Disinfecting Chromebook

  • Disinfecting Your Chromebook

    With the advent of COVID-19, much attention has been focused on disinfecting technology devices. This is for good reason, as we handle these devices with our hands frequently, with little to no concern over the pathogens that we are placing on them by doing so.

    Good hand-washing practice is obviously key to keeping those pathogens off of your hands in the first place. But, supposing that you've touched your device without clean hands, how do you disinfect your device?

    Disinfecting Wipes

    Until recently, device manufacturers did NOT recommend the use of disinfectant wipes (for example, Clorox wipes) on your devices. While this appears to remain the case for Android-based devices, Apple has recently updated its cleaning guidance to allow for the use of disinfecting wipes. As such, district-issued iPads may now be cleaned with such wipes. Please read Apple's instructions for cleaning your device before doing so.

    For Android-device users, there does not appear to be similar guidance for such devices. The district recommends that you consult your device's manufacturer for guidance on how to properly disinfect your device.

    Don't Do This!

    Manufacturers state that you should NOT spray your devices -- either Apple or Android -- with an aerosol disinfectant like Lysol. Also, you should use a lint-free cloth to wipe your device rather than using paper towels. (Note: a bath towel is NOT considered to be a lint-free cloth.)

    Do not use bleach or other abrasive cleaners on your device!

    But Don't Clorox Wipes Contain Bleach?

    Interestingly, no, they do NOT.

    What about Eyeglass Wipes?

    The CDC's official recommendations for COVID-19 disinfection recommend a wipe that contains at least 70% alcohol. We are unaware of any currently-sold eyeglass wipe that has an alcohol percentage that high. Most wipes fall into the 20-30% alcohol range, primarily because high alcohol content can sometimes damage special coatings and adhesives used on electronic devices and eyeglasses. We encourage you to check with the manufacturer of your eyeglass wipes to determine whether they would be effective against the virus that causes COVID-19.