It is recommended to regularly clean two-way radios, especially considering frequent contact with hands, mouth, and nose during usage. This is essential to ensure cleanliness, particularly in workplaces where multiple individuals share wireless devices. In addition to routine cleaning, it is advisable to disinfect two-way radios. So, how should you disinfect a two-way radio, and what precautions should be taken? When disinfecting a two-way radio, it is crucial to ensure the removal of all moisture, including any metal contacts, connector ports, cracks, and crevices within the device.
1. How to Clean and Disinfect Two-way Radios?
We will explain how to clean handheld two-way radio devices, but you can also clean touchable parts such as vehicle-mounted microphone and control panels.
1) When cleaning, firmly close the battery cover and waterproof cover. Install the battery pack and antenna, then turn off the power. Even for waterproof radios, the battery compartment is not waterproof, so when cleaning with damp material, make sure to install it on the radio. Remove the microphone and operate it on a table. If there is a large amount of dust, use a household appliance dust brush beforehand. If not, use a small brush with soft bristles to gently remove it. Wiping off adhered particles may scratch the surface.
2) Be sure to use wet wipes or a damp cloth; do not use spray sprays, directly apply undiluted solutions, or cleaning products. Note that most liquid-induced failures are not covered by product warranties. Use commercially available ethanol-based hand sanitizers or disposable wet wipes to gently wipe the radio body, antenna, headset microphone, speaker microphone, headset, and soft cover to remove dirt and grease, then wipe clean with a clean dry cloth.
3) Do not pull the microphone cable forcefully; instead, wipe it gently. Tension is the primary cause of cable breakage. Remove the sponge from the microphone and clean it occasionally with kitchen cleaner, then rinse it with water and let it dry completely. Order clean parts regularly. I often see people taking off the sponge of the headset microphone, but when the spare sponge falls off, it damages the components inside the microphone. The sponge is an essential part that affects the sound quality of the call, so be sure to order it for maintenance.
4) Undiluted alcohol solutions can be obtained at factories and other places, requiring you to make your alcohol cleaner and disinfectant for cleaning places and disinfecting employees. Unlike ethanol (isopropanol), if isopropanol (IPA) is too concentrated, it may damage the resin cover of the microphone cable, acrylic resin cover of the LCD screen, and antenna, so the dilution concentration should be reduced when used to clean wireless devices. Note that even in other areas, printing content may be erased or paint may peel off.
5) Commercially available hand sanitizers with IPA are also the same. When using it to clean two-way radios, carefully read the precautions for IPA solutions and make sure there are no abnormalities in less visible areas (such as the bottom of the radio) before use. Damage or failure caused by using IPA is not covered by product warranties.
6) Bleach (sodium hypochlorite) can be used as a disinfectant for tableware, furniture, and water but should not be used for wireless devices. Do not use any other solvents (diluents, other cleaners outside of small household appliances). Even if equipped with a waterproof radio, do not wash it with water. All failures caused by these reasons are not covered by warranties.
7) If it is difficult to obtain ethanol or IPA, dissolve a small amount of neutral detergent in a dish containing a surfactant with expected bactericidal action in warm water, immerse it in a clean towel, and squeeze it tightly to remove the antenna and microphone. Gently wipe all items, including them, and then quickly wipe them clean with another dry cloth. Even with a waterproof radio, it may get wet if wiped with a dripping cloth. However, if the neutral detergent is too thick, the contained aroma components may have adverse effects on the resin, such as deterioration and peeling of soldered parts, so fully squeeze the diluted product and be sure to wipe it clean with another cloth. Avoid using anything with a citrus scent, as this possibility is particularly high.
8) Of course, other ingredients with less content and high concentration can also be used instead of alcohol, but due to the presence of sugar, acid, salt, spices, and other various ingredients, it may cause malfunctions of radio equipment. Therefore, whiskey and beer cannot be used, and do not use ordinary alcoholic beverages for disinfection.
2. Two-way Radio Cleaning Precautions
1) Remove large amounts of dust, soil, mud, dirt, stains, etc.
2) Prepare a solution of non-abrasive dishwashing detergent and water, with the detergent content in the solution not exceeding 0.5%. Some manufacturers recommend using distilled water.
3) Apply the solution to the surface of the two-way radio with a soft non-abrasive cloth. Note: Do not apply any liquid directly to the surface of the two-way radio. Apply it to the fabric first and then apply it from the fabric to the two-way radio.
4) Use a stiff non-metallic short-bristle brush to loosen and remove dirt from the surface and crevices of the two-way radio.
5) Wipe away debris and moisture from the two-way radio with a dry, soft, lint-free, absorbent cloth.
6) Ensure the removal of all moisture from the two-way radio, including any metal contacts, connector ports, cracks, and crevices.
7) Before attempting to install batteries, charge, or use the device, ensure that the two-way radio is completely dry.
3. Issues to Note in Two-way Radio Disinfection
1) Do not immerse the two-way radio directly in water.
2) Do not clean the two-way radio while it is powered on or charging.
3) Do not pour or spray any cleaning solution or liquid directly onto the surface of the two-way radio.
4) Do not use any abrasives. Do not use metal or heavy-duty brushes. Also, do not use any rough or sanding cloths. Never use any abrasive cleaning agents.
5) Do not use bleach or cleaning sprays to clean or disinfect the equipment. These chemicals will, at the very least, discolor the surface of the two-way radio, and at worst, they may melt plastics or erode the surface of the two-way radio. They may also scratch or damage displays.