People often focus on the big stuff when doing residential cleaning. It’s not surprising that we focus on the walls and floors. Windows, furniture, and appliances also get our attention. It could be due to their size and use.

It’s inevitable that people miss the little things. The corners that are out of the way. The top of the cabinet. The door knobs and light switches. The irony is that these are often the dirtiest items in the room. Cleaning and sanitizing them are a must. Especially if you want to keep yourself and your family healthy.

You might think cleaning light switches is a matter of wiping them down. That’s one method. But you need to be more thorough if you want to ensure it’s clean. You also need to be careful as you’re dealing with something electrical. Here’s how to clean light switches in a safe and effective manner.

Prepare Yourself

You don’t want to go into battle unprepared, and cleaning is pretty much a war. It’s why you should always prepare the items you need. It will make the job go faster. When cleaning light switches, you’ll need a screwdriver and a good cleaning brush. An old toothbrush will do. You also need cotton swabs and rubbing alcohol.

Cut the Power

Do not do anything while the power is still on. Go to the circuit breaker and turn off the power. A light switch or panel might be small, but it’s still dangerous when you’re careless. Use a voltage detector to double-check that no electric current is running to the switch.

You’ll be cleaning the crevices so make sure you won’t become electrocuted while you’re poking around.

Remove the Switch Cover

You’ll need to remove the switch plate to do a deep cleaning of the light switch. This plate covers the electric box. It also makes the switch or outlet look neat and finished. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws. Place them in a jar or bag. This will ensure you don’t lose any screws.

Brush with Alcohol

Use a cleaning brush to clean the grooves around the outlet or switch. You can dip it in alcohol for a more thorough cleaning. Scrub the brush using a light hand. A cotton swab or Q-tip is better for cleaning the openings of the outlet. This is essential as these spaces are where dirt often accumulates.

Professional cleaners for hire prefer to use rubbing alcohol for this chore. It’s effective in breaking up the oils that are present in the electric outlets. It also prevents the oil from transferring from the switch to our hands.

Check Outlets are 100% Dry

You must make sure that light switches are dry before you cover them up again. It’s another reason why rubbing alcohol is a better choice over other cleaning solutions. Alcohol dries much faster. A 90% alcohol solution will dry in minutes. A rubbing alcohol that’s 70% proof will take longer. Don’t want to wait that long? You can speed things up by blotting the area with a paper towel. Opening a window will also help.

Put Back the Covers

The only thing left to do now is to put back the switch plate covers. Screw them back into place. Independent house cleaners will ensure the plates are tight against the electrical boxes. They’ll also ensure everything is dry before turning on the breaker.

Common Questions About Light Switch Cleaning

  •         How often should you clean light switches? Bacteria and viruses can survive on hard surfaces for a long time. Make wiping down these surfaces a priority when you hire a housekeeper. They should clean the light switches once a week in their regular cleaning routine. But some experts say it should become wiped every day if there’s someone sick in the household.
  •         When’s the best time to clean light switches? The ideal time would be in the morning or afternoon. You’ll have to turn off the power when cleaning light switches or any electrical outlet. So it’s best to do this when you have ample natural light. There’s a bit of planning involved since you don’t want to inconvenience the other people in the house. Talk to them and check schedules before you turn off any power.
  •         Can I use my regular cleaning spray? It’s not a good idea to spray the cleaning solution on the light switch or plate. The liquid could seep inside the switch plate. This could become a safety issue later on.

Work with the Best Cleaning Service

Clean My Space CT is the company to call when you want your cleaning done right. We’re one of the premier cleaning service firms in the Charlotte, NC area. We’ve made it our mission to provide our clients with top-notch cleaning for their peace of mind. We provide home and commercial cleaning services. We also do move in/move out cleaning and office disinfection. You can request a quote at info@cleanmyspacect.com. You can also reach us at (860) 539-8725.