While the majority of our interactions with signage is “look don’t touch”, there are two areas at the moment where our physical interactions with signage puts us at risk.
In retail environments – touchscreen digital signage displays are being used by more people than ever before, as click-and-collect grocery shopping is becoming the preferred option for many. These signs have a high touch-rate by a large body of people, and it is important to keep these surfaces sanitised.
While in care homes and many public spaces – tactile and Braille signs are not only touched regularly by some of the most vulnerable members of society, but the knobbly nature of these items makes them an ideal gathering place for dirt and germs.
So here are 7 tips for cleaning touch-interactive signage, including digital screens and tactile/Braille signage.
1: Use a microfibre cloth
Digital screens and plastic signs should be cleaned with a microfiber cloth or other soft lint-free cloth – and the cloth should be changed regularly. Avoid paper towels or rough rags, as they could damage the surface of the sign or snag on the edges of raised features.
2: Use soap and water
Soap is our number one weapon against the coronavirus – as the soap breaks-down the lipid exterior of the virus, killing it. Start with a moist cloth and soap and water. For touch-screen signs, make sure to squeeze out any excess water before you begin.
3. Use approved cleaning agents
After a sign has been cleaned with soap, you can give the sign a second clean with household disinfectant or a 70% alcohol sanitising solution.
4. Use a Q-tip / cotton buds
Look carefully at the tactile text and Braille dots on each sign, as they can collect grease and grime. Use a Q-tip or cotton-bud stick dipped in cleaning solutions to get to these spots.
5: Don’t use abrasives or concentrated solutions
Digital touch-screens and soft plastic signs can be easily damaged by harsh or abrasive chemicals. Avoid acidic, strong or concentrated solutions. For digital screens, also avoid sanitising solutions with >70% alcohol.
6: Don’t get water inside the screen
When cleaning digital touch screens, make sure that you squeeze out any excess water from your cloth before cleaning, and keep a dry cloth handy to stop any cleaning solution from seeping into the screen. If using a spray cleaning solution – spray the cloth, not the screen.
7: Dry your signs
When you have finished cleaning your sign, dry it off with a soft cloth. This will prevent dust from quickly sticking to the surface
This article was written on 6th May 2020. It is not medical advice. Always follow the latest guidance from the Government, your healthcare professional, and check for any specific cleaning requirements from the manufacturer of your sign.