If you’ve recently invested in a point-of-sale (POS) system like the Clover Station 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.
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. 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 this guide, we’ll discuss the best ways to clean and sanitize your Clover POS, as well as a few types of cleaning agents you’ll want to keep far away from all your touchscreens.
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.
- 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.
- 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. 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 the alcohol-treated cloth.
Although the manufacturer’s instructions indicate you shouldn’t frequently — if ever — need to clean the inside of your Clover Station 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.
- 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.
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.
