Center for Information Technology

Recommendations and Procedure for Sanitizing Computer Equipment

Equipment in shared and public locations should be frequently disinfected. The following information provides CIT’s guidance on how to disinfect high-touch electronic equipment. 

High-touch electronic equipment includes computers, computer accessories, printers and copiers (hereafter referred to as “equipment”). Equipment in shared and public locations should be frequently disinfected. When cleaning electronics it is important to follow the manufacturer recommendations for specific cleaning requirements.

Recommendations

  • Supply hand sanitizer near equipment and encourage its use before and after touching equipment.
  • Sanitize equipment after use by each individual, or as often as possible.
  • Do not recommend or allow untrained users or personnel to clean equipment themselves.
  • Do not attempt to sanitize a screen. This will damage the screen. Fingerprints may be wiped off with a dry microfiber cloth.
  • Do not use cleaners not on the approved list below. Avoid disinfectants which contain bleach or abrasives.

Cleaning Procedure

  1. Wear disposable gloves when cleaning and disinfecting surfaces.
  2. Turn off the equipment and disconnect AC power. Remove batteries from items like wireless keyboards. Never clean a product while it is powered on or plugged in. Disconnect any external devices.
  3. If using a spray cleaner, do not spray directly onto computer equipment. Moisten a microfiber cloth. Do not use fibrous materials, such as paper towels or toilet paper. The cloth should be moist, but not dripping.
  4. Gently wipe the surfaces to be disinfected. Do not allow moisture to drip into areas like ports, vents, between/under keyboard keys, or onto display screens.
  5. To disinfect, allow the surface to remain visibly wet for a minimum of 15 seconds. Equipment may then be dried with another microfiber cloth, or allowed to air dry.
  6. Ensure surfaces have completely air-dried before turning the equipment back on. No moisture should be visible on the surfaces of the equipment before it is powered on.
  7. Gloves should be discarded after each cleaning. Clean hands immediately after gloves are removed.

Approved Disinfectants

  • Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes with excess liquid wrung out
  • Wipes or cleaners containing 70% alcohol