A credit card machine (known as a point of sale, or POS) is a device that allows you to accept credit cards for payment for goods and services. Keeping your credit card machine clean is important because dirty equipment can be less reliable and more prone to failure. Here are some basic steps you can take to ensure that your POS equipment stays clean and working properly:
Start By Unplugging The Credit Card Machine
This is an important step, so don’t skip it! You’ll want to be sure that your credit card machine is completely off before cleaning it. How do you unplug it? Well, that depends on how your machine is set up. Some will have a power cord you can pull out of its socket; others may require unclipping or unscrewing. Refer to your manual if you aren’t sure how to proceed here.
Always use a surge protector when plugging in sensitive electronics like this one! One last note before we start: If you’re using a battery-powered credit card machine (as opposed to the wall-socket model), make sure not to overload your device with too much current from its rechargeable battery pack by leaving it plugged in for too long—this could cause serious damage or even fire risk down the line!
Clean The Outside Of The Credit Card Machine
The outside of your credit card machine can be cleaned with a damp, soft cloth. Use a dry, soft cloth to wipe down the surface after you’ve cleaned it with water. Do not use abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals on the outer casing of your card machine. You should also avoid using power washers or other high-pressure cleaning devices on their exterior; this could damage their finish and cause permanent scratches.
Use Compressed Air To Blow Out Any Loose Debris And Dust
Next, you’ll want to use compressed air. This is a method that many people do not consider, but it’s an effective way of cleaning out dust and debris from the card reader machine. If you don’t have compressed air on hand, try using a dry rag or microfiber cloth instead.!
Gently Wipe Down The Interior With A Soft Cloth
Wipe down the inside of your credit card machine with a soft cloth. Be sure to pay special attention to the printer head, which may be located on the front or back of your machine. If you’re unsure where it is, a label or picture should show you where it is. The printer head is fragile, so be gentle when cleaning this area.
Wipe Down The Paper Feed Rollers
To wipe down the rollers, use a soft cloth and a dry-cleaning solution. The cloth will remove any excess dirt or grime, and the cleaning solution will disinfect the rollers. Be sure to use the brush provided with your machine to scrape off any debris that may be stuck on them. If you have it, you can also use compressed air for this step, but make sure not to spray too close to where cards are inserted as it could damage them!
Remove Printer Head
The first step to cleaning the printer head is to remove any paper that might be jammed in it. To do this, turn the printer head upside down and press the release button located underneath it. Once you have done this, pull out any jammed paper inside your machine using tweezers or a cotton swab.
Now that your printer head is clear of any obstructions turn your card reader back over and unscrew its two screws until they come completely out. You should then be able to slide out your machine’s entire print cartridge assembly by pulling back on it gently with both hands at once. Place this in a safe place where no one can bump into or damage it while you clean both sides with a soft cloth dampened slightly with plain water (or alcohol).
Conclusion
Now that you’ve got a clean credit card machine, you can rest easy! If you follow these simple steps regularly, your machine will always be in top shape. Remember that you should do this every few months or so, depending on how often customers come into your store or restaurant. We hope this article has been helpful to you and your business!