Cleaning and disinfecting devices is important for ensuring they're safe for students and staff to continue using. Below you'll find instructions on cleaning various electronic devices that are commonly touched.
For all of these, unless specified, a microfiber cloth is recommended, and it should be lightly damp with cleaner. An alcohol-based cleaner is recommended , but must be used with care on screens (50% or less solution)
Note: These are electronic devices, and introducing water to them can and will cause damage when done without care. If you're spraying or otherwise applying liquid, do not apply directly to the device. Instead, apply to a cloth to wipe the device down with. Pre-soaked wipes can be useful for this, just be careful about the amount of liquid pooling on the device while cleaning.
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- Ensure the device is turned off, and remove the battery.
- Some devices, especially newer devices and Chromebooks, have internal batteries, so don't worry about this step if you don't see a battery to remove.
- For some Chromebooks, the power button is on the keyboard, so don't be surprised if it turns on while you're cleaning
- Take your cloth, which is damp with cleaner, and wipe down the lid, sides, and bottom of the device.
- Open the device and wipe down the keyboard and touchpad with your cloth.
- For the keyboard, ensure you're getting between all the keys.
- For the screen area, instead of the cleaner, use a different cloth that is only damp with water.
- Chemicals found in cleaners can cause damage to the screen, using water here is safer for the device.
- Abrasive An abrasive cloth can also damage the screen.
- Once the device is wiped down, leave it open for a time in order to dry. Close the device after the keyboard area appears dry.
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- Turn off the monitor and unplug it from the power
- Instead of cleaner, use a damp microfiber cloth with water
- Wipe down the screen carefully. Do not use too much force.
- Focus on cleaning the buttons.
Keyboards and Mice
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- Use only a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid abrasive cloths, towels, paper towels, or similar items.
- Avoid excessive wiping, which might cause damage.
- Unplug all external power sources, devices, and cables.
- Keep liquids away from the product, unless otherwise noted for specific products.
- Don't get moisture into any openings.
- Don't use aerosol sprays, bleaches, or abrasives.
- Don't spray cleaners directly onto the item.
Is it OK to use a disinfectant on my Apple product?
Using a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, you may gently wipe the hard, nonporous surfaces of your Apple product, such as the display, keyboard, or other exterior surfaces. Don't use bleach. Avoid getting moisture in any opening, and don't submerge your Apple product in any cleaning agents. Don't use on fabric or leather surfaces.
Mobile Devices
iPads and iPods can follow this as well, as it is based off of on the guides linked to above.
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Other notes and suggestions
One districts district's cleaning station: We are setting up a study table (with sides back and a top shelf, microfiber cloths that get changed by custodians daily, one wet, one dry rag, the pump dispensers that nail salons use so kids can't squirt each other, and a media monitor that runs a looping video on how to clean your cell phone and chromebookChromebook. The solution we are using will consist of 50% isopropyl alcohol (diluted with distilled water) and dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (409), we got the recipe from firefly. https://fireflycomputers.com/2020/03/how-to-sanitize-a-chromebook/
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You can use mild bleach wipes on the keyboard and all the other non-screen parts. For the screens, we recommend nothing but a slightly damp cotton cloth.
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We use a concentration of 50% Isopropyl Alcohol(99%) and 50% Distilled Water.
UV Sanitizer
Cordless devices like the HygenX Vray work well but do take several minutes to sanitize a device