuits or electronic components with tape. This will protect them from damage while you’re cleaning and disinfecting.

How to clean and disinfect computer monitors, keyboard,s and mice

Disinfecting monitor:

• Wipe the monitor with a disinfectant wipe or spray a disinfectant onto a microfiber cloth and wipe the screen. Be sure to avoid getting any cleaner on the bezel (the frame around the screen).
• Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to remove any cleaner that may have gotten on the bezel.
• Polish the screen with a glass cleaner and a clean, dry microfiber cloth.

Disinfecting keyboard:

• Turn the keyboard upside down and shake it to remove any loose dirt or debris.
• Use a disinfectant wipe or spray a disinfectant onto a microfiber cloth and wipe down the keys. Be sure to get in between the keys.
• Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to remove any cleaner that may have gotten on the keys.
• Polish the keys with a glass cleaner and a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
• Most times it’s not a good idea to remove the keys. However, if it’s safe and you want that extra level of cleaning, removing the keys is easy. To remove the keys, turn the keyboard upside down and shake it to remove any loose dirt or debris, use a flathead screwdriver or a similar tool to pry the keys up, disinfect them with a disinfectant wipe or by spraying them with a disinfectant, then let them air dry.

Disinfecting mouse:

• Wipe the top of the mouse with a disinfectant wipe or spray a disinfectant onto a microfiber cloth and wipe it down.
• Use a cotton swab or toothpick to clean any dirt or debris out from between the buttons.
• Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to remove any cleaner that may have gotten on the mouse.
• Polish the mouse with a glass cleaner and a clean, dry microfiber cloth.

How to clean and disinfect copiers and printers

Disinfecting copier:

• Turn the copier off and unplug it from the power outlet.
• Remove any paper from the copier.
• Open up all the doors and compartments on the copier to access all the surfaces that need to be cleaned.
• Wipe down all surfaces with a disinfectant wipe or spray a disinfectant onto a microfiber cloth and wipe it down. Be sure to clean the control panel, touch screen, buttons, and any other surfaces that come into contact with your hands.
• Use a cotton swab or toothpick to clean any dirt or debris out from between the keys or buttons.
• Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to remove any cleaner that may have gotten on the copier.
• Polish all surfaces with a glass cleaner and a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
• Turn the copier back on and plug it into the power outlet.

Disinfecting printer:

• Turn the printer off and unplug it from the power outlet.
• Remove any paper from the printer.
• Open up all the doors and compartments on the printer to access all the surfaces that need to be cleaned.
• Wipe down all surfaces with a disinfectant wipe or spray a disinfectant onto a microfiber cloth and wipe it down. Be sure to clean the control panel, touch screen, buttons, and any other surfaces that come into contact with your hands.
• Use a cotton swab or toothpick to clean any dirt or debris out from between the keys or buttons.
• Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to remove any cleaner that may have gotten on the printer.
• Polish all surfaces with a glass cleaner and a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
• Turn the printer back on and plug it into the power outlet.

How to clean and disinfect phones and headsets

Disinfecting phones:

• Turn the phone off.
• Remove the battery (if possible) and SIM card.
• Wipe down all surfaces with a disinfectant wipe or spray a disinfectant onto a microfiber cloth and wipe it down. Be sure to clean the screen, buttons, and any other surfaces that come into contact with your hands.
• Use a cotton swab or toothpick to clean any dirt or debris out from between the keys or buttons.
• Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to remove any cleaner that may have gotten on the phone.
• Polish all surfaces with a glass cleaner and a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
• Put the battery back in (if possible) and turn the phone on.

Disinfecting headsets:

• Turn the headset off.
• Remove the battery (if possible).
• Wipe down all surfaces with a disinfectant wipe or spray a disinfectant onto a microfiber cloth and wipe it down. Be sure to clean the earpieces, buttons, and any other surfaces that come into contact with your skin.
• Use a cotton swab or toothpick to clean any dirt or debris out from between the keys or buttons.
• Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to remove any cleaner that may have gotten on the headset.
• Polish all surfaces with a glass cleaner and a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
• Put the battery back in (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 onto a microfiber cloth and wipe the screen. Be sure to avoid getting any cleaner on the bezel (the frame around the screen).
• Use a disinfectant wipe or spray a disinfectant onto a microfiber cloth and wipe down the keyboard. Be sure to get in between the keys.
• Wipe the touchpad with a disinfectant wipe or spray a disinfectant onto a microfiber cloth and wipe it down.
• Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to remove any cleaner that may have gotten on the monitor, keyboard, or touchpad.
• Polish the screen with a glass cleaner and a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
• Polish the keyboard with a glass cleaner and a clean, dry microfiber cloth.

