How to Clean a Credit Card Scanner
Credit card scanners allow for quick reading and billing to credit cards, without having to manually input the credit card number or other card information. A dirty credit card scanner can prevent proper readings, wasting time in the long run as the clerk repeatedly tries the scanner before giving up and inputting the information manually. A dirty credit card scanner is easy to clean, however, if you use the proper technique. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Compressed air can
- Microfiber cloth
- Paper towel
- Rubbing alcohol
- Cleaning card
Instructions
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Unplug the credit card reader. Whenever you clean an electronic product, you should unplug the device for your safety.
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Use a can of compressed air to spray in the spaces around the keypad. Dust and dirt can build up underneath the keys.
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Wipe down the surface of the keypad with a microfiber cloth. If dust or dirt is stuck on the keys, dampen the cloth slightly, just enough so that the water does not drip or pool on the keys. Do not use any cleaning products on the keypad, since these can sometimes drip between the keys and corrode the wires beneath. Though water will not damage components as severely as cleaning agents, it can still harm the card reader if spilled in large quantities.
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Remove the roll of printer paper from the back of the credit card scanner.
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Dip a paper towel in rubbing alcohol. Although cleaning products are not recommended for the keypad, alcohol-based cleaners are OK for usage on the printing compartment.
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Wipe down the inside compartment where the printer paper is normally held. Do not force the alcohol-soaked towel into small crevasses or grooves; your main goal is to remove excess ink build-up from the lining. Removing excess ink will cause receipts to print more clearly, without smudges.
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Wait for the compartment to air-dry, then load the paper back into the machine.
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Swipe a "cleaning card" back and forth through the card reader several times. Cleaning cards are available from some office supply stores or online (see Resources). Cleaning cards are coated in a soft, cloth-like substance designed to remove dust and debris from the reader. While it may be tempting to simply use your own microfiber cloth rather than purchasing a specially designed cleaning card, you must remember that dust is not the only thing that needs cleaning. According to Loncen, a manufacturer of cleaning cards, cleaning cards are equipped with magnetic stripes that aid in cleaning small particles from the scanner's magnetic heads. Additionally, cleaning cards are pre-saturated with cleaning solutions designed for safe usage with credit card readers.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Credit with buildings image by patrimonio designs from Fotolia.com
