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CAL Distance Learning Resource Portal » Sanitizing Student Technology

Sanitizing Student Technology

 
Taking Care of Your Chromebook

 

Bacteria and germs often lurk in a variety of office equipment, including keyboards, mice, monitors and phones, and are easily transferred by hand contact. This contamination can pose health risks for you and your family. Sanitize your computer to prevent the spread of bacteria and disease. The process only requires a few simple things.

 

Sanitizing a Computer:

 

1. Turn off the computer you want to disinfect and then unplug the power cord running from the computer to the electrical outlet or power strip.

 

2. Disconnect the monitor, keyboard and optical mouse from each desktop computer and remove any batteries installed in the devices. If you are sanitizing a laptop, close the laptop and remove the battery from the bottom of the computer if removable. Open the laptop after disconnecting the battery.

 

3. Remove dirt, dust and crumbs from the keyboard by using a can of compressed air. Hold the can approximately 6 inches from the keyboard and spray along the perimeter of each key.

 

4. Sanitize the keyboard by using a disinfectant wipe or a soft, linen-free cloth dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Rub the cloth or wipe on the top and sides of each key and then clean the surface and bottom of the keyboard thoroughly. Use a new disinfectant wipe or cloth to clean the mouse. Allow some time to dry before use.

 

5. Dampen a microfiber cloth with plain water. Gently wipe the computer monitor to remove dirt and fingerprints. Avoid placing pressure on the screen. Pushing on the screen can damage the pixels of a flat-screen monitor. Sanitize the monitor by using a disinfectant wipe specifically designed for LCD and laptop screens.

 

Sanitizing a Phone:

 

1. Unplug the phone from the power source.

 

2. Remove dirt from the keypad and speaker by using a can of compressed air. Hold the can approximately 6 inches from the surface when spraying.

 

3. Wipe the entire surface of the phone by using a bleach-free disinfectant wipe or a soft cloth dabbed in isopropyl alcohol. Use a separate cloth or disinfectant wipe to clean the entire surface of the headset, including the speaker and microphone.
 

Things Needed:

Soft cloths

Isopropyl alcohol or bleach-free disinfectant wipes
 

Warnings:

Wash your hands prior to sanitizing the electronics.

Do not use excess force when cleaning the keyboard, mouse or monitor.

Never use bleach or abrasive cleaning products to disinfect the computers and phones. Bleach can cause damage, including discoloration and fading.