How TO CLEAN VR HEADSETS
Guidance on how to sanitize your Oculus VR headset during COVID-19




Disclaimer: This is not medical advice. This guidance should not overrule protocols your institution may already have in place or the need for specialist advice to be taken. Rather, this is guidance collated from various sources that you may find useful.
The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus is thought to be able to survive up to 72 hours on plastic. The options are therefore to quarantine your equipment or decontaminate it. The information below covers decontamination as well as general measures to prevent transmitting COVID-19 during VR sessions.
Alcohol-based cleaning products
Different products have different effects on the survival of COVID-19. Alcohol-based products appear to be most effective against COVID-19. However, many equipment manufacturers specifically advise against alcohol, as in the long term it can dissolve certain plastics, make plastic less flexible or discolor it. Non-alcohol-based products are also available and do appear to be effective, but a concession has to be made between potentially damaging your headset in the long term and achieving theoretical maximum protection for your learners. Note that alcohol-based products should not be applied to the lenses of the headset under any condition.
Non-alcohol-based cleaning products
Non-alcohol-based products are recommended if you would like to avoid alcohol-based cleaning products to protect your headset. These appear to be highly effective provided they are used correctly. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions – in particular, ensure the headset’s surface becomes visibly wet and is then fully dried prior to the next learner. Examples: Wexford Cleancide; Lysol wipes.
Your current headset face pads may be porous and therefore have the potential to harbor viruses. Cotton coverings and disposable face pads often allow moisture through, so are generally not advised. Instead, removable waterproof face pads may be used to increase the ease of disinfecting the whole headset. Examples: vrcover.com; kiwidesign.shop
Headsets can be decontaminated by exposing them to UVC light for a specific amount of time with a specific wavelength. Such lights and light boxes are commercially available, and appear to be effective. However, they can be costly. Examples: Cleanbox; UVBox
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