Virtual Reality (VR) headsets and goggles have always been an easy way to pick up illnesses or viruses especially the ones that meant for shared use.
Multiple events have been witnessed outbreaks of eye and skin infections because of hundreds of people that share headsets every day, not to mention, the controllers being appallingly sickening at the best of times.
The truth is, it doesn't necessarily have to be a large number of individuals to cause the problems. A VR headset or goggle is positioned right on top against the biggest infection portals like the mouth, nose, and eyes.
It is in constant, close contact with the skin too, which can lead to infections, not to mention open sores and extreme conditions. Amidst all the self-quarantines, work-from-home arrangements and cancellations of events because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is enticing to chuck on particular VR equipment and kill time, in literally any place. Before doing so, you might want to consider learning how to clean your controllers, VR headset, and goggles.
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Cleaning the Equipment
For most of the sets of VR equipment including their controllers, alcohol-free antibacterial wipes can do the job. Simply wipe down all of the equipment's hard surfaces, with a specific concentration in the areas you are most likely to touch more often and the most. Key areas or hard surfaces include both the eyepiece's top and bottom parts which you usually grab when you put the headset or goggle off and take it off.
For the lenses, avoid the use of any cleaning material made of rough material. Opt for the cleaning wipes intended for simple glasses, instead. And, in everything that you do, never put the VR headset or goggle under direct sunlight to dry.
This practice is really tempting especially that UV rays are undeniably great in terms of disinfecting things. However, it can cause damage that cannot be repaired.
Essentially, the biggest receiver of viruses is your equipment's soft areas like the headband, including the foam interfacing found inside it. The said soft parts are said to be the ideal environments for anything like fungi and viruses to grow if not properly maintained.
More so, it is even worse if you're already constantly playing high-intensity games. You must remember too, that sweat can also make things moist, warm and above all-smelly and these can all lead to germs that easily attract viruses.
When Cleaning the Facial Interfaces
When you clean your facial interfaces, always keep in mind to wipe down the nose area. Ask the long-time owners of VR goggles and headsets who have taken care of their equipment pretty well and they'd tell you that "skin infections on the nose are indeed, sore."
This is the reason why most of them would recommend for the removal of nose guard in the headsets entirely, even though this part of the equipment helps in blocking out more light, not to mention, quite simple enough to clean.
Generally, it is not difficult to maintain or keep the VR equipment clean, although if you are a beginner, you might find it a little overwhelming. However, when a pandemic like the COVID-19 continues to ruin the whole world, it is worthwhile to get over your worries and simply give your VR kit the cleaning it deserves. And above all, wash your hands frequently-before and after cleaning and you'll surely be okay!