A person wearing blue gloves and wiping down a computer screen.

How to Disinfect the High-Touch Surfaces of Electronic Equipment

Think about how much time you spend handling electronics. From keyboards and phones to copiers and headsets, we use them constantly in both our professional and personal lives.

Electronic equipment is a major spreading source of germs and bacteria. Studies show that keyboards, phones, mice, and other equipment can be up to 10x dirtier than a toilet seat. With flu season in full swing and COVID still hanging around, it is more important than ever to disinfect these high touch areas. Not only does disinfecting equipment help prevent the spread of illness, but it also helps protect equipment from damage resulting from the buildup of dust, grime, and dirt.

What Chemicals Can Be Used on Electronics?

So, you know you need to clean your electronics, but what chemicals are safe for use on them? Although many claim to be safe for electronics, be sure that you are choosing one that is designed specifically for electronic equipment. One safe disinfectant for electronics is isopropyl alcohol. It is effective at killing germs and bacteria, and generally safe for most types of electronics. Another effective and electronics safe disinfectant is hydrogen peroxide. Be sure to get hydrogen peroxide that is at least 3 percent to get the best results. 

What NOT To Do When Disinfecting Electronics

When cleaning and disinfecting electronics, not only is it important to use the right chemicals, but it is also important that you don’t do a few things that could damage your equipment or be ineffective at disinfecting.

  • Don’t use any disinfectants that aren’t designed for disinfecting electronics.
  • Don’t submerge your equipment in any liquids.
  • Don’t rely on UV light for disinfecting. Not only is it not proven effective, but UV light can damage sensitive surfaces, like LCD screens.
  • Don’t use compressed air to clean equipment. This can actually force dirt and dust into the equipment causing damage.

How Often Should I Disinfect Electronic Equipment?

It is essential to disinfect equipment on a regular basis, especially if it is handled by multiple people. If someone uses the equipment that is ill, you should disinfect it as soon as possible. In addition, it should be disinfected if it comes into contact with bodily fluids, like saliva or blood. 

Routine cleaning helps prevent the spread of illness and reduce the number of sick days, as well as improve productivity and morale in the workforce. It also extends the life of your equipment because dirt and grime aren’t allowed to build up causing damage over time. 

Do You Need Professional Help?

At Fresh Focus we understand how important keeping a clean and healthy environment is. We specialize in cleaning and disinfecting commercial spaces, including large residential housing communities. It’s more important than ever to make your residents, customers, and employees feel safe by prioritizing disinfection. We offer general wipedown services, preventative disinfecting services, and reactive disinfecting services. To learn more about our disinfection services, visit us online at https://freshfocus.com/disinfection/.