HoloLens Hygiene: A Guide to Cleaning Your HoloLens
The Microsoft HoloLens is the world’s most powerful Mixed Reality (MR) headset. Organizations around the world are using these devices, and a collection of software solutions, to better connect their workforces, achieve production efficiencies and a host of other benefits.
With the potential impacts of a COVID-19 outbreak looming, HoloLens hygiene is becoming increasingly important. Similar to devices like phones and laptops, HoloLens MR devices should be properly cleaned or maintained.
Here’s how to clean your HoloLens 1 or 2.
Precautions
Disinfect hands before each use: In any event, make sure to properly disinfect your hands before handling the HoloLens.
Medical use: Please note that the HoloLens is a non-intrusive device in that it doesn’t block your field of view, allowing users to retain situational awareness and work with their hands. If operating in a medical field, the HoloLens can be used while:
Wearing a surgical cap
Wearing eye protection
Wearing a surgical mask
Wearing disposable medical gloves
Sharing your device: The most effective way to ensure that your HoloLens units aren’t exposing your workforce to avoidable health risk is to eliminate sharing of the devices.
The CDC states that Covid-19 is transmitted most commonly from person to person via respiratory droplets. To operate a HoloLens 1 or 2, the user must place the device in close proximity to their eyes, nose, and mouth. These areas are pathways through which infections both enter and exit the body.
It’s advisable that organizations limit the number of users per individual device.
Ideally, each HoloLens unit will have only one user.
Many organizations, however, do share the devices. If this is the case for your company, the following tips will be particularly valuable
Cleaning your HoloLens storage area and case
The U.S. Government and other research bodies have concluded that Coronavirus can live on some surfaces as long as three days and in the air for several hours. Cleaning your device’s storage area and the HoloLens case is as important as cleaning the device itself.
Be it a drawer, toolbox, shelf, or any other area, be sure to clean and disinfect your HoloLens’s storage the area. The Center for Disease Control recommends:
Cleaning surfaces using detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection of the surface.
After cleaning the area, disinfect. To disinfect, use diluted household bleach solutions (mixture recipe available here), alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, or EPA-registered household disinfectants. Cleaning surfaces using detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection of the surface.
When cleaning the HoloLens case, follow the same basic steps above. Clean every piece and surface of the case, both inside and out.
Ensure that the following elements are not overlooked.
The zipper
The case-carrying handle
The nose piece (if cleaning a HoloLens 1)
The wall charger and charging cable
Removable head straps The zipper
Cleaning your HoloLens
It’s important to note that Microsoft’s recommendations are for cleaning, not disinfecting, the HoloLens.
Based on Microsoft’s recommendations, here is how to clean a HoloLens.
Wash your hands with soap and warm water.
Disinfect your work area. This can be done with household products (consider using products that contain more than 40% alcohol). Let the surface dry or wipe down with paper towel before placing a HoloLens on it.
Remove the brow pad. This pad is magnetically connected to the inside-front of the device (forehead area). Pull gently away to detach and set it aside.
Next, clean the visor by first removing any dust with a lens brush or lens blower.
Lightly moisten a microfiber cloth with a small amount of distilled water. Gently wipe the visor in a circular motion.
Clean all other parts of the device, including the brow pad, with a lint-free microfiber cloth moistened with mild soap and water.
Do not forget to clean areas that are difficult to access or that reveal themselves when the visor is in the flipped position.
Let your HoloLens dry before reuse.
Microsoft recommends that people “don’t use any cleaners or solvents on your HoloLens,” and that the device not be submerged in any liquid and that water not be applied directly. Products that contain a high percentage of alcohol or cleaners that are bleach-based may damage some of a HoloLens’ components.
That being said, if you require that your HoloLens be disinfected, follow these recommendations below but please note that by following these steps, you could harm the proper function of your device. Follow at your own risk.
Wash your hands with soap and warm water.
Disinfect your work area.
Remove the brow pad and set it aside
Using a glass cleaner (containing no more than 60% alcohol), dampen a sterile cloth or paper towel. Gently clean the visor. Avoid excessive use of the cleaner.
Wipe the visor with a sterile cloth immediately after application of the glass cleaner
Clean all other areas of the device using a household cleaner (containing no more than 60% alcohol). When using a spray cleaner, dampen a sterile cloth or paper towel to apply it to the device. When using a wipe, wring it out to avoid excessive application of the cleaning solution.
Pay close attention when cleaning cameras, sensors, mics, speakers, charging port, power button, and volume buttons. These areas are sensitive. Use far less cleaner and a gentler touch on these areas.
Do not forget to clean areas that are difficult to access or that reveal themselves when the visor is in the flipped position.
Wipe the areas cleaned in previous steps with a sterile cloth or paper towel.
Let your HotoLens sit for a few minutes before use.
If your workplace has access to ultraviolet (UV) light cleaning devices, consider using these stations between the use of a HoloLens unit.