ModIT Cleaning Guide
Learn more about how to keep the ModIT, modular charging station, clean, whatever the environment it's going to be used in.
All workplaces (such as hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, businesses, offices, retail environments etc) should have a robust infection control policy in place that includes mobile devices and their charging and storage stations or cabinets.
The critical components of any infection control policy are disinfection, cleaning, and sterilisation.
We’ve looked at how to keep ModIT clean in a medical environment as typically this has the highest needs of cleanliness and requirements. This should mean you can follow these guidelines for any use case of the ModIT unit.
Antimicrobial additive
Our integrated antimicrobial technology (made by Clariant) works to continuously minimise the presence of microbes
(incl. bacteria, algae and fungi) throughout the entire lifecycle of the product.
In rare instances, plastic parts may become discoloured over time due to prolonged use of cleaning agents or exposure to high levels of UV light such as that used to disinfect.
The product is unsuitable for use within an Autoclave.
Infection risk
High, Medium, and Low Risk
Equipment and the risk of infection fall into three categories: high, medium, and low risk.
Infection control experts consider mobile device charging and storage cabinets and racks low risk, like the risk posed by inanimate objects like chairs, bed, nightstands, or walls. Low risk objects in a healthcare setting still require regular cleaning to help control the risk of any infection spreading.
Levels of cleaning
The ModIT modular charging station range of products can tolerate cleaning and disinfecting.
Cleaning
Use friction to wipe away the dirt and contaminants, and rinse or wipe away any contaminants with water or some other fluid or sterile material.
The detergent dissolves the proteins and oils while decreasing surface tension.
Disinfection
Disinfection takes cleaning a step further by using a chemical agent or heat to kill microorganisms.
Disinfecting chemicals may not remove all bacteria but will reduce the amount present to harmless levels.
Sterilisation
Sterilisation kills all microbes and bacteria on the surface of the object sterilized.
The best sterilisation methods use steam and pressure, dry heat, or certain specific chemicals.
Components of many types of equipment, including mobile devices and charging stations, can’t withstand the sterilisation process.
Cleaning Mobile Devices
The devices themselves need to be cleaned and protected. We recommend the use of protective cases, which can protect the phone, but also greatly assist with maintaining the cleanliness of the devices.
The Basics
Before Cleaning
The ModIT product MUST be disconnected from the electrical outlet prior to cleaning. All device slots must be empty prior to cleaning. This may require manual unlocking of device slots in order to remove the devices.
Basic Cleaning
Use detergent at regularly scheduled times for cleaning computers and peripherals. Wiping the unit and mobile devices down with an alcohol disinfectant before each shift is also a good policy to follow.
All ventilation and device slots need to be cleaned carefully such that no liquid or other material enters them.
Risk reduction strategies
In addition to cleaning regularly, you can reduce the risk of contamination by implanting specific strategies.
Washing your hands before using the devices will also help limit the risk of contamination. After using a device and returning it to the charging station, always wash or disinfect your hands.
Specific Cleaning
Enclosure
All outer areas of your ModIT (both plastic and metal) can be cleaned with a disposable soft, non-abrasive, lint-free damp cloth or wipe, pre-moistened with a ready to use (RTU) cleaner/disinfectant .
If you are not using an RTU cloth or wipe, the disinfectant should be applied to a cloth and all excess liquid should be removed. The cloth should be damp but not wet.
Mobile Device Slots
The device slots are to be cleaned carefully so as to not trap cleaning wipes within the slot or break sensitive components. Only the edges of the slots and finger grab areas should be cleaned. All plastic parts within the slot are manufactured with the Clariant antibacterial additive.
Phone or tablet devices being removed from ModIT should not be assumed to be entirely disinfected. Standard phone/tablet device cleaning guidelines (typically specific to your institution) should be followed when inserting and removing a device from ModIT.
No other tools or apparatus should be inserted into the device slots.
LCD & Touchscreens
Use disinfectant/RTU alcohol wipes or a mild spray disinfectant to clean the screen. These wipes should be lint-free and non-abrasive.
Slightly damp cloths with cleaning detergent, followed by using a clean towel to dry off the screen will also work.
Guidelines for cleaning office/hospital LCD displays can be followed in this instance.
CableArm and device cable connector ends
The yellow CableArms are manufactured with Clariant antibacterial additive and can be cleaned with RTU alcohol wipes.
These arms are user-replaceable and if visible soil cannot be removed by cleaning, or if damage occurs to the docking arms, they should be replaced.
The device cable connector ends can be cleaned with RTU alcohol wipes. These wipes should be lint-free and non-abrasive. If the connector ends become worn or damaged, they should be replaced.
We can supply replacement docking arm and cables as needed.
