How to Change Machine Cleaning Cards

Use cleaning cards to clean change machines and other card readers.

A change machine cleaning card is a small card designed for use in change machines, vending machines, ATM machines and other card-reading machines. The card has cleaning materials on the front and back of the card, which cleans dirt and other contaminants from the card and money acceptor slots. This cleans the readers and makes it easier to insert money and cards into the machines. Change machines that see a lot of use should employ the use of a cleaning card every one or two months. All readers should be cleaned at least once a quarter for best results.

Things You'll Need

• Cleaning cards
• Cleaning spray

Instructions

1. Spray the cleaner onto the cleaning card. Make sure to use a cleaning formula designed for use with electronics, or you could damage the card reader or the bill acceptor. Use a cleaning card that looks like a credit card for card readers and a card that looks like a dollar bill for bill acceptors.

2. Insert the card or bill into the machine. Swipe the card through the reader, or allow the machine to accept the card. The machine will spit out the card again, just like it would when rejecting a card inserted the wrong way or a wrinkled bill. Repeat the insertion process three more times.

3. Wipe the card clean to remove any dirt from the card. You may have to use another card if the first card is really dirty. Spray both sides of the card with cleaning solution again.

4. Use this step for card and bill acceptors only. Place the card in the slot, but only allow the machine to suck the card in half way. This allows the rollers to spin on top of the card, which loosens any stuck-on dirt. Repeat the process three more times.

5. Insert or swipe a dry cleaning card through the machine to remove any remaining cleaning solution residue.

References

• Cleaning Cards: Cleaning Cards and Cleaning Kits
• E Change Maker: Dollar Bill Cleaning Card Directions