To help reduce the spread of COVID-19, governments are encouraging the use of contactless and card payments instead of cash. As a result, point-of-sale (POS) terminals are being used more frequently and can easily become hygiene hotspots if not properly maintained. Regular cleaning is essential. Below is a guide on how to safely clean your POS terminals.
What you’ll need
Clean microfiber cloths
For cleaning: pH-neutral, non-abrasive soap
For disinfecting: alcohol-based cleaner (70–90% isopropyl alcohol)
Avoid triggering the tamper alert during cleaning
POS terminals are equipped with a tamper alert to protect against unauthorized hardware or software interference. If triggered, the screen will display TAMPER or TAMPERED, the terminal will be taken out of service, and it must be returned to Adyen.
To avoid accidentally activating the tamper alert while cleaning or disinfecting:
Always check the label of your cleaning products. Never use bleach, hydrogen peroxide, thinner, trichloroethylene, or ketone-based solvents. These can damage rubber and plastic components and may trigger the tamper alert.
Do not scrub or shake the terminal forcefully.
Avoid rubbing the terminal with a dry cloth or towel, as this can cause electrostatic discharge (ESD) and trigger the alert.
Additional warnings
Do not:
Pour or spray liquids, sanitizers, or disinfectants directly onto the terminal.
Clean the smart card reader, as this may void the warranty.
Touch the battery contact points, which could cause corrosion or connectivity issues.
Step-by-step cleaning instructions
Power off the terminal before cleaning.
Disconnect it from the power supply.
Lightly dampen a clean cloth with water.
Apply a few drops of cleaning solution to the cloth, never directly to the terminal.
Gently wipe the keyboard and display.
Dry the terminal using a clean, dry cloth.
Once fully dry, reconnect the terminal to power and turn it back on.
Further recommendations
In addition to these steps, we advise scheduling regular cleaning of POS terminals throughout the day. If possible, assign a staff member to oversee hygiene practices, ensuring cleaning supplies are stocked and cleaning schedules are followed.
If you have any questions about your terminal or proper POS cleaning procedures, please contact [email protected]