Technical Support – Touchscreen Cleaning

Cleaning Methods for Elo Touchscreens (COVID-19)

Updated: March 24, 2020

This technical bulletin describes the recommended cleaning and disinfecting procedure for Elo products relative to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Included are recommended disinfectant products that are safe for use with Elo products and approved by the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Cleaning and disinfecting are two steps. Cleaning removes dirt, grease, dust and other contaminants. Disinfecting is a separate process that uses a chemical designed to destroy bacteria.

Cleaning your Elo Product

  1. To prepare for cleaning the touchscreen, power down the device (if possible), or ensure your on-screen software can tolerate false touches while you clean.
  2. Do not get liquids inside the unit. Do not spray the Elo product directly. Instead, use wet wipes, a sprayed cloth or a dampened cloth with the excess moisture squeezed off.
  3. Select only non-abrasive cleaning wipes or cloths to avoid scratching touchscreens.
  4. Avoid highly concentrated alcohol (> 70%), non-diluted bleach or ammonia solutions, as these may cause discoloration.
  5. Wipe the surfaces with the appropriate wipes or cloths and approved cleaning products, and allow them to dry.

Disinfecting your Elo Product

  1. To prepare for disinfecting the touchscreen, power down the device (if possible) or ensure your on-screen software can tolerate false touches while you clean.
  2. Dampen a new clean, non-abrasive cloth with a disinfectant chosen from the list below. Ensure excess liquid is squeezed from the cloth. You may also use recommended pre-dampened wipes.
  3. Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Many manufacturers require the surface to remain wet for a few minutes, so continuous wiping might be required.
  4. Disinfect the surfaces by wiping them with the cloth or wipe, and allow the surface to dry.
  5. For disinfectant solutions that are safe for use with Elo products, see below.

US CDC-recommended disinfectant solutions safe for Elo products

  • Household bleach solution (1/3 cup of bleach per gal. of water)
  • Isopropyl alcohol (≤ 70% alcohol)

More information from the CDC on disinfecting procedures for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) can be found here:

US EPA-recommended disinfectants safe for Elo products (including registration number)

  • Clorox Disinfecting Wipes
  Reg. No. 5813-79
  • Clorox Healthcare Bleach Germicidal Wipes
  Reg. No. 67619-12
  • Clorox Commercial Solutions Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaner Disinfectant Wipes
  Reg. No. 67619-25
  • Lonza Disinfectant Wipes
  Reg. No. 6836-313
  • Lysol Brand Clean & Fresh Multi Surface Cleaner (20% cleaner solution to water ratio)
  Reg. No. 777-89
  • Purell Professional Surface Disinfectant Wipes
  Reg. No. 84150-1
  • Sani-Cloth Prime Germicidal Disposable Wipes
  Reg. No. 9480-12

More information from the EPA on recommended disinfectants for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) can be found here: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2

Do NOT use the following materials when cleaning/disinfecting your Elo product

  • Isopropyl Alcohol at concentration > 70%
  • Methyl Alcohol or Ethyl Alcohol at concentration > 35%
  • Thinner or benzine
  • Strong alkali lyes
  • Strong solvents
  • Acids
  • Detergents with fluoride
  • Detergents with ammonia at concentration > 1.6%
  • Abrasive cleaners
  • Detergents with abrasives
  • Formula 409
  • Steel wool
  • Sponges with abrasives
  • Steel blades
  • Cloth with steel threads

Contact Information: For technical support or help with this procedure, please call 844-435-6832 or email elotech@elotouch.com. If not in the North American region, may also contact the technical support group for your area here: Contact Technical Support.