While commercially made digital signage screens are made of properties that can wick off moisture, dirt, and debris, there will come a time when your digital sign will need cleaning. Sooner rather than later, your display will start collecting dust and fingerprints from curious visitors — even if they’re not interactive or touchscreen.
A dirty digital sign filled with dirt and smudges not only looks unappealing but can also distract your viewer from completely engaging with your message. Especially with people being more concerned about sanitization and cleanliness, it’s worth your time and effort to keep your display clean at all times.
Digital signage displays are built to withstand harsh conditions, especially those designed for outdoor applications. But that doesn’t mean you can go ahead and scrub the dirt off with a strong cleaning formula. Doing so will run the risk of damaging your display.
When cleaning your digital signs, you need to take special care and attention. Here are the steps to help you get started.
Disinfecting your digital signs is something that you have to do at least once a day, even more so if you have a touchscreen display. For this, you can use disinfecting multi-surface wipes or cleaning solutions.
If you choose the latter, make sure not to spray the solution directly onto the screen. Instead, apply it to a soft, microfiber cloth and gently wipe your display.
In addition to regular disinfection, it’s important to conduct a full cleaning routine for your digital signs. Start with the glass or screen by wiping it down with a soft towel moist with glass cleaning solution.
If your digital signage screen is housed in a stainless steel casing, clean it with wipes or cleaning solutions that are safe for stainless steel materials. Do not use chlorine or abrasive cleaners as this can cause the stainless steel to corrode.
Before you grab your cleaning solution and microfiber cloth and head down to clean your digital sign, you need to be aware of the dos and don’ts to protect your display and prevent damage to its components.
Microfiber cloths are soft and smooth enough to prevent scratching your screen while being able to lock onto dust, dirt, and other debris. Suppose you don’t have access to a microfiber cloth, you can also use cotton fabric materials as alternatives.
Interactive digital signs can collect harmful viruses and bacteria. Sanitize your display as often as you can using 70% isopropyl alcohol. Spray the solution on a microfiber cloth and gently wipe your screen.
Dust and dirt can easily accumulate in the gaps and crevices of your digital sign. To clean them off, you can use a small handheld vacuum or a soft-bristled brush. We don’t recommend reaching into these areas with your microfiber cloth as it would require you to press against your screen.
Cleaning your digital sign involves more than wiping down your display. The vents and ports can easily fill up with dirt, which risks damage to your components. Compressed air products available in most hardware stores can help you tackle these areas.
A common mistake made when cleaning digital signage screens is pressing down on the display, especially in an effort to rub off fingerprints and smudges. But putting too much pressure on the screen can cause irreversible damage to its gloss coating. Always wipe the screen lightly.
Spraying cleaning solution directly on the screen risks liquid droplets entering gaps and damaging electrical components. Never spray directly onto the screen. Instead, apply the cleaning solution to a microfiber cloth.
Ammonia-based liquid cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can affect your display’s protective coating. Your best option is to use an LCD cleaner made specifically for cleaning different types of screens, from computer monitors to digital signage.
Now that you know how to correctly clean your digital signs, make it a point to disinfect and sanitize them regularly. This can go a long way in maintaining your beautiful display and optimally delivering your message.
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