Keeping a Clean POS Device: Maximize the Life of Your Touchscreen

If you’ve recently invested in a point-of-sale (POS) system like the Clover Duo or Clover Mini for your business, you’re likely already enjoying the speed and organization Clover can provide. Clover’s POS systems log and categorize daily sales, automatically batch credit card payments, and help you generate a wide variety of sales and inventory reports, effectively simplifying your business by replacing multiple separate devices. However, swipes from multiple hands each day and hundreds — or thousands — of transactions a week can place a great deal of wear and tear on these systems and their sometimes-delicate touchscreen components. This is why keeping a clean pos device is so important. Maintaining a clean POS device brings significant benefits, such as improved efficiency, increased customer confidence, and allowing your staff to focus on delivering excellent service. Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial to keeping your POS system in good operating condition over the long term.

Balancing the need to frequently sanitize your touchscreen to prevent germ transfer between customers and avoiding moisture damage to your POS screen can also be a challenge when you’re not using the right type of cleaning materials. In addition to regular cleaning, encourage the use of contactless payments and hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol to reduce physical contact and promote safety. Using handheld POS devices and contactless payments can help maintain social distancing and improve hygiene, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fully integrated POS solutions, like CleanCloud, offer seamless payment options including online, in-store, and in-app payments, and many modern POS systems include an app for real-time management, order tracking, and communication. In this guide, we’ll discuss the best ways to keep a clean POS device, as well as a few types of cleaning agents you’ll want to keep far away from all your touchscreens.

Introduction to POS Devices

A point of sale (POS) device is the backbone of any modern dry cleaning or laundry business. More than just a cash register, today’s POS devices serve as the central hub for all business operations, from processing payments to managing orders and tracking inventory. For dry cleaners, a robust POS system is an all-in-one solution that replaces multiple standalone devices and systems, streamlines daily tasks, enhances customer communication, and provides valuable insights into sales trends and customer preferences. By integrating services such as order management, payment acceptance, and real-time reporting, a POS device helps businesses operate more efficiently and deliver a seamless experience to customers. Whether you’re handling walk-in laundry services or managing complex delivery schedules, a reliable POS system ensures your business runs smoothly and keeps your customers satisfied, especially when you take advantage of Clover’s newest POS devices for 2026 tailored to different business models, understand why outdated POS systems can run slowly and hurt efficiency, and see how Clover functions as the best POS system for furniture and specialty retail stores.

Types of POS Equipment

When it comes to choosing the right POS equipment for your dry cleaning business, there are several options to consider. Touch screen POS terminals are a popular choice for dry cleaners, offering an intuitive interface that makes it easy for staff to select services, update pricing, and process transactions quickly. For businesses that offer delivery or pickup services, handheld POS devices provide the flexibility to accept payments and manage orders on the go, ensuring convenience for both employees and customers, especially with Clover Flex, the ultimate handheld POS system. Many modern POS systems also feature integrated card readers, allowing customers to pay by credit or debit card with ease. When selecting POS equipment, it’s important to prioritize durability, user-friendliness, and compatibility with your existing business systems to ensure a smooth transition and reliable performance.

Importance of Cleaning for Point of Sale

Maintaining clean POS equipment is essential for protecting public safety and ensuring a healthy environment for both employees and customers. In dry cleaning businesses, where POS devices are frequently touched throughout the day, regular cleaning helps prevent the spread of germs and keeps your equipment in top condition. The best approach is to use a damp cloth for wiping down surfaces, paired with an alcohol-based cleaner that effectively sanitizes without damaging sensitive components. Avoid using harsh chemicals like ketone-based solvents or bleach, as these can harm your equipment and pose risks to users. Be sure to clean all parts of your POS devices, including screens, keyboards, and card readers, and allow them to dry completely before use. By making regular cleaning and sanitizing part of your routine, you help protect your team and customers while extending the life of your POS equipment.

What Are the Best Ways to Clean a POS Touchscreen?

