How to clean your vending machine

1. Soft nylon brush (MOST IMPORTANT)

Use for:

• Coin acceptor

• Bill acceptor rollers

• Sensors

• Motherboard surface (light dust only)

• Fans & vents

Why:

• Soft but effective

• Doesn’t scratch or damage parts

• Anti-static types are best

📌 Ideal size: toothbrush-size or small paintbrush size

2. Anti-static electronics brush

Use for:

• Android board

• Control board

• Touchscreen edges

• Cable ports

Why:

• Prevents static electricity

• Safe for sensitive electronics

📌 Often called: ESD brush

3. Soft paintbrush (clean & dry)

Use for:

• Inside cabinet

• Tray rails

• Motor area (external only)

Why:

• Cheap and easy

• Good for dust removal

📌 Size: 1–2 inch, very soft bristles

4. Microfiber + brush combo

Use for:

• Touchscreen (brush first, wipe after)

• Product display window

❌ Brushes you should NEVER use

🚫 Hard plastic brushes
🚫 Metal brushes
🚫 Steel wire brushes
🚫 Old dirty toothbrush with stiff bristles
🚫 Wet brushes near electronics

These can:

• Scratch sensors

• Damage rollers

• Cause static or short circuits

Best quick setup (what operators usually carry)

✔ Soft nylon toothbrush-style brush
✔ Anti-static brush
✔ Microfiber cloth
✔ Small blower or air can (optional)

Pro tip (important)

• ALWAYS power OFF the vending machine before brushing electronics

• Brush dry only (no water, no alcohol directly on boards)

1. Mild dishwashing liquid (BEST & SAFEST)

Examples:

• Any neutral / gentle dish soap

• Baby dish soap

• Non-scented dishwashing liquid

Why this is ideal:

• Cuts grease from hands and coins

• Safe for plastics, glass, and metal

• No harsh chemicals

2. pH-neutral multi-surface cleaner (optional)

• Must be non-ammonia

• Must be non-bleach

• Labeled safe for plastic & electronics surfaces

❌ Soaps / cleaners you should NEVER use

🚫 Bleach
🚫 Ammonia
🚫 Alcohol poured directly on parts
🚫 Degreasers (engine, kitchen heavy-duty)
🚫 Powder detergents
🚫 Disinfectants with chlorine

These can:

• Damage screens

• Remove protective coatings

• Cause corrosion

• Leave residues that cause screen freeze or button failure

✅ Correct soap dilution (VERY IMPORTANT)

Standard safe dilution

1–2 drops of dish soap per 1 liter of water

📌 That’s it — very weak solution

For heavier dirt (outside panels only)

3–4 drops per 1 liter of water

⚠️ Do NOT use stronger than this

How to apply safely

• Dip microfiber cloth in solution

• Wring until almost dry

• Wipe surface (screen, glass, metal)

• Immediately wipe with dry microfiber

🚫 Never pour or spray liquid directly on the machine

Electronics & internal parts

• NO soap

• NO water

• Use dry brush + microfiber only

Quick operator rule (easy to remember)

• Outside only → mild soap + water

• Inside & electronics → dry cleaning only

1. Cleaning (very important)

• Clean touchscreen (dust causes unresponsive screens)

• Clean coin acceptor & bill acceptor

• Remove dust from fans, vents, and motherboard area

• Clean product trays, spirals, and delivery bin

2. Mechanical checks

• Check spiral motors (no loose or bent spirals)

• Test drop sensors

• Check door hinges and locks

• Inspect tray alignment (to avoid product stuck)

3. Electrical & system checks

• Check power supply & cables

• Inspect Android unit / control board

• Ensure cooling fan is working

• Check for error logs in the system

4. Software & screen

• Restart system properly

• Check for system lag or frozen screen

• Update software (if applicable)

• Test touchscreen calibration

5. Payment system

• Test coins, bills, cashless (GCash/QR) if installed

• Clear coin jams

• Refill change tubes

6. Stock & temperature

• Check expiration dates

• Ensure correct price mapping

• Verify cooling temperature (for cold machines)