Cleaning and disinfecting devices

Description

Devices such as laptops, keyboards, office phones, cell phones, and hardware tokens can harbor a significant amount of dirt, debris, and germs. Keeping devices reasonably clean helps extend their life and reduces the spread of infectious diseases. The best way to keep devices clean is to wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using the restroom, eating, or whenever your hands are visibly soiled.

Materials

Gather the following materials before beginning any cleaning procedure:

  • Clean microfiber cloth
  • Q-tips or cotton swabs
  • Compressed air
  • LCD screen cleaner
  • Isopropyl alcohol (90%) – diluted 50:50 with filtered or distilled water in a spray bottle

Procedure

Note: Do not use Clorox, Lysol, or other disinfecting wipes or household cleaning products on laptops or other devices. These products can strip the coating off surfaces, making them more prone to collecting dirt, grime, and developing a sticky or tacky texture.

Note: Do not spray any cleaner directly onto equipment. Always spray cleaner onto a microfiber cloth, cotton swab, or Q-tip first, then use those items to clean the equipment.

Cleaning Laptops, Keyboards, and Peripheral Devices

Note: LCD screen cleaner is the preferred option for cleaning laptop screens. If LCD screen cleaner is not available, a cloth lightly dampened with diluted isopropyl alcohol may be used instead. Do not use Clorox or Lysol wipes or spray on laptop screens.

  1. Power off the device.
  2. Use compressed air to blow dirt and debris out of keyboards and crevices. Do not spray compressed air directly into any ports.
  3. Use a dry microfiber cloth to thoroughly wipe down all surfaces and remove any dust, dirt, and debris.
  4. Lightly moisten a clean microfiber cloth with the isopropyl alcohol spray. The cloth should be damp, not wet.
  5. Lightly moisten a Q-tip or cotton swab with the isopropyl alcohol spray to clean crevices and tight spaces, such as the spaces between keyboard keys or the laptop hinge. Do not insert any damp object into any ports.
  6. Wipe down all surfaces with the moistened microfiber cloth, paying special attention to frequently touched areas.
  7. Let the device dry completely. Repeat on any areas that remain visibly soiled.

Cleaning Cell Phones, Tablets, and Other Handheld Devices

  1. Power off the device.
  2. If the device has a case, remove it.
  3. Use compressed air to blow dirt and debris out of any crevices. Do not spray compressed air directly into any ports.
  4. Use a dry microfiber cloth to thoroughly wipe down all surfaces and remove any dust, dirt, and debris.
  5. Lightly moisten a clean microfiber cloth with the isopropyl alcohol spray. The cloth should be damp, not wet.
  6. Lightly moisten a Q-tip or cotton swab with the isopropyl alcohol spray to clean crevices and tight spaces. Do not insert any damp object into any ports.
  7. Wipe down all device surfaces with the moistened microfiber cloth, including the inside and outside of the case, paying special attention to frequently touched areas.
  8. Let all surfaces dry completely before reassembling the device.
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