D-I-S-I-N-F-E-C-T

Keeping your equipment clean and sanitized is more important than ever, so we went directly to the manufacturers for best practices. General advice is below, but please note that these tips may not apply to every piece of gear and more specific information is available here. Be careful and use your discretion when cleaning equipment.

General Electronics

  • Plastic and metal surfaces of most electronics, including transmitters, receivers, recorders, and mixers, can be safely disinfected with a sanitizing wipe. The wipe can either be pre-treated with disinfectant or treated yourself with disinfecting spray or a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution. Use disposable, lint-free cloths, wipes (such as these), or cotton swabs and avoid reusing these items.
     
  • 70% isopropyl alcohol is the preferred cleaner to use as it evaporates slower from the disinfected surface, making it more efficient than 91% or 99% alcohol. Higher concentrations may also harm your equipment
     
  • Be careful not to allow excess liquid into the device through buttons, screens, or other seams. Make sure the wipe is only damp and not soaked.
     
  • When cleaning microphones, be very certain not to get any moisture on the element or diaphragm.
     
  • Do not use heavy solutions, such as acetone.
     
  • A soft toothbrush can be used to remove dirt and particles from around buttons and other hard to reach areas.
     
  • Some manufacturers are testing UV rays as a disinfecting method. We'll update once there's some expert consensus at effective ways at killing the virus without harming your equipment. Be careful of online scams.

Accessories

  • Do not use disinfectant or isoprophyl alcohol on rubber or silicon. It will make it brittle and age it prematurely. Soap and water is a better solution and a product such as Goo Gone or Goof Off can be used to remove tougher residue.
     
  • If you really need to disinfect a cable, conditioning it with an organic oil (such as olive or coconut), can help fight the damage caused by the disinfectant.
     
  • Most modern straps and pouches, including Viviana, Ursa Straps, and NeoPax are machine-washable, but be sure to follow the manufacturer-specific instructions to avoid damaging them.
     
  • Some wind protection can be damaged by water or disinfecting agents. Please consult individual instructions for your wind protection. If your wind protection cannot be sanitized, setting it aside for several days will kill most viruses.
     
  • Sanitization practices for bags vary widely. Some are fine with disinfecting agents, some are soap and water only. Please consult individual instructions
     
  • Pelican Cases can be wiped down with the same disinfecting agents as electronics.

Special thanks to Audio Limited, Audioroot, Betso, Bubblebee, Cinela, Comtek, Countryman, CupRig, Deity, Denecke, DPA, Phonak Communications, Halter Technical, IDX, Inspired Energy, K-Tek, Lectrosonics, LMC, MozeGear, Muga Sound, Orca, Pelican, PortaBrace, PSC, Q5X, RF Venue, Schoeps, Shooter Slicker, Shure, Sound Devices, Versa-Flex, Viviana, Voice Technologies, Wisycom, and Zaxcom for their input.

Photo from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Public Health Image Library.

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