Keepin’ It Clean: How to Sanitize the Surface Pro 3

Microsoft’s new “laplet,” the Surface Pro 3, has become my latest obsession. Prior to the holidays, I wrote about how this computer is perfect for nursing students and how it is being used in healthcare. I even wrote an entire blog post on what I would do with one if I had one… yeah, I know, a little nutty. 

Well, maybe not so nutty when Microsoft sends you a free Surface Pro 3! I received my new computer (i5/128GB) on Christmas Eve with a beautiful purple type cover and sleek docking station. I am actually not kidding at all. How cool is that?! The best news of all is that now I can answer everyone’s questions with first hand knowledge. 

Some of my readers emailed me asking about safely sanitizing this computer. It’s actually quite simple, which makes the Surface Pro 3 an even more perfect resource for clinicians. 

But first… here is me posing cheesily by Lake Union with my new Surface Pro 3:

Back on track. Like I said, sanitizing the Surface Pro 3 is very easy. Use less than 70% isopropyl alcohol on a lint free cloth and gently wipe clean the screen and type cover. You can also use cotton balls, Q-tips, or gauze, but beware of little fuzzies left behind. 

Microsoft suggests PDI Sani-Cloth Plus, CaviWipes, Covidien Alcohol Prep Pads, and Clorox Healthcare Bleach Germicidal Wipes. Reader beware, the Clorox Healthcare Bleach Wipes can discolor your type cover. 

As a student or clinician bringing a Surface Pro 3 into a hospital, I would purchase a pack of Covidien Alcohol Prep Pads off of Amazon (200 pads for $5). This way you can keep them on your desk or in your car so you don’t bring unwanted germs into your home. 

Like I said, Microsoft has made it pretty simple: just use less than 70% isopropyl alcohol on the screen and typecover and you’re good to go.