Considering how frequently touchscreens are used by hands and fingers throughout the day, it’s crucial to maintain them as clean as possible. Whether it's point-of-sale systems, information kiosks, or any other touch screen devices, the number of users—cashiers, staff, managers, and customers—means these devices need regular cleaning to prevent the buildup of dirt, grime, and harmful germs.
Using the right cleaning items ensures optimal results. In this article, we’ll explore the essential products to keep your touchscreens hygienic, safe, and looking brand new, along with key cleaning tips to guide you.
A microfiber cloth is an essential tool in any touchscreen cleaning kit. While there are cloths specifically designed for gadgets, even general microfiber or glasses cloths work well for smaller screens. These soft cloths don’t scratch or leave fibers behind (if lint-free) and effectively clean dirt and grime with just a bit of distilled water to dampen the cloth.
Protecting your screens from germs and bacteria is easily achieved by wiping them down with antibacterial wipes. Choose wipes specifically formulated to kill germs, as water-based wipes won’t address the harmful bacteria that can affect both staff and customers. Antibacterial wipes help ensure that the screens remain both clean and sanitary.
Wearing rubber gloves while cleaning provides an extra layer of protection by preventing direct skin contact with the touchscreen. Remember to clean the gloves regularly, and always remove them before touching your face, rubbing your eyes, or going to the bathroom.
It might seem like any cleaning solution will work for your screens, but choosing the wrong one can damage your equipment. Avoid cleaners with ammonia, strong solvents, acids, fluoride detergents, or isopropyl alcohol with concentrations above 70%. These can impair your touchscreen’s optical clarity and affect its functionality.
Instead, use a mild soap-and-water solution, a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water, or a disinfectant like Virex for optimal results.
Turn off your device and disconnect it from the power supply before cleaning to avoid damaging it or causing an electric shock.
Use a small amount of water to tackle stubborn dirt. Dampen the microfiber cloth with water and clean the screen gently.
Wipe in circular motions to prevent streaks.
Keep hand sanitiser by point-of-sale systems and encourage employees to sanitise their hands between uses.
Clean your touchscreens regularly, ideally after each use.
Dry the screen with a dry cloth after cleaning to remove any moisture.
Avoid using paper towels or regular kitchen cloths, as their rough texture can spread lint or even scratch the screen. The same applies to steel wool and scrubbing sponges.
Do not use harsh chemicals like rubbing alcohol—these can damage the screen’s protective oleophobic coating, reducing its ability to repel oils.
Never over-saturate your screen with water. Water and electronics don’t mix, and excess moisture can cause permanent damage.
Never apply cleaning solution directly to the screen. Always apply it to the cloth for best results.
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