A Care Provider's Guide to Cleaning Computers & Mobile Devices

Cleaning and Sanitizing Electronic Devices

Living through the COVID pandemic, we know all too well that viruses can live on hard surfaces for days. Virtually every residential care, supported living and adult day service is going to have their own cleaning protocols to keep their care settings, staff, and people they support safe. Part of this cleaning protocol should be a consistent disinfecting routine for any hardware care staff use. This is especially important if devices are shared.

Alcohol-based cleaning products should have 70% isopropyl alcohol at minimum. Because alcohol evaporates quickly, this solution prevents moisture setting in and causing damage to your electronic devices. 

Cleaning Supplies

To clean your mobile devices and computers safely, you will need at least one of the following:

• A sanitizer spray that is 70% isopropyl alcohol mixed with 30% purified water
• Anti-bacterial wipes
• Your own DIY cleaning spray using a 1:1 ratio of vinegar and water
• Microfibre cloths (can be machine-washed at high temperatures to kill bacteria and re-used)
• Can of compressed air 

Common Mistakes

Be sure to avoid some of these common mistakes people make when cleaning and sanitizing hardware: 

• Spraying or pouring cleaning solutions directly onto a device
• Using normal hand sanitiser or harsh chemicals to clean devices
• Getting the inside of charging ports and headphone jacks wet 
• Wiping aggressively 
• Using any towel or cloth with rough fabric 
• Re-using regular towels or re-using microfibre cloths that have not been washed
• Not shutting down or turning off the device before sanitizing 

How to Safely Disinfect Your Computers

1. Shut down your laptop or desktop computers. Unplug power cables if connected.
2. Spray sanitizer onto the cloth – it should be damp and not dripping. Alternatively, get a wet wipe. 
3. Gently wipe the screens in a circular motion.
4. If dirt has accumulated inside the keyboard, turn it upside and give it a couple of shakes. Or, if you have a can of compressed air, use this to blow dust and dirt out of the keyboard.
5. Gently run your cloth of they keyboard and/or mouse. 
6. Give your desk a good wipe down as well, ensuring you clean handles if there are drawers.

How to Safely Disinfect Tablets & Smartphones

1. Turn the power device.
2. Disconnect any cables.
3. If there is a case on the device, remove it for now.
4. Spray sanitizer onto a cloth – it should be damp and not dripping. Alternatively, get a wet wipe. 
5. Gently wipe screens in a circular motion. 
6. Gently wipe the back and sides of all devices in a bath-and-forth motion. 
7. Wipe entire case (if plastic or silicone - leather or other cloth cases are not suitable for cleaning this way), ensuring you’ve covered the corners.
8. Let the device air dry for at least 5 minutes to ensure alcohol has evaporated. 
9. Wipe down any accessories that get used (i.e. chargers, headphones, stands, bluetooth keyboards)
10. If dirt has accumulated in the charging port of any device, gently roll a dry cotton swab in the affected area. Be careful not to push it inside as this may damage the device.
11. If there are any wet spots that aren’t drying, wipe them down with a dry cloth or paper towel. 

StoriiCare Support

Our dedicated team of friendly professionals are here to offer our clients free technical support. Aside from tips on how to safely clean and sanitize your devices, we can offer guidance on selecting suitable hardware for your care setting. If you have a technical question or require support using StoriiCare, use Live Chat or take advantage of the other contact options in the Support section of your account.