Car Police Scanner Cleaning and Maintenance Guide

Keeping your car police scanner clean and properly maintained is crucial for ensuring optimal performance and longevity. Just like any other device you rely on, regular care will not only provide the best communication experience but also extend the life of your scanner.

Weekly maintenance checks and cleaning are essential. The following guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to effectively clean, disinfect, and maintain your car police scanner, ensuring it remains in top working condition.

Cleaning Your Car Police Scanner

Cleaning removes everyday dirt, dust, grime, and stains that your scanner may encounter, especially in a car environment. Most manufacturers recommend using a mild detergent water solution for cleaning. Here’s how to do it properly:

Step-by-Step Cleaning Instructions

Prepare a 0.5% Detergent Water Solution: Mix 1 teaspoon of mild liquid hand soap or dishwashing detergent (like Dawn) with 1 cup of water. You can store this solution in a spray bottle for future use.
Dampen a Microfiber Cloth: Lightly dampen a clean microfiber cloth with the detergent water solution. Avoid spraying the solution directly onto the scanner. Wring out any excess water from the cloth.
Gently Wipe Down the Scanner: Carefully wipe down all surfaces of your car police scanner, paying attention to cracks and crevices. Be mindful of the battery compartment, connector ports, contacts, and any electronic components.
Dry the Scanner Thoroughly: After cleaning, use a dry, clean cloth to wipe down the scanner, ensuring you dry any areas where water might accumulate, especially around the battery compartment. Allow the scanner to air dry completely before reinstalling the battery or any accessories, and before charging.

What Not to Do When Cleaning

Never Submerge Your Scanner: Do not immerse your car police scanner in water or any liquid.
Clean When Off and Unplugged: Always ensure your scanner is turned off and disconnected from any power source or car charger before cleaning.
Avoid Direct Spraying: Do not spray cleaning solution directly onto the scanner. Always apply it to a cloth first.
No Harsh Chemicals: Do not use bleach or abrasive cleaning sprays. These can damage the scanner’s casing and internal components.
Don’t Use a Soaking Wet Cloth: Avoid using a dripping wet cloth, as excess moisture can harm the device.

Best Practices for Cleaning

Remove the Battery: Always remove the battery from your car police scanner before cleaning.
Power Off: Ensure the scanner is completely turned off.
Be Careful Around Openings: Pay close attention to battery compartments and screens, preventing moisture from entering.
Detach Accessories: Remove any speaker microphones, earpieces, or other accessories before cleaning.
Use Microfiber Cloth: Opt for a damp, lint-free microfiber cloth for cleaning.
Wring Out Excess Water: Always wring out the cloth to eliminate excess water before wiping the scanner.

Disinfecting Your Car Police Scanner

Germs can easily accumulate on your car police scanner, especially if it’s frequently handled or used by multiple people. Disinfecting is a quick process that can kill 99.99% of bacteria and germs. It’s a good practice to disinfect your scanner regularly, especially after each use or shift.

Use 70%-80% Isopropyl Alcohol: Use isopropyl alcohol with a concentration between 70% and 80%.
Dampen Cloth with Isopropyl Alcohol: Lightly dampen a microfiber cloth with isopropyl alcohol.
Wipe Down Thoroughly: Gently wipe down your car police scanner with the damp cloth, making sure to reach all cracks and crevices.
Antibacterial Wipes (Optional): You can also use antibacterial wipes, such as Clorox disinfecting wipes, to gently clean your scanner.
Avoid Oversaturation: Do not oversaturate the scanner with alcohol or wipes. Use only a damp cloth or wipe, and wring out any excess moisture before applying.

Download & Print Your Copy of How to Clean Your Two-Way Radio

General Maintenance for Car Police Scanners

Regular maintenance is key to ensuring your car police scanner functions optimally and enjoys a longer lifespan. Whether you own a personal scanner or manage a fleet, understanding proper upkeep is vital to prevent unnecessary damage and ensure reliable performance. Weekly checks of your scanner and accessories are highly recommended.

Scanner Body

Inspect Buttons: Check all buttons for responsiveness and ensure they are not sticking or damaged.
Clean Speaker Area: Lightly dust over the speaker area to remove any dirt or debris that could muffle the sound.
Check LED Screen: Inspect the LED screen for any scratches, cracks, or damage that could impair visibility.
Volume and Channel Knobs: Verify that the volume and channel knobs are working smoothly and correctly.

Antenna

Inspect for Bends: Check if the antenna is bent, as this can significantly affect reception quality. If bent, consider replacing it. Avoid holding or carrying the scanner by the antenna.

Battery

Battery Inspection: Regularly inspect the battery for any signs of cracks or acid leakage.
Check Gold Contacts: Look at the gold-plated contacts for any residue. Gently clean them with a microfiber cloth if needed. Avoid harsh chemicals.
Date Code Check: Check the battery’s date code to understand its age and warranty status.
Charger Compatibility: Ensure you are using a compatible charger for your battery type. For example, lithium-ion batteries should only be charged with lithium-ion chargers.

Belt Clip & Mounting

Check for Damage: Inspect the belt clip or car mounting bracket for cracks or damage, ensuring secure attachment.
Tighten Screws: Make sure any screws are tight and the mounting is sturdy, especially important for in-car use to prevent the scanner from becoming dislodged while driving.

Charger

Clean Charger Cups: Lightly dust the inside of the charger cups with a feather duster or cloth to remove dust or debris that could hinder charging.

Audio Accessories

Cable Inspection: Examine the cables of any connected audio accessories (like external speakers or headphones) for fraying or exposed wires.
Connector Check: Check the connectors for loose or missing pins.
Acoustic Tube (if applicable): If using an acoustic tube earpiece, check for wax buildup or moisture. Clean the acoustic tube as needed.
Clean Speaker/PTT: Remove any dust or debris from the speaker or push-to-talk (PTT) button. Gently blow into or use a feather duster to clean these areas.

Download & Print Your Copy of the Two-Way Radio Maintenance Checklist

By following these cleaning and maintenance steps, you can ensure your car police scanner remains reliable, provides clear communication, and serves you for years to come. Regular care is a small investment that yields significant returns in performance and equipment longevity.