Cleaning might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you look at your TV remote, but it's essential to know how to clean a remote control properly. This is especially true when it comes to disinfecting your remote. Learn tips and tricks for cleaning and disinfecting all the remote controls in your home.
How to Clean a Remote Control
Cleaning a remote control probably doesn't come to the forefront of your brain until it's not working. However, remote controls get grimy. Whether it's the remote control for your tv or your air conditioner, learn tips and tricks for effectively cleaning your remote control. But first, you need to grab your supplies.
Supply List
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Spray bottle
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Microfiber cloth
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Toothbrush
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Cotton swabs
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Toothpick
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Baking soda
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Gloves
How to Easily Clean Any Remote Control
When it comes to general cleaning of any remote control, you'll want to look at your user guide if it's available. However, this method works for most types of remotes.
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Remove the batteries from the remote control.
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Use the toothbrush to brush away all debris from in and around the buttons. Work your way from the top to the bottom.
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In a spray bottle, mix equal parts water and rubbing alcohol.
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Spray it on the microfiber cloth.
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Tap out any excess moisture.
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Give the remote several vigorous swipes with the cloth.
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For tight spaces, spray the mixture on the cotton swabs and work the areas to remove grime and buildup.
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Flip the remote over and use the toothbrush to remove any loose crumbs or debris from the battery compartment.
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Replace the batteries and test the remote.
How Do You Disinfect a Remote Control?
To disinfect a remote, wet a cloth with rubbing alcohol and wipe down the entire remote. If you don't have rubbing alcohol on hand, put a bit of hand sanitizer on your cloth and use that to sanitize your remote. Another method for sanitizing your remote is to use a bit of hydrogen peroxide on a washcloth and wipe down the entire surface.
Can You Spray Lysol on a Remote Control?
When applying a disinfectant like Lysol to a remote control, you don't want to spray it directly on to the controller. Instead, you want to spray the disinfectant onto a cloth and use that to wipe down the remote control.
How to Clean TV Remote With Lysol Wipes
When it comes to cleaning a TV remote, you have several rubber buttons that can hide grime and germs. To clean a TV remote, simply follow these instructions.
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Remove the batteries.
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Use the toothbrush to brush away any loose debris and grime.
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Wring out a Lysol wipe to remove excess moisture.
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Wipe down the entire TV remote from top to bottom.
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Use your finger to scrub and remove any buildup.
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Use the toothpick to get the grime out around the buttons and off plastic.
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Wipe down the back of the remote.
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Replace the batteries and cover.
How to Clean Sticky Plastic Remote Control
Do you have sticky plastic on your remote control? You can try wiping it down with rubbing alcohol to see if the stick goes bye-bye. However, for those harder to remove sticky messes, you might grab the baking soda.
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Make sure to remove the batteries.
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Create a thick paste using baking soda and water.
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Use your finger or a cotton swab to apply the baking soda to the sticky area.
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With the toothbrush, work the mixture around.
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Wipe and repeat as needed.
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Use the microfiber cloth to wipe out the battery compartment.
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Replace the batteries and test.
How to Clean Remote Control After Battery Leak
You open up your remote control's battery compartment only to find it full of chalky white stuff. That white stuff is created from a battery leak in the remote. Therefore, you'll want to pull on your gloves and get to work.
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Remove the batteries and discard them.
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Create a 1:1 mixture of water and white vinegar.
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Dip a cotton swab in the mixture.
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Use your fingers to wring it out.
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Take the cotton swab and scrub away all the white residue.
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Make sure to pay special attention to the coils.
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Check the battery cover and remove residue from there as well.
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Use a dry cotton swab to dry everything off.
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Allow the compartment to dry before adding new batteries.
Cleaning Your Remote
When it comes to cleaning your remote, rubbing alcohol is your go-to. However, you can clean a remote with Lysol wipes to disinfect or baking soda for sticky messes. Know that you have to the know-how, it's time to get cleaning.
