Cleaning and Disinfecting Instructions

Introduction for Washable PC Keyboards and Mice

In modern healthcare, laboratory, food safety, industrial, and other vulnerable environments, it is crucial to have computer equipment that can withstand harsh settings and handle routine cleaning/disinfection. Waterproof computer equipment is designed to withstand a variety of conditions and cleaning methods, to reduce the risk of pathogen transmission and maintain a clean, sanitary, and functional work environment.

ASTmon offers keyboards designed for health & food safety where computer equipment is shared and can act as fomites contributing to the transmission of pathogens if not disinfected regularly. To protect equipment in more harsh environments, ASTmon designed antibacterial and washable keyboards and Mice.

While ASTmon keyboards and mice are durable, they contain delicate electronics and switches that can be damaged through inappropriate handling. These Cleaning Instructions are suggestions only and are provided to guide appropriate cleaning methods for typical use. ASTmon does not warrant or assume responsibility for damages resulting from the application of these cleaning instructions. No cleaning procedures can absolutely guarantee sterility or effectiveness of removing biohazards or chemical residues.

Antimicrobial Protection

Keyboards with Antimicrobial protection are formulated to suppress the growth of odor and stain-causing microorganisms, and are not intended for use as a replacement to proper hygiene or for prevention of infectious illness.

Best Practices for Cleaning and Disinfection

The best practice for cleaning and disinfecting ASTmon keyboards and mice, including the cleaning frequency and method, will depend on the specific use and conditions in your hospital or clinical establishment. In general terms, ASTmon recommends treating its products as you would treat any other high frequency touch surface in the same room. Verify if the cleaning methods you wish to follow and the disinfectant you intend to use are compatible with ASTmon products.

Restrictions

• Always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the cleaning product.
• Do not use petroleum-based cleaning fluids nor Acetone or abrasive cleaning aids and products.
• Do not use temperature or pressure sterilization.
• Do not expose the product to temperatures above those indicated in the product manual.
• Exposing any silicone product to the oils contained in some hand alcohol, hand lotions and other emollients reduces their life span. Regular cleaning helps to limit this effect. Such degradation is not covered under warranty.

Cautions

Known material incompatibilities exist between certain plastics, silicones and their solvent counterparts. Silicone lubricants must be immediately washed off of silicone-rubber keyboards or permanent damage will occur and void your product warranty. If in doubt, contact Customer Service: kevin.lee@aitmon.com.

Wash Procedures

Sanitizing Dip Method

1. Unplug the keyboard and mouse.
2. Cover the end of the USB cable with the attached USB waterproof cap.
3. Bind the USB cable with the cable tie on the waterproof cap.
4. Fill a washbasin with an approved anti-microbial / cleaning solution suitable for disinfection in a healthcare/lab environment.
5. Disinfect by completely immersing and shaking the keyboard or mouse in the sterilizing solution. Actively agitate it around so that the liquid reaches every recess on all surfaces. Water temperature should be less than 50° C (120° F) and the water should not be deeper than 50 cm. [no abrasives]. See page 4 for approved cleaning solutions.
6. The process of agitated immersion should require at least 5 seconds to be effective. DO NOT "SOAK" units for several minutes or longer. Soaking is unnecessary and may void your product warranty.
7. Rinse thoroughly to remove all of the dish washing liquid.
8. Shake off the water from the keyboard. Wipe with a clean towel. [no hot-air drier]. Pull off the waterproof plug and check and remove any residual water drops on the USB port.
9. Reconnect the keyboard. WARNING: Do not plug a wet cable into your computer.

To extend keyboard life: Recommended to air dry overnight (About 8 hours).

General Cleaning Instructions: Spray-Wipe-Spray Method

1. If your computer or tablet does not support "hot-swapping" a USB keyboard or mouse, log out and turn OFF the POWER to your computer or tablet.
2. To avoid accidental keystrokes, entering or deleting important data, DISCONNECT the product from your computer or tablet by: a. Remove the keyboard or mouse USB plug from the computer or tablet (If you are using a USB – PS/2 adapter, please remove it completely before cleaning.) b. Turn off the keyboard or mouse if equipped with an ON/OFF or "cleaning mode" switch.
3. Before washing a CORDED product, ensure the USB Plug (connector) is kept safely away from the sink and remains dry. DO NOT place the USB or PS/2 connector into liquid. Battery-powered WIRELESS products can be washed with batteries inside.
4. Clean the surface of the item by wiping, gently brushing, dipping it, or by following the "spray-wipe-spray" protocol outlined below. Spray the product and cord heavily with disinfecting spray, wipe away dirt and organic solids with a cloth, then spray the product completely again with disinfecting spray, allowing the disinfectant to remain on the product for at least five seconds.
5. Either wipe with a dry cloth or shake gently and allow to air dry. Never hang a keyboard or mouse by its cord, as damage to the cable and watertight seal can occur.
6. Once the product and USB connector are completely dry, reconnect to computer or tablet.
7. Turn ON the computer.

Approved Cleaning Solutions & Disinfectants

Most common or commercially available cleaning solutions and disinfectants can be safely used, including:

• Chlorine based (max 10% solution) - e.g. Clorox®, Nolvasan®, etc.
• Formaldehyde based - e.g. Formaldehyde Solution 37%, etc.
• Glutaraldehyde based - e.g. Wavicide-01®, Aldacide® 200, etc.
• Phenolics - e.g. Lysol® I.C., Magnaclean Bacteriacide, Tek-Trol® Disinfectant, etc.
• Alcohol based - up to max 75%. e.g. CaviCide®, Isopropyl Alcohol, Medicide™ (POL-0.3), etc.
• NaCIO based: up to max 0.06%
• Oxidizing - Hydrogen Peroxide 3% Solution, Vikron® S, etc.
• Quaternary Ammonium – up to 20,000 ppm (2%) content, e.g. Roccal®-D, Bacto-Sep®, Ascend®, SaniZene®, etc.
• Soap and warm water
• Ultraviolet Light for Disinfection

Prohibited Substances

DO NOT USE any Petroleum based solvents (e.g., Gasoline, Mineral Spirits, Turpentine, etc.), Acetone or cleaning solution containing in excess of 10% bleach. Product damage voiding warranty will result.