With the COVID-19 coronavirus on the rise, now is a good time to review the best practices on cleaning and disinfecting techniques. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals in different places were overwhelmed by affected patients and citizens. The point is, individual efforts can affect the spread of the virus.
Know the policies and guidelines in your city or state and follow them. Washing hands, keeping six feet between people, social distancing; everything helps. Also, your communication methods, like with two-way radio, can also make a difference.
Although not all radio manufacturers have specific instructions for such cleaning and maintenance, some manufacturers, including Motorola and Kenwood, have guidelines and recommendations on cleaning and disinfecting their radios.
However, it is important to note that not all radios are created the same. There are some simple and basic designs with simple buttons, no display, simple speaker, and no removable antenna. Others have full keyboards, large displays, large, deep-penetrating audio jacks, external battery connectors, rotary knobs, and many other physical features that can complicate cleaning sessions.
Prepare your cleaning kit and remember these do’s and don’ts and tips on how to clean and disinfect your two-way radio.
Contents
Don’t
- Do not put the radio device in water.
- Do not clean the two-way radio while it is turned on or charging.
- Do not pour or spray any cleaning products or liquid directly to the surface of the radio.
- Do not use anything abrasive. Do not use metal or sturdy brushes. Do not use harsh or abrasive cloth.
- Do not clean or disinfect your device with bleach, solvents, cleaning sprays, etc. At the very least, these chemicals can discolor the surface of the radio and, in the worst case, can melt the plastic or corrode on the surface of the radio. They can also damage your screen.
Do
- Make sure the radio is off.
- Remove the battery before cleaning.
- If possible, remove the belt clip and clean it separately.
- Clean the radio in an area with good ventilation away from heat sources.
- Clean only the outer plastic shell or housing separately, for battery pack housing.
- Before cleaning the radio, remove all external accessories such as earphones, headsets, and microphones.
How to Clean Your Two Way Radio
- Before cleaning the radio, wash your hands thoroughly.
- Turn off the radio, unplug the charger, and remove it from the charging station before you start cleaning.
- Using a brush or a dry lint-free cloth, wipe down the radio to remove dust and dirt.
- Use a lint-free cloth and a cleanser to clean the antenna, buttons, control knobs, and case.
- Remember, do not use harsh materials, and when you clean, wife it softly.
- Allow the radio to air dry completely without using an external heat source before using or replacing the radio in the charging station.
- Wash your hands thoroughly within 20 seconds after cleaning the radio.
How to Disinfect Your Two Way Radio
- Wash your hands for 20 seconds before cleaning the radio.
- Turn off the radio and unplug it from the socket.
- Remove the battery before cleaning all the accessories.
- Clean the screen, case, control buttons, antenna, and radio charging station with alcohol with at least 70% concentration.
- Wait until the alcohol has evaporated and the radio to completely dry.
- Do not use heat to dry your radio.
- Replace the battery.
- After cleaning the radio, wash your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds.
Best User Practice For Sharing Radios
One way a virus can spread is through sharing your radio devices with other people. In order to combat and fight the spread of germs, it is recommended that using personal radio audio equipment is a must. This allows each user to insert and touch only their own personal accessory on the radio. Once they use the radio, they can easily remove the devices and allow the next user to attach their personal belongings to the radio.
Moreover, avoid sharing your personal two-way radio until the pandemic is over. Do not use water or cleaning spray to clean your radio as they can get damaged. Instead, use a wipe with isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) or apply to a microfiber cloth and gently wipe it when you are cleaning.
Always wear protective equipment such as goggles, masks, and gloves when your two-way radio equipment is disinfected and discharged your protective equipment as soon as you are finished.
Conclusion
Your two-way radio is a useful and powerful communication tool, but it can get any germs or bacteria like any other object. Two-way radio must be thoroughly disinfected immediately after you used it. This applies to healthcare facilities, dental clinics, warehouses, retail stores, restaurants, schools, shopping malls, or even at home with your family, or in the field, regularly clean and disinfect your radio to ensure maximum personal safety and health.
This article was created by Jen, a writer, and blogger of LifeStyleConvo & UrbanHouses, who worked as a full-time content creator. She is a writer by day and reader by night.
