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Cleaning

Keeping the equipment clean helps it last and keeps it hygienic — especially microphones that many people use. This page gives simple, safe cleaning guidance. When in doubt, do less, and ask Mills IT.

Power and liquids don't mix

Never spray liquid directly onto any equipment. Never clean powered equipment with a wet cloth. Switch off and use only a lightly damp or dry cloth.

General rules

  • Use a dry or barely-damp microfibre cloth.
  • Never use solvents, bleach or abrasive cleaners on screens or electronics.
  • Don't let any liquid get into buttons, faders, vents or sockets.
  • Clean when the system is off wherever possible.

Microphones

Microphones are shared, so keep them hygienic.

Microphone How to clean
Handheld (Ch 2, 3) Wipe the body with a barely-damp cloth. The foam/grille can be wiped or, if removable, gently cleaned and fully dried before refitting.
Headset (Ch 4) Wipe the earpiece/headband with a barely-damp cloth or an alcohol wipe on the parts that touch skin. Keep moisture away from the capsule.
Lectern / Pulpit (Ch 1, 5) Gently dust the capsule; wipe the gooseneck/stand with a dry cloth.
Rode M5 pair Dust only. These are delicate condenser mics — don't wet them.

Let everything dry fully

Never put a damp microphone or windshield back into use. Moisture can damage the capsule and affect sound.

Screens (TVs and monitors)

  1. Turn the screen off.
  2. Wipe gently with a dry microfibre cloth.
  3. For marks, use a cloth very slightly dampened with water (never spray the screen).

Do not use glass cleaner or paper towel on TV screens — it can damage the coating.

Mixer, RodeCaster, StreamDeck and PC

  • Dust with a dry cloth or a soft brush.
  • Keep drinks away from the desk — a spill on the QU-5D or StreamDeck can be very costly.
  • Do not vacuum directly over faders/buttons; brush dust away gently.

No drinks at the AV desk

The most common avoidable damage is a spilled drink on the mixer or computer. Keep all drinks well away from the equipment.

Cameras

  • Dust the camera body with a dry cloth.
  • For the lens, use only a proper lens cloth or lens tissue, very gently. Never use household cleaners on a lens.
  • Do not force the camera to move by hand — use the controller.

Cables and connectors

  • Keep cables tidy and unstrained.
  • If a connector is dusty, a quick puff of air is enough — don't poke objects into sockets.

What to leave to Mills IT

  • Opening any equipment.
  • Cleaning inside vents or fans.
  • Removing fader knobs or panels.
  • Anything that needs a tool.

➡️ Log anything that needs attention on Regular Checks.