Best Practices for Sanitizing Electronic Devices2

Sanitizing works well for most office equipment and electronic or technology devices, and it is recommended that sanitizing be done carefully with 70% Isopropyl Alchohol3, as it generally does not damage devices while still working as an effective sanitizer.

General cleaning tips

  • Unplug all external power sources and cables.
  • Use a lint-free cloth, such as a screen wipe or a cloth made from microfiber.
  • Avoid excessive wiping and submerging item in cleanser to avoid damage.
  • Do not use aerosol sprays, bleach or abrasive cleaners (like Windex or Ammonia).
  • Ensure moisture does not get into any openings.
  • Never spray cleaner directly on an item, always spray solution onto a cleaning cloth or similar intermediary.

Procedure

  1. Power down and/or unplug the device, if at all possible. Remove or unplug cabling and accessories.
  2. Allow the device to cool down before sanitizing.
  3. Prepare your cleaning solution (70-30 Isopropyl alcohol and distilled water) by spraying onto a lint-free cloth, making the cloth slightly damp.
  4. Gently wipe down only the surfaces of the device that need to be sanitized, do not press down hard (to avoid scratching or damaging the device). Focus on Keyboards, exterior surfaces of laptops, or any part of the device that is commonly touched. Avoid the screen, if at all possible.
  5. Avoid allowing any liquid to spill into the device.
  6. Allow the solution to completely dry before plugging the device in or powering back on.

    Cleaning the Screen in your desktop or laptop monitor display

    • To clean smudges from the LCD screen
      • Choose a non-abrasive cloth or towel.
      • Turn off the monitor and disconnect the power cable.
      • Wipe the screen gently with a soft, dry cloth.
      • If any marks remain, moisten the cloth with LCD cleaner, and then gently stroke the cloth across the display in one direction, moving from top to bottom.
      • If you are cleaning the screen of a notebook PC, be sure the LCD screen is dry before closing it or using the computer.
    • CAUTION
      • Never spray or pour any liquid directly on the LCD screen.
      • Do not clean the screen while the system is on.
      • Do not use any of the following chemicals or any solutions that contain them: Acetone, ethyl alcohol, toluene, ethyl acid, ammonia, or methyl chloride. If you have a different chemical or solution and are not sure whether it is suitable, do not use it. Using any of the chemicals in the previous list may cause permanent damage to the LCD screen. Some commercial window cleaners contain ammonia and are therefore unacceptable.

Approved COVID-19 sanitizers safe for computers, accessories and electronics

  • Using a wipe containing 70% alcohol, gently and carefully wipe the hard, nonporous surface of the item.
    • This includes the display, keyboard, mouse and the exterior surface of the item.
    • If you have concerns about the cleaning product being used, please refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations and warning label.
  • When using a sanitizing wipe, it is important to follow the contact time found on the label. It may be necessary to use more than one wipe to keep the surface wet for the recommended contact time.
  • Do not use fabric or leather surfaces on items, as this can scratch or damage to the items.
  • Do not use bleach to disinfect computers and electronics.
  • Do Not Use ammonia, bleach, or other harsh abrasives to clean your screen.

 

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) distinguishes between cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing1. It is important to know the difference between cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing when considering how to clean electronics and other technology we use daily.

  • Cleaning removes germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces or objects. Cleaning works by using soap (or detergent) and water to physically remove germs from surfaces. This process does not necessarily kill germs, but by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection.
  • Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces or objects. Disinfecting works by using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces or objects. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.
  • Sanitizing lowers the number of germs on surfaces or objects to a safe level, as judged by public health standards or requirements. This process works by either cleaning or disinfecting surfaces or objects to lower the risk of spreading infection.

 

Additional Resources

1 “Cleaning & Disinfecting Schools,” CDC Online, accessed May 11, 2020, https://www.cdc.gov/flu/school/cleaning.htm
2 Kocher, Fritz. “Best Practices for Sanitizing Electronic Devices,” document from the author, May 7, 2020
3 Isopropyl Alcohol is highly flammable in high concentrations, and both the liquid and evaporated fumes pose a risk. This is why it is so important to power down the device beforehand.