Most screen manufacturers have in the past said that you cannot use alcohol on their products, but in the wake of COVID-19, they are updating their messaging.
Apple's guidance was changed earlier this week to reflect that you can use Clorox wipes and products that use up to 70% isopropyl alcohol on their screens. https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204172?mod=article_inline It was always safe to use some mild disinfectants and alcohol-based cleaners on these screens, but manufacturers covered themselves by just recommending that you not do so. It was simpler than trying to explain the difference between 70% isopropyl aclohol and 95% ethyl alcohol on a consumer electronics FAQ page. For now, I would say that Apple's updated guidance is probably valid for most, if not all, touchscreen surfaces. I would also expect other manufacturers to follow Apple's lead on this and update their disinfection guidance for their products. I'm sure none of them want to be remembered as the company whose products can't be cleaned during an outbreak. Matt Popke Developer mpo...@denverartmuseum.org Denver Art Museum 100 W. 14th Avenue Parkway Denver, CO 80204 Visit www.denverartmuseum.org and sign up for our email updates. The Denver Art Museum salutes the citizens of metro Denver for helping fund arts, culture and science through their support the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). On 3/10/20, 09:20, "mcn-l on behalf of hoplist" <mcn-l-boun...@mcn.edu on behalf of hopl...@hillmanncarr.com> wrote: CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. > On Mar 9, 2020, at 12:15 PM, Jason Bondy <jbo...@okhistory.org> wrote: > > I am curious as to what others are using to disinfect or sanitize touchscreens in exhibits. TLDNR: I would not recommend alcohol. Otherwise, consider that your cleaning crew is probably using whatever they have on hand unless you have explicitly told them not to clean your touch screens. Longer and more detailed answer: Not all monitors are the same. No manufacturer I’ve encountered will tell you that you can use alcohol, even if you can. Modern video monitors, especially large sizes, are generally pretty tough. The screens are glass and you can use anything that you can use on glass, including alcohol, but do not generalize. This is not true of all screens! "Don't use window cleaners, household cleaners, aerosol sprays, solvents, alcohol, ammonia, or abrasives to clean iPad. iPad has an oleophobic coating on the screen” - Apple This type of coating is common on consumer style touch screens like iPads and phones. Do people use alcohol on iPads and phones? Yup, all the time. Did they notice that they destroyed the coating? Nope, because they are constantly cleaning their screens. Many “computer” monitor screens are plastic and may also have various coatings. Generally you tell if a screen is glass or plastic based in the feel. Plastics can certainly be damaged by alcohol. Some monitors also have coatings, such as anti-glare which can be damaged by harsh chemicals. Most frames are plastic whose finish may be damaged, at least cosmetically. Any other finished surfaces around the monitor, especially paint, may also be damaged by alcohol. Some touch screens, especially older touch screens have a touch sensitive film overlay which can be damaged by harsh chemicals. Most important: stop deluding yourself. You cannot “disinfect" a touch screen. You just can’t. Unfortunately, no one wants to hear that and so we are forced into “security theater.” I suggest providing high visibility hand sanitizer stations everywhere. That way any germaphobe is only seconds away from much more satisfying personal sanitization regardless of what they’ve touched. 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