While governments and health care system across the globe are trying to stop the spreading of COVID-19 and control pandemic outbreaks, it is important to ensure touchscreens are cleaned and disinfected regularly. Cleaning refers to the removal of germs, dirt, and impurities from the touchscreen surface that can accumulate over time and may interfere with the ability to perform touch commands. Disinfecting refers to using chemicals to eliminate bacteria.
A recent study found that the novel coronavirus can remain viable on plastic and stainless steel for up to 72 hours. A person can contract the virus by touching a contaminated surface, then touching his or her own mouth, nose, or eyes. Which makes disinfecting of “high touch surfaces” crucially important.
Most touchscreens are highly sensitive to chemicals applied to them. Which is why, it is important to follow the correct procedures for cleaning and disinfecting the touchscreen in order to avoid damage.
For cleaning and disinfecting surfaces with suspected or confirmed COVID19 the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control recommends using neutral detergents and virucidal disinfectants or 0.05% sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) and products based on ethanol (at least 70%).
Hand sanitizer can be used to clean almost all touch screens and their components. Glass cover touch screens and metal bezel can be cleaned using a standard ammonia-free glass cleaner. However, note that a regular glass cleaner isn't meant for disinfecting, so it's not killing germs like a true disinfectant would.
UV-C light cleaners that can kill airborne flu germs can be used for disinfecting as well. But UV-C penetrates superficially, and the light can’t get into gaps and holes.
Disinfectants recommended by the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Household bleach solution (1/3 cup bleach per gal. of water)
- Isopropyl alcohol (60%-70% solution)
Cleaning products approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):
- Clorox Disinfecting Wipes
- Clorox Healthcare Bleach Germicidal Wipes
- Clorox Commercial Solutions Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaner Disinfectant Wipes
- Lonza Disinfectant Wipes
- Lysol Brand Clean & Fresh Multi Surface Cleaner (20% cleaner solution to water ratio)
- Purell Professional Surface Disinfectant Wipes
- Sani-Cloth Prime Germicidal Disposable Wipes
