Sanitizing Credit Card Terminals & POS Systems
The Point of Sale (POS) is a high-traffic area, often touched by employees and customers throughout the day. Regular cleaning and maintenance help protect your equipment, reduce wear and tear, and maintain a hygienic environment. Here’s a quick guide to cleaning and disinfecting POS systems and credit card terminals effectively.
What Is The Difference Between Cleaning & Disinfecting?
Cleaning removes dirt, dust, oils, and other surface contaminants.
Disinfecting uses an approved chemical to kill germs, bacteria, and viruses on a surface.
A popular disinfecting agent is Isopropyl alcohol (IPA). Concentrations of 60% or higher are effective at reducing microbial growth. However, not all original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) recommend IPA for all devices, so always check your equipment manuals before using any cleaning agents.
How to Clean Your POS Equipment:
There are many cleaning products designed specifically for POS housings, touch screens, keypads, thermal printers, and more. While each device may have slightly different guidelines, here are some general tips:
- Remember to always use OEM-approved cleaning products.
- When possible, turn off the device prior to cleaning.
- Never spray any product directly onto a surface - instead, spray on to a cloth first, and then wipe clean.
- Be sure to use a microfiber cloth, as paper products can scratch surfaces or leave fibers behind, and dispose after each use.
- Never reuse a cloth or rag, as they can harbor bacteria and viruses.
- Always follow the recommended usage instructions.
Recommended POS Device Cleaning Products:
| Products with IPA: | SKU: | Works Best With: |
|---|---|---|
| 99.7% IPA Electronics Cleaning Wipes, 7" x 8" Individually Packaged (100 Wipes) | K2-WIT100 | All Purpose |
| 70% IPA Device Cleaning Wipes, 5" x 6" Individually Packaged (50 Wipes) | K2-WST50IPA70 | All Purpose |
| 70% IPA Cleaning Kit (10" x 11.8" Wipes & Bottle of IPA) | K2-KEC70T2 | All Purpose |
| 70% IPA Canister Cleaning Wipes (100 Wipes) | K2-WC100IPA70 | All Purpose |
| 99% IPA Electronics Cleaning Snap Swab, 4.5" (25 Swabs) | K2-SPS75B25 | Keyboards / Pin Pads |
| Products without IPA: | SKU: | Works Best With: |
|---|---|---|
| CleanCide Canister Cleaning & Disinfecting Wipes (100 Wipes) | K2-WC100CC | All Purpose |
| Screen Cleaning Wipes, 7" x 8" Individually Packaged (50 Wipes) | K2-WVT50 | Screens |
| Screen Cleaning Wipes, 7" x 8" Individually Packaged (100 Wipes) | K2-WVT100 | Screens |
| EZ View Screen Wipes, Dual Wet/Dry Solution Wipes (25 Packs) | K2-WDT25 | Screens |
| 3 1/8" Grab-n-Go Point of Sale Cleaning Kit (5 Kits) | KW3-KPOS3N1 | Entire POS System |
| 2 1/4" Grab-n-Go Point of Sale Cleaning Kit (5 Kits) | KW3-KPOS2N1 | Entire POS System |
Other Protective Products:
Keeping your POS area clean also includes protective accessories:
- Card Reader Cleaning Cards with IPA remove residue buildup from credit card swipes, reducing card errors and helping your equipment run smoothly.
- Keypad Covers for terminals help prevent wear and make cleaning easier.
Regular cleaning and proper maintenance help your equipment last longer and ensure a smooth, reliable experience for employees and customers.