Here’s how you should clean your credit cards

When we talk about preventing the spread of germs, there are a few things that immediately come to mind – wash your hands, disinfect frequently touched surfaces, and wear a face covering. But there are some everyday items that may not be on our radar when it comes to regular cleaning, including the things in our purses.

When buying grocery, Get takeout or do any other purchaseswe may end up touching our credit cards. Whether you tap to pay, swipe your card, or insert a chip, your card is touching surfaces that hundreds of other people’s credit cards have recently touched.

You may or may not have thought about cleaning your cards, but disinfecting them periodically can prevent a buildup of germs from forming.

Here’s our handy guide on how to effectively clean your credit cards.

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How to clean your credit cards

Luckily, sanitizing your credit cards isn’t a complicated process, and you can do so with everyday household items.

The easiest way to clean your card is to use the same technique you use for your hands: soap and warm water. Just like washing your hands, you should scrub gently for at least 20 seconds. You can sing “Happy Birthday” twice or get more creative – Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” has a 20-second chorus, as does Beyonce’s “Love on Top.” I would love to use the chorus for the song “My Shot” from “Hamilton”.

You can also use one of these Disinfectant approved by the Environmental Protection Agency; The agency’s list includes a variety of household wipes and sprays such as Clorox. For those who love technology, you can use a UV sterilizer because UV rays can kill viruses and bacteria. Remember that your signature may wash off when you use soap or disinfectant. You can always re-sign the card if this happens.

Related: How to choose the best credit card for you

Will sanitizer damage my credit card?

The short answer? ARE NOT.

Credit cards, both plastic and metalMade to be waterproof. Your card must also be able to withstand products such as bleach, vinegar and alcohol. I don’t recommend soaking your cards in any corrosive liquid, but a quick wipe with a Clorox wipe or a 20-second rinse with a little soap and water won’t render them unusable.

In fact, keeping your card clean can be Help them stand the test of time. Dirt and dust can accumulate on your card, which can scratch the EMV chip and magnetic strip. It’s not a good idea to scrub your cards with any type of abrasive, but gentle cleaning can help keep dirt from building up while killing germs — two birds, one Clorox wipe.

Related: How to choose your best credit card strategy

Tips for using card readers and pin pads

Even if your card is completely sanitized, you may still have to interact with germ-filled devices like card readers and pins that you use to pay in stores. In the United States, chip and signature are the most common payment authorization methods. This means that even if you have a contactless card, you may need to use a stylus, finger or pen to sign your signature. Those surfaces have been touched by anyone who came before you.

The best thing you can do is sanitize your hands immediately after paying and avoid touching your face (this is the best practice to follow anyway).

Related: Is it time to put away your wallet? Pros and cons of mobile payments

Bottom line

As the weather gets cooler and more germs spread, people are increasingly focusing on staying clean and disinfecting whenever possible. For your credit card, soap and water will work fine, or you can use a disinfectant to gently wipe down the card after use.

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