Repeated usage over time can result in a dirty fingerprint scanner, which can prevent reading employee fingerprint patterns. Cleaning the fingerprint scanner is a simple matter, although you must exercise care in your choice of cleaners. We recommend establishing a cleaning schedule for the fingerprint scanner sensor, to prevent intermittent operation, or a temporary failure to read.

Cleaners to avoid

• Do not use cleaners that contain bleach, such as laundry bleach, chlorine-free bleach, or mildew removers. This type of cleaner can discolor the sensor, or damage associated circuitry, if the cleaner seeps into the terminal.
• Do not use solvents, such as acetone, naphtha, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), trichloroethylene (TCE), paint thinner, turpentine, or similar. This type of cleaner can damage the sensor, in addition to damaging the terminal, internally, if it seeps inside.

Acceptable cleaners

Cleaners like Windex, Formula 409, or Fantastic are acceptable for cleaning sensors on fingerprint scanner sensors.

To clean a fingerprint scanner sensor:

• Shut down and disconnect power from the terminal.
• Moisten a clean, soft cloth very lightly in a small area with the cleaner. Be careful to avoid an excess of cleaner, to prevent its seeping into the sensor circuitry, or into the terminal.
• Gently rub the sensor surface, making sure to use a new, clean section of the cloth after a few rubs.
• Continue to rub the sensor surface until it is visibly clean, using special care to avoid scratching the surface of the sensor with a part of the cloth that contains dirt already removed.
• Wipe the sensor surface with a fresh, clean, dry cloth to remove any cleaner residue.
• Restore the power to the terminal, and place it into operation.
• Test the sensor to verify it correctly reads employee fingerprint patterns.

Return to the main Fingerprint Scanner page.