EXPERT OPINION: HOW TO KEEP MONITORS DISINFECTED (PART 3)  Disinfecting by Technology

EXPERT OPINION: HOW TO KEEP MONITORS DISINFECTED (PART 3) Disinfecting by Technology

Make sure that you have the correct touchscreen before following the below steps for sanitizing.

Step 2 - Disinfecting by Technology
Step 2 - Disinfecting by Technology

Make sure that you have the correct touchscreen before following the below steps. It is important to follow the correct procedures for sanitizing your touchscreen in order to maximize their lifespan without damage. In case you are not sure which type of touchscreen you have, check your product manual or get in touch with specialists.

Resistive
Resistive

Resistive technology has one of the best reputations for durability. Resistive touch panels go through a series of processes when they are being built, including a hot hydrochloric acid bath, followed by a hot lye bath. These screens are able to withstand opposite ends of the pH balance, which makes them resilient.

However, those with plastic film have an air vent to equalize pressure on one of the edges. Getting any liquid on the vent can damage the display module.

Disinfecting steps
Disinfecting steps
  • Use a soft lint-free cloth, such as a microfiber cloth.
  • Slightly dampen the cloth with a mild cleaner. For example, you can use a 50% isopropyl alcohol mixed in 50% water solution, a neutral detergent or ethanol. A small amount of hand sanitizer can work as well.
  • Wipe the surface gently; if there is a directional surface texture, wipe in the same direction as the texture. If not, gently wipe it in small circles.
  • Make sure that all of the cleaning solution is off the screen after it has been cleaned. If you leave any, it can leave streaks or residue.

Note:

  • Never apply cleaner directly to the touch panel surface; if the cleaner is spilled onto the touch panel, soak it up immediately with an absorbent cloth.
  • The cleaner must be neither acidic nor alkaline (neutral pH). Never use organic chemicals such as paint thinner, acetone, toluene, xylene, propy, isopropyl alcohol or kerosene. Use of incorrect cleaners can result in optical impairment of touch panel and/or damage to functionality.
  • When using cleaner, avoid contact with the edges of the film or glass.
Projected-Capacitive
Projected-Capacitive

PCAP technology is even more durable, thanks to being built with a glass cover. Cover glass has countless advantages including an incredible lifespan. Speaking from a chemical standpoint, glass is virtually indestructible; PCAP screens can withstand both industrial chemicals and household products such as acetone, hexane, laundry detergent, etc.

Disinfecting steps
Disinfecting steps
  • Using a soft microfiber cloth dampened with a 50% isopropyl alcohol mixed in 50% water solution, or a disinfectant product such as a small amount of hand sanitizer gently wipe the touchscreen clean. Ammonia based glass cleaners (typically 5-10% ammonia), 1: 100 bleach: water solution, or 75% alcohol can also be used to clean the surface of PCAP touch screens.
  • Wipe the screen and edges dry.
  • Make sure the glass and screen edges dry completely before using the device.

Note:

  • Do not use sharp objects to clean around the edges of the touchscreen.
  • Avoid contact with the edges of the film or glass, and with the flex tail.
  • Do not use abrasive cleaning products that will scratch glass.
Surface Aucoustic Wave
Surface Aucoustic Wave

SAW touchscreens is also simple to sanitize, as it has solid glass on top. For touchscreens on SAW technology you must follow the same disinfecting steps as for PCAP touch screens.

Disinfecting steps
Disinfecting steps
  • Using a soft microfiber cloth dampened with a 50% isopropyl alcohol mixed in 50% water solution, or a disinfectant product such as a small amount of hand sanitizer gently wipe the touchscreen clean. Ammonia based glass cleaners (typically 5-10% ammonia), 1: 100 bleach: water solution, or 75% alcohol can also be used to clean the surface of PCAP touch screens.
  • Wipe the screen and edges dry.
  • Make sure the glass and screen edges dry completely before using the device.

Note:

  • Do not use sharp objects to clean around the edges of the touchscreen.
  • Avoid contact with the edges of the film or glass, and with the flex tail.
  • Do not use abrasive cleaning products that will scratch glass.
Infrared
Infrared

IR touchscreen might have a glass screen plus a bezel that needs to be watched out for during cleaning and disinfecting.

Learn more detail on IR technology here.
Disinfecting steps
Disinfecting steps
  • Using a soft microfiber cloth dampened with 70% isopropyl alcohol gently wipe the touchscreen clean. You can also use a small amount of hand sanitizer.
  • Wipe the screen and edges dry.
  • Make sure the glass and bezel edges dry completely before using the device.

Note:

  • Be careful not to saturate the infrared bezel around the outside frame of the monitor. If solution gets in, it can damage the touchscreen functionality.
  • Do not use sharp objects to clean around the edges of the touchscreen. This can damage the bezel.
  • Application of cleaning fluids directly to the glass surface or IR filters may result in the penetration of fluids and flooding of the electronics.
Finishing touches
Finishing touches
  1. Using a dry portion of the microfiber cloth, gently wipe the touch screen and edges off to remove any lingering cleaning solution. Give the screen a minute or two to air dry, and then wipe it off with the dry portion of the cloth once more.
  2. Once the screen is completely dry, plug it back in and turn it on. Let the device stand for half an hour to let the alcohol residue to evaporate, before using the device again.
  3. Wash the microfiber cloth. To wash the microfiber cloth, soak it in warm, soapy water. The warm water serves to open the fibers and release the grime that may have gathered. Make sure you wash it without a fabric softener, as that can transfer a film to the touch screen, and contradict what you are trying to accomplish. Scrub the cloth lightly while soaking it (not too hard or you will damage the cloth). After soaking, avoid squeezing out any excess water, let the cloth out to air dry or just blow dry it.
  4. Discard the face mask, towels used, and gloves appropriately as healthcare waste.
Writen by: Marc Lopez Montenegro, Industrial Engineer
Project manager of the production department Marc received his masters in Industrial engineering from the University of Girona and Sigma Clermont. His scientific interests focus on mechanical design and non-standard machines, including theoretical analysis of automatic systems and enhancing of manufacturing processes. He is also interested in developing of technical instructions that are comprehensive but which describe complex technical industrial processes.
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