How to Clean a Chip Credit Card Reader

Dirty card readers can cause failed transactions, customer frustration, and costly equipment repairs. Regular maintenance keeps your chip credit card reader (EMV reader) running smoothly, extends its lifespan, and improves reliability at checkout. In this guide, we’ll cover basic and advanced cleaning methods, device-specific tips, and the best products to keep your readers in top condition.

Quick Navigation

• Basic Cleaning Steps
• Advanced Cleaning Methods
• Recommended Cleaning Products
• Device-Specific Cleaning
• FAQs

Basic Cleaning Steps

Step 1: Switch Off the Device

Always power down your card reader before cleaning to protect the electronics.

Step 2: Use a Cleaning Card

Cleaning cards are the easiest way to maintain your reader. Shaped like a credit card but lined with microfiber or cleaning solution, they remove dirt from chip contacts and magnetic heads. See our cleaning cards category for options.

Step 3: Manual Cleaning

Use a compressed air duster to remove dust from the slot. Hold the can upright to avoid propellant discharge.

Step 4: Gentle Wiping

Wipe the exterior with a lint-free cloth lightly dampened in isopropyl alcohol solution or presaturated alcohol wipes. Avoid getting moisture inside the reader.

Step 5: Dry Completely

Let the device fully air-dry before powering it back on.

Advanced Cleaning Methods

For stubborn buildup, upgrade to specialized cleaning cards:

• Waffletechnology® Cleaning Cards — Raised ridges clean both chip pins and recessed optical sensors.
• Read Right CardKleen® — Pre-saturated with cleaning solution for magnetic heads and chip contacts.

Recommended Cleaning Products

• Cleaning Cards
• Isopropyl Alcohol Solutions
• Presaturated Alcohol Wipes
• Air Dusters

Device-Specific Cleaning

Thermal Printers

Clean print heads and rollers regularly to avoid faded receipts and barcode issues.

Currency Counters

Remove oil and dust to prevent roller slippage and sensor failure.

Bill Acceptors

Clean optical lenses and magnetic sensors to prevent currency rejection.

Advanced Cleaning with Specialized Cleaning Cards

The Waffletechnology® chip cleaning card features a raised waffle design that cleans all surfaces—including chip reader pins—more thoroughly than standard cleaner cards. Alternatively, consider a Read Right CardKleen cleaning card, which can clean any magnetic strip reader or point-of-sale reader head with one swipe.

These CardKleen cards arrive individually wrapped and pre-saturated with a special solution to dissolve magnetic oxides, dirt, and other contaminants on your smart card/EMV and magnetic strip card readers. Additionally, our KicTeam brand cash reader and currency counter cleaning cards use waffle technology to clean currency reading machines’ paper pathways, belts, rollers, and recessed cash recognition sensors.

Waffletechnology® Cleaning Cards

Did you know that Clean Team Company patented the dual-purpose cleaning card in 1996? The original patent was later rebranded as KIcTeam. Their Waffletechnology® brand remains the leading solution for cleaning card readers. In fact, Waffletechnology® by KicTeam is considered the gold standard in cleaning card technology worldwide.

Regular use of card cleaners can eliminate the frustration of card failure due to a dirty reader. Waffletechnology® cleaning cards help prevent expensive maintenance and replacement costs, reduce failed transactions, and ultimately save time and money while maximizing customer satisfaction. Your customers will appreciate your reliability when you maintain clean, efficient card readers.

The design of Waffletechnology® cleaning cards allows them to flexibly assimilate dirt from both the top and bottom surfaces of the reader. The cleaning platforms are loaded with springs that increase pressure as the card passes through, ensuring that recessed sensors and optical lenses are thoroughly cleaned. Unlike flat cleaning cards, the engineered raised design ensures that all sensors receive a proper cleaning contact.

Who Should Use Cleaning Cards?

Due to environmental conditions and an increased number of user transactions, devices can gather dust, paper flash, oils, dirt, and small sand particles that may cause appliances to underperform or fail. Waffletechnology® cleaning cards are designed in collaboration with OEMs to clean various devices, including:

• Card readers
• Check scanners
• Thermal printers
• Currency counters
• MICR or check readers
• Bill acceptors

Benefits of Cleaning Cards

Regular use of cleaning cards can help prevent several issues:

• Reduced risk of card malfunction and customer embarrassment due to unreadable cards.
• Faster transactions and shorter lines, leading to improved customer satisfaction.
• Lower transaction fees and decreased fraud risks by minimizing manual entry errors.
• Reduced maintenance costs and avoidance of device replacement expenses.
• A positive first impression for your customers with reliable, functioning equipment.

FAQs

How often should I clean my chip reader?

Monthly cleaning is recommended, or more often in high-traffic environments.

Can I use water to clean my reader?

No, only use approved cleaning solutions to avoid corrosion or damage.

Will cleaning void my warranty?

No, using manufacturer-recommended cleaning methods will not void your warranty.

Conclusion

Maintaining a clean chip credit card reader prevents costly downtime, failed transactions, and customer frustration. Use cleaning cards, isopropyl alcohol, and compressed air to keep your equipment in top shape — and upgrade to Waffletechnology® cleaning cards for deeper cleaning.

Shop cleaning solutions now and keep your POS running reliably.