We’re all trying to keep our hands clean during the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak. We’re washing our hands as often as we can, especially after touching surfaces where the virus could be lurking. At a grocery store or convenience store, a point of sale (POS) terminal or PIN pad is one place where a person could potentially pass on the coronavirus. Customer after customer using credit, debit or SNAP cards stand near the terminal, maybe sneezing or coughing, and touch the PIN pad or stylus, which could create an opportunity for COVID-19 to spread.

I get questions every day about how to clean POS terminals, and, unfortunately, I’ve had a few calls for service after attempts at cleaning caused terminals to malfunction.

Here’s some advice for how to clean a POS terminal effectively — without destroying it:

Choose the right disinfectant: When it comes to disinfecting electronics, you don’t have many choices. Most EPA-recommended options for household disinfectants are too harsh to use to clean POS terminals or PIN pads. The terminal may look like a simple piece of equipment, but it’s actually pretty complex. The components won’t last if you use harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or hydrogen peroxide.

So, what can you use? The best option is a 70% to 90% isopropyl alcohol solution.  

Don’t spray or pour: You wouldn’t pour or splash any kind of liquid on your computer. Treat your POS terminal the same way. To clean a POS terminal, dampen a soft cloth with the alcohol solution and wipe the device, rather than spraying liquid on it.

Don’t scrub or rub: You need to clean POS terminals gently. If you shake the device when you scrub it or cause a static electricity discharge when you rub it, it can cause internal damage or a tamper alert. Worst-case scenario: you need to replace the device.  

Clean between customers: Your customers want to know you take their health and well-being seriously, and they may be comforted to see you wiping the PIN pad between uses. The most effective way to do this is for the cashier to use an alcohol wipe immediately after a customer uses it, so it has time to dry before the next person uses it. This is thought to be the most effective way to disinfect a surface. 

A word of caution: Be careful about having your cashiers reuse the same rag all day to clean your POS terminals or other commonly touched surfaces — it could harbor the virus and even put your cashiers at risk for catching COVID-19. 

Thorough cleaning: It’s smart to give electronic equipment thorough cleanings from time to time. Dirt can build up on them, which makes disinfectants less effective. The best way to clean POS terminals thoroughly is, first, to unplug them, then gently clean them using a clean microfiber cloth and pH-neutral soap to remove debris. Follow this by wiping with a 70% to 90% alcohol solution. If your device has a touchscreen, wipe it gently, but don’t press hard, which will damage it.  

Some manufacturers offer cleaning wipes or kits you can use safely on their devices. Use them with caution. They may be designed to clean smudges or fingerprints from touchscreens, but not necessarily meant to disinfect devices from something like the coronavirus. Make sure if you’re putting the time into cleaning POS terminals that it’s actually doing some good. Whether it comes to how to clean POS terminals, other advice you need during the coronavirus crisis or help you need keeping your POS system and your business running, remember you can always contact us at GBT.