It’s easy to forget the influence a credit card machine can have on the spread of any sickness, but Corona-virus has reminded us to sanitize even the smallest things!
The main reasons why businesses should clean their card machines:
1. To prevent the spread of germs
Seems logical right? Think about it, customer after customer – holding the terminal with their hands – sliding or entering their card into the machine – entering their PINs using the same buttons. And to top it off, you have employee after employee ripping off a receipt, touching the keypad to assist customers, moving it on and off and around the counter. It’s endless!
2. To prolong the life of the device
Technology is delicate and let’s face it – it doesn’t last forever. Dirt and grime that slip through the small cracks of a credit card machine can cause sudden or gradual issues. Debris and dirt can take up residence in between the crevasses of the PIN pad buttons and inside the card slot. To help your credit card machine live a longer and fuller life, clean it!
NOW WAIT!
Before you jump right into cleaning your credit card machine we have some helpful DO’s and DON’Ts to help you along the way.
DO’s
- Read your manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning the credit card machine for the first time. The instructions might include the cleaning process and products that should be used.
- Unplug the machine from the power socket and if possible, switch off the terminal.
- Rub the exterior of the credit card machine with a wipe or cloth – one surface at a time. If any part of the machine gets too wet, immediately wipe it with a dry cloth or paper towel.
- Be thorough in the areas around the buttons and where customers and employees tend to grab the machine.
- Use the cleaning card (see your manufacturer’s instructions) for the chip and swipe slots. You can purchase them here!
- Wash your hands once you have finished and turn the credit card machine back on.
DON’Ts
- Do not spray any kind of liquid directly on to the credit card machine.
- Do not use an overly moist disinfecting wipe. Wring out the wipe before using it on your credit card machine. If it is too wet, the wipe can lead liquid on your machine.
- Do not expose any openings to moisture. Moisture can seep into the card slot or the gaps around the buttons and cause damage to internal machinery.
- Do not use Bleach, hydrogen peroxide, thinner, trichloroethylene, or ketone-based solvents – they can deteriorate plastic and rubber.
- IMPORTANT: Do not vigorously scrub or shake the terminal. This is to prevent a tampering trigger alert and damage.