Cleaning the interior:

• Use compressed air to blow any dust or dirt out from between the keys.
• Use a disinfectant wipe or spray a disinfectant onto a microfiber cloth and wipe down the keyboard. Be sure to get in between the keys.
• Wipe the touchpad with a disinfectant wipe or spray a disinfectant onto a microfiber cloth and wipe it down.
• Use a cotton swab or toothpick to clean any dirt or debris out from between the buttons.
• Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to remove any cleaner that may have gotten on the keyboard or touchpad.
• Polish the keyboard with a glass cleaner and a clean, dry microfiber cloth.

Is UV light effective for disinfecting electronic equipment?

UV light disinfection is a popular method for disinfecting electronic equipment. However, there is no scientific evidence to show that UV light disinfection is effective at killing germs and bacteria. In fact, some studies have shown that UV light can actually damage electronic equipment.(3)

If you choose to use UV light disinfection, be sure to use it properly. First, unplug the equipment from any power source. Next, position the UV light so that it is at least six inches away from the equipment. Turn on the UV light and allow it to disinfect the equipment for at least two minutes. Once you’ve finished disinfecting, make sure the equipment is completely dry before using it or storing it.

What not to do when cleaning and disinfecting electronic equipment

There are a few things you should avoid doing when cleaning and disinfecting electronic equipment. 

• Don’t use any cleaners or disinfectants that are not specifically designed for disinfecting electronic equipment. These cleaners can actually damage the equipment.
• Don’t submerge electronic equipment in any liquids. This can damage the electronics and void any warranties.
• Don’t use UV light disinfection on any electronic equipment with sensitive surfaces, like LCD screens. The UV light can damage these surfaces.
• Don’t use any harsh chemicals, like bleach, on electronic equipment. These chemicals can damage the electronics.
• Don’t use compressed air to clean electronic equipment. The compressed air can actually force dirt and dust into the equipment, which can damage it.

How often should electronic equipment be disinfected?

It’s important to disinfect electronic equipment on a regular basis, especially if the equipment is used by multiple people. However, you should disinfect electronic equipment more often if it is used in a healthcare setting or if someone who has been sick has used the equipment.

If someone who uses the equipment is ill, you should disinfect the equipment as soon as possible. You should also disinfect the equipment if it comes into contact with bodily fluids, like blood or saliva.

What are the benefits of regularly cleaning and disinfecting electronic equipment?

Cleaning and disinfecting electronic equipment on a regular basis can help to prevent the spread of illness in the workplace. By disinfecting the equipment, you can help to reduce the number of sick days taken by employees. This, in turn, can help to improve productivity and morale in the workplace.

It also extends the life of your electronic equipment. By regularly disinfecting the equipment, you can help to prevent the build-up of dirt and dust, which can damage the electronics over time. Follow these tips to clean and disinfect your electronic equipment properly.

Do you need Professional help?

Foreman Pro Cleaning specializes in cleaning commercial spaces and the most sensitive areas and equipment in them. It’s more important than ever for employees and customers to feel safe and to prioritize disinfection. Take out the stress of trying to do it yourself or wondering if your business truly is clean. Contact the team at Foreman Pro Cleaning for specialized service plans in Washington DC, Annapolis, and the Hampton Roads area.

Reference:

1. How to Disinfect Your Phone and Electronics From Viruses and Germs – Chandra Steele – www.pcmag.com/how-to/disinfect-clean-electronics-viruses-germs
2. Cleaning Electronics with Isopropyl Alcohol – https://www.techspray.com/cleaning-electronics-with-isopropyl-alcohol
3. UV Lights and Lamps: Ultraviolet-C Radiation, Disinfection, and Coronavirus – https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/uv-lights-and-lamps-ultraviolet-c-radiation-disinfection-and-coronavirus