Cleaning your touchscreen POS system is the number one thing you can do to lengthen its lifespan. Sanitizing all the components of your POS has several advantages, including

• Longer-lasting equipment: The more a screen gets touched, the more dirt builds up on the glass surface. As a film begins to form, the screen’s sensitivity can decrease. By cleaning the screen, you can ensure the touchscreen maintains its lightning precision. By keeping dirt and oils out of the hardware, you can protect its mechanical and electrical components. Regular cleaning routines can also save time by preventing buildup and reducing the need for deep cleaning.

• Better impressions: Keeping your business clean and organized is an essential practice. Because touchscreens have a shiny glass texture, it’s easy to spot when they aren’t clean. While Clover’s screens have an anti-fingerprint, oil-repellent coating, smudges can still crop up. A shiny touchscreen makes a positive impression on customers. Visible cleanliness of POS equipment can help put customers at ease and encourage them to return.

• Improved safety: Many people swiping away on your POS system each day is something to celebrate. After all, it means more sales and a bustling business — but it also means more germs. Your POS touchscreen is one of the most touched areas in your store. Keep your employees and customers healthy by sanitizing your system regularly.

Clover has recently updated their cleaning procedures for all Clover POS devices, including the Clover Duo dual-screen POS system. Here’s the safest and most effective way to clean most Clover touchscreen POS systems:

1. Gather Supplies

Here’s what you’ll need to clean and disinfect your POS, so you can keep on swiping:

• Disposable gloves

• Isopropyl alcohol with 70% to 90% concentration

• Spray bottle

• Soft, lint-free cloth

• Bowl of water

2. Power Down

Before you embark on any POS cleaning or maintenance, you’ll want to power off and unplug your POS. Powering down ensures wiping down the touchscreen won’t inadvertently trigger a transaction. Plus, it will protect your POS’s internal components from water damage and eliminate.

3. Start With Water

Before disinfecting your POS device, you’ll want to clean away dirt and smudges with water. Your cloth needs to be damp, not wet. Clover suggests lightly dipping your microfiber cloth in the bowl of water. Wipe down the screen, taking care not to get any water on ports or buttons.

3. Disinfect the Screen

Next, using your spray bottle, spray the Isopropyl alcohol directly on the cleaning cloth. Do not spray anything onto the device itself. Gently wipe the display touchscreen to sanitize it. Follow up with a dry towel to mop up any excess moisture. Be careful not to allow any moisture to enter the card swiping mechanism. Use a dry cloth to clean the credit card swiper, buttons, cable connections, and dip slots. If there is any dirt, dust or debris inside the card swiper, you’ll want to use only a dry paper towel to remove it.

4. Wipe Down the Rest of the Equipment

Wipe the display’s swivel arm and the top and sides of its base with your damp cloth to remove any dust or surface stains. The top and sides of your POS printer can also be wiped down with an alcohol-treated cloth. Although the manufacturer’s instructions indicate you shouldn’t frequently — if ever — need to clean the inside of your Clover Duo printer, if you do decide to clean it, you’ll want to do so only with a dry cloth or paper towel — never with water. If water — or another liquid — has breached the seals of your printer, you’ll want to contact Clover for additional direction before trying to clean the printer yourself, short of simply sopping up the excess liquid.

5. Let It Dry

To avoid any electrical issues, wait for the device to be 100% dry before powering back on. Once your device is dry, plug it back in and start it up. You’re ready to start swiping and taping away.

6. Repeat Daily

Believe it or not, your touchscreen will begin to look dirty again. Dirt, dust and germs invisible to the eye can build up without you realizing. While your POS technology is built to last, the more you can do to keep it clean, the longer it will last. Keeping it clean will also help limit the spread of germs.

What Cleaning Agents May Be Harmful to Your Clover POS?

