Cash registers are an essential backbone of any cash-handling business open to the public. Cash registers are highly visible to customers and are often part of a customer's impression of an establishment. A clean cash register makes the business look better and prolongs mechanical functioning. Clean everything from the large casing areas to the tiny crevices between the keys.

Remove and set aside the cash register's contents. Keep the different bills, checks and coins separated and store them in a lock box (or another secure location) while you clean. Make a record of all moneys taken from the cash register so that you can make sure everything is accounted for when you return it later.

Tip the register forward carefully to let any debris trapped inside the register fall out. If possible, give the register a little shake or nudge to help this.

Dust the register with a dry paintbrush. Apply the brush inside and out, front and back. Remove as much debris as possible by first brushing it loose, and then brushing it off the register.

Vacuum the register with a keyboard vacuum. Vacuum out the drawers and crevices in the drawer mechanisms, then use the vacuum's smallest crevice attachment in between the keys and underneath them. Go slowly to give the vacuum time to pick up as much dirt as possible.

Rub down the register with a lightly damp (not dripping) cloth. Wash the backside and underside of the register. Rinse the cloth and repeat as necessary to remove as much dirt as possible.

Clean the keys with rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab. Soak each swab, then shake it out so it isn't dripping wet. Wash the top of each key individually, then wipe between the keys, pinching the end of the swab into a thin, wedge-like shape to help you reach further. If possible, pop the keys off with a screwdriver to wash them separately and put them back on afterwards. (Only do this if the keys are the same type as the keys from a computer keyboard. Try a light prying motion, but don't pry harder if the keys resist - it may mean they are not designed to be removed.)

Wash the register's screen with a cleaning cloth and a small quantity of rubbing alcohol.