Updated: 3 April 2020

This technical bulletin describes the recommended cleaning and disinfecting procedure for Zytronic glass touch sensors relative to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Included are recommended disinfectant products that are safe for use with Zytronic glass touch sensors and which are generally regarded as being effective.

Cleaning and disinfecting are two distinct steps. Cleaning removes dirt, grease, dust and other contaminants. Disinfecting is a separate process that uses a chemical designed to destroy bacteria and enveloped viruses (such as coronavirus).

It is recommended that the procedure for cleaning surfaces suggested by the Health & Safety Executive: https://coshh-tool.hse.gov.uk/assets/live/sr04.pdf is followed, and that appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is used, to minimise risk to the person cleaning the touchscreen from the chemicals used.

The frequency of cleaning the Zytronic glass touch sensor will be dependent upon the use and location of the touchscreen device and should be determined by the equipment owner.

Cleaning your Zytronic touch sensor (glass)

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.

If your kiosk or terminal is not fully sealed against liquid ingress, you should avoid spraying the Zytronic touch sensor directly. Instead, use wet wipes, a sprayed cloth or a dampened cloth with the excess moisture squeezed off.

Select only non-abrasive cleaning wipes or cloths to avoid scratching touchscreens.

Avoid highly concentrated alcohol (100%), non-diluted bleach or ammonia solutions, as these may cause discoloration and may evaporate too quickly to be effective.

Wipe the surfaces with the appropriate wipes or cloths and suggested cleaning products and allow them to dry.

Disinfecting your Zytronic touch sensor (glass)

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.

If your kiosk or terminal is not fully sealed against liquid ingress, you should avoid spraying the Zytronic touch sensor directly. Instead, use wet wipes, a sprayed cloth or a dampened cloth with the excess moisture squeezed off.

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 pre-dampened wipes.

Read the disinfectant manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Many disinfectant manufacturers require the surface to remain wet for a few minutes, so continuous wiping might be required.

Check the label to ensure the product has been tested against bacteria and viruses. Not all household cleaning products contain virus-killing active ingredients. Some antibacterial products may not be effective against viruses, so it’s important to select a product that states: ‘Kills 99.9% bacteria and viruses’ on the packaging.

Disinfect the surfaces by wiping them with the cloth or wipe and allow the surface to dry.

For disinfectant solutions that are safe for use with Zytronic glass touch sensors, see below:

Household bleach solution (sodium hypochlorite, mixed to 1/3 cup of bleach per gal. of water)

Household cleaners (containing >70% alcohol)

Household cleaners (containing >3% hydrogen peroxide)

Isopropyl alcohol (containing 70% alcohol)

Methyl Alcohol or Ethyl Alcohol (containing 70% alcohol)

More information from the Public Health England on disinfecting procedures for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-decontamination-in-non-healthcare-settings/covid-19-decontamination-in-non-healthcare-settings

Do NOT use the following materials when cleaning/disinfecting your Zytronic touch sensor (glass):

• 100% Methyl, Ethyl or Isopropanol Alcohol
• Thinner or benzine
• Strong alkalis
• Strong solvents
• Acids
• Abrasive cleaners
• Detergents with abrasives
• Steel wool
• Sponges with abrasives
• Steel blades
• Cloth with steel threads

Contact Information: For technical support or help with this procedure, please call +44 191 4145511 or email support@zytronic.co.uk.