The advent of touchscreen tablets, cell phones and other electronic devices has led to a boom in the touchscreen-cleaning market – however, not all touchscreens are created equally. It’s crucial to review your owner’s manual before purchasing any merchandise that promises to leave your touchscreens clean and sanitized. Depending on your touchscreen’s specific components, products marketed as “touchscreen-friendly” may not be.
Clover advises specifically against the use of abrasive cleaners or solvents on its touchscreens or other components. Some of the materials used during the manufacturing process are sensitive to harsh chemicals, such as ammonia, and may become corroded or weakened upon even a single exposure. No matter what you use to clean your device, avoid excess moisture to protect the equipment. Take extra care around seams, buttons and openings to avoid getting them wet.

What Else Should You Do to Keep Your Clover POS in Good Working Condition?

Keeping your equipment clean will no doubt keep your system up and running. Maintaining your POS technology can help keep your device from malfunctioning or wearing out. Here are some tips for maintaining your POS.

• Equipment maintenance: Your tech can use a check-up now and then. When you lease your Clover POS system from VMS, we cover you with a lifetime warranty. If something appears to be wrong with your POS system, reach out to your Clover support specialist for troubleshooting and maintenance, and be prepared with a plan for handling Clover POS outages and downtime so your business can keep operating.

• Daily spot check: Check your screen every day for nicks, scratches, and dirt. If you see anything, be proactive with repairs. A small crack in the display can spread, leaving you without a POS when you need it. Another daily check you can do is authorize a $1.00 test card charge. You’ll know if something goes wrong, so you can avoid errors when accepting your customer’s payments.

• No food rule: Although you can’t necessarily control the cleanliness of your customers, you can take efforts to minimize wear and tear on your Clover POS. Consider prohibiting employees who operate the device from storing food or beverages near it or using it while eating lunch or a snack. Minimizing the stickiness or greasiness of fingers can go a long way toward extending the time needed between cleanings.

Modern POS systems also support robust inventory management capabilities, allowing you to track supplies and receive alerts when inventory is running low—Clover’s POS system offers this feature to help you avoid shortages. Managing your customer list is essential for segmenting and targeting groups with personalized marketing campaigns, increasing engagement through email, SMS, or push notifications. Following a schedule for employee shifts and organizing pickup and delivery routines is crucial for smooth operations, and POS systems can help manage these schedules efficiently. Platforms like CleanCloud and Cleantie provide tools to manage pickup and delivery operations from one dashboard, streamlining order management and dispatching. Using apps, such as Cleantie’s customer app for on-demand pickup and delivery or their POS app for business management, enhances convenience for both customers and staff. A fully integrated POS system can also connect with accounting packages like QuickBooks for seamless bookkeeping and automate marketing flows, as seen in CleanCloud, to help engage customers and drive revenue.

Security and Support

For any dry cleaning business, choosing a POS system with strong security features is crucial to protect customer data and maintain trust. Look for systems that offer end-to-end encryption and secure payment processing to safeguard sensitive information during every transaction, like secure point-of-sale credit card processing that supports multiple payment types. Regular software updates are also important to defend against emerging threats and keep your operations running smoothly. In addition to security, comprehensive support is key—select a POS provider that offers resources like online guides, phone support, and on-site training to help your team get the most out of your system. With the right combination of security and support, you can streamline your business operations, operate efficiently, and deliver a safe, reliable experience for your customers. Investing in a high-quality POS system and following best practices for cleaning and maintenance will help your dry cleaning business thrive and build lasting customer confidence.

Keep on Swiping With VMS

At Velocity Merchant Services, we’re proud to be partnered with Clover to give our customers the best in POS technology. With more ways to pay, you can encourage contactless payment options to keep your POS system even cleaner. By cleaning your device and taking the right precautions, you can extend the life of your POS touchscreen. If anything does go wrong with your device, we’ve got you covered. Our free next day shipping means you can get a replacement system whenever you need it. If you’ve got any maintenance or repair concerns, feel free to reach out to our dedicated 24/7 support team