Light switches are electrical, to keep you and your home safe it is important to properly clean your light switches. Sigmund advises not to spray the liquid solution directly on light switches or sockets. Almost all solutions will conduct electricity. If liquid enters the device in any concentration, an electrical short circuit may occur.
How to Clean Light Switches?
Before starting cleaning, safety measures must be taken to avoid the risk of electric shock/shock during the process. This can be achieved by shutting off the main power supply to your home at the circuit breaker.
Considering that your home may be without power for a while, it may be a good idea to choose an earlier time of day so you can work efficiently in natural light.
Please keep in mind that this may cause inconvenience to other family members. Therefore, you should plan ahead for cleaning outlet covers and switches.
If the power is cut off, walk around the house and turn on lights and fans to see if the power has actually been cut off. If you clear everything, proceed to these steps:
Remove the cover
Before you begin, you will need to remove the cover of the electrical switch. You can open it by sliding a knife or sharp object down the side. If there are screws on the switch cover, you will need to remove them with a screwdriver before lifting the cover. Collect the screws from each outlet and store them in a separate bowl to avoid misplacing or mixing them up.
To eliminate the risk of light switch shock, do not apply liquids such as light cleaner, diluted bleach, or baking soda solution to the switch plate.
Remove dust
Along with the outside, dust tends to accumulate on the inside of the electrical cover through the narrowest gaps between the wall and the cover. So, make sure to wipe the dust from both sides before scrubbing the plastic cover to remove any stubborn grime.
For this step, you’ll need to use a toothbrush or paintbrush to dust out any tight spaces and crevices. If you cannot remove dust in a confined space, hold the part under running water and rinse it using the pressure of the water.
Soak the cover and disinfect the switch
Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of dish detergent to a basin of warm water and stir to create soapy water. Soak your electrical cover in this cleaning solution for 10-15 minutes to remove dirt and stains/discoloration.
While you soak the outlet covers, take this time to clean and disinfect the light switches. The safest method is to use a paper towel or microfiber cloth soaked in disinfectant.
A tip to help you safely clean and disinfect your switches is to wrap a damp cleaning tool around your finger and gently scrub each switch individually.
Scrub and Dry Electrical Cladding
Dip a soft sponge into the cleaning solution that soaked the electrical covers and use it to clean each cover individually. Now, thanks to the soaking time, you can easily remove dirt and grime.
Once you are satisfied with the cleaning, rinse the outlet cover under running water. Next, shake off any excess water before wiping each cover with a dry towel, then set them aside to air dry completely. Only when you are sure that the electrical cover is dry and free of moisture should you fit it onto the outlet and secure it with screws.
Put the cover back
Now all that’s left to do is put the switch plate cover back in place. Screw it back into place. An independent house cleaner will ensure that the plate is securely fastened to the electrical box. Also, make sure everything is dry before turning on the breaker.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s best for cleaning light switches?
Do not spray or wipe detergent or disinfectant directly on light switches, outlets, dimmers, USB charger outlets, or wall plates. To safely clean these devices, use a cloth dampened with mild soap. Be sure to turn off the device before cleaning.
What can I use instead of switch cleaner?
Cleaning all the narrow areas of electrical connectors and switches yourself can be difficult, so you may need to use chemicals. If you’re on the mild side, you can use acids like vinegar, or other cleaners like baking soda can also be used to clean battery terminals.
Is there an alternative to baking soda for cleaning light switches?
If you have nail polish remover or acetone at home, they are great for removing dirt and paint from light switches. As with any liquid, before cleaning your Switch, lightly apply nail polish remover to a soft microfiber cloth. Do not spray acetone or wet cloth on the switch.
Another effective way to clean light switches is with toothpaste (regular white toothpaste, not the gel type). Because sodium bicarbonate is also one of the ingredients. You can also use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the switch to remove stubborn stains.
Why is cleaning and disinfecting light switches important?
It may seem trivial, but the fact is that germs present on light switches and electrical covers can carry contagious viruses that can be transmitted to humans with just a single contact. Plus, considering the overall daily usage, you can imagine how dirty and contaminated these surfaces are!
Bacteria are not visible to the naked eye, but it is necessary to regularly disinfect switches and switchboards. On the other hand, dirt and discoloration are clear signs that frequently touched surfaces need a thorough cleaning to restore them to their original appearance and, more importantly, to make them sanitary again!
It is important to apply a thorough cleaning method as soon as possible to prevent permanent discoloration, especially in high-traffic rooms or areas where grease and grime can accumulate on outlets.
