ATM cleaning is crucial in our modern financial landscape because countless individuals touch these machines every day. From bank tellers and customers to armored car personnel security staff, automated banking machines experience high volumes of contact that makes them potential breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses. To ensure the safety and well-being of consumers, it’s crucial to implement regular and thorough cleaning practices to keep your ATM protected and germ-free.
Germ Transmission Risks of ATMs and the Need for ATM Cleaning
The ubiquitous ATM – they’re everywhere. Research on ATM bacterial contamination is limited, but evidence confirms that ATMs harbor germs and spread disease through frequent contact.
- Germs on High-Touch Surfaces: High-touch surfaces in public places, like door handles, elevator buttons, and ATM screens, often carry various bacteria and viruses.
- Hand Hygiene and Disease Transmission: Poor hand hygiene is a major factor in the spread of infectious diseases. Think about it—hundreds of people touch that screen, those buttons, and the card slot every day. And let’s face it, not everyone is washing their hands before they hit up the ATM.
- Biohazard Zone: With all that contact, these machines can easily become hotspots for germs, bacteria, and viruses. Viruses like influenza and the common cold can survive on surfaces for several hours, increasing the risk of transmission.
Germ transmission principles and germs on high-touch surfaces show ATMs can spread illness. Professional cleaning crews can reduce these risks with regular daily disinfection and cleaning. Customers should also practice proper hygiene to protect themselves. At-risk individuals may wear personal protective equipment like masks and gloves to reduce exposure. Frequent hand washing or using hand sanitizer can also help minimize germ exposure for everyone.
Why Clean ATMs Are Important
ATMs are basically a playground for germs. With all the touching, swiping, and tapping, these machines can gather a lot of bacteria and viruses REAL quick.
- Basic Bad Guys – Common Cold and Flu Viruses: These can stick around on surfaces for hours. If one customer with a cold uses the ATM, germs can linger on its surface. Subsequent customers might pick up those germs. They can get sick by touching the screen and then their faces.
- The “Bad” Bad Guys – Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria: Nasty microorganisms like E. coli and MRSA are resistant to many antibiotics. They can cause serious skin infections, pneumonia, and bloodstream infections. These microorganisms can survive on surfaces for days.
- The Allergens: Dust, pollen, and pet dander can accumulate on ATMs. These allergens may trigger reactions in people who are susceptible.
How Banks Can Keep ATMs Clean Through ATM Cleaning Services
To keep all of us safe, banks need to step up their cleaning game. As a rule, cleaning pros will implement all these elements into their bag of tricks:
1. Daily Cleaning for the Win
Wipe down ATMs with disinfectant daily, focusing on the screen, buttons, and card slot to eliminate surface grime buildup.
2. Weekly Deep Dive
Once a week, ATMs should undergo a more thorough scrubbing. Assign this task to security or specific personnel to prevent inadvertent tampering. Power cycle the machines, then clean and disinfect all exterior surfaces. Pay extra attention to card slots, keypads, and screen elements. These should be cleaned, disinfected, and sanitized carefully. Follow this with a dry cloth wipe-down. Ensure this is done before turning the machine back on. Remember: Do not spray liquid cleaner directly on plugged in electronics or keypads. Instead, spray onto a microfiber cloth and wipe gently across unplugged electronics.
3. Use EPA-Approved Disinfectants and Alcohol-Based Cleaners
Not all cleaners are the same. EPA-registered cleaning solutions are reliable, environmentally safe, and highly effective. Cleaners comprised of least 70% alcohol are also good at killing germs. ATMs will be as germ-free as possible with the right cleaning and disinfection protocol. This should be based on traffic and use patterns. Choosing the right ATM cleaning service is also essential.
4. Top-to-bottom technique for Total Tidying
Cleaning should start at the top and work downward. This way, any dirt or germs don’t get spread around to places that were already cleaned.
5. Handle with Care
Nobody wants to use a machine that looks like it’s been through a battle. ATMs should be free from scratches, so soft cloths like microfiber should be used.
6. Avoid recontamination by disposing of PPE after cleaning
Proper disposal of materials used while cleaning is a must. Toss dirty wipes and spent gloves/masks in the trash. Never reuse.
Keeping Things Clean Means Creating a Clean TEAM
Commercial cleaning teams adapt these techniques to suit each customer’s needs. They choose the right products for specific surfaces and identify environments that benefit from UV disinfection. Additionally, they know when to apply traditional methods, like thorough manual cleaning, for effective results.
Keeping bank employees in the know on basic cleaning protocol will extend the reach and effectiveness. Employees should wear gloves and other protective gear while cleaning, so they stay safe, too.
By collaborating with certified professionals trained in cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing, financial institutions can keep ATMs safe. They also ensure ATMs remain germ-free. This helps maintain the institution’s image and reputation beyond reproach.
Keep Your ATMs Pristine with Top-Notch Cleaning Services
Maintaining clean and germ-free ATMs is not just about hygiene. It’s also about demonstrating care for your customers and protecting your brand’s reputation. By partnering with professional cleaning services, you can ensure your ATMs remain safe, inviting, and efficient for all users. Contact us today to learn more about our specialized ATM cleaning services. Let us help keep your machines spotless and your customers satisfied!
