It often happens that when cleaning your apartment you don't think about cleaning yellowed sockets and light switches. At first glance, removing light switch and socket covers also seems to be a tedious and dangerous task. A thorough cleaning can only be done if you know exactly how to proceed. In this way, once you get the cleaning job done through well-learned steps, it shouldn't be much of a challenge to clean such areas. Below are some of the most common cleaning methods and cleaning products to help restore such surfaces in your home to their original shine.
What should you consider before cleaning yellowed sockets and light switches?
Of course, safety is paramount when cleaning such areas, although there are a few methods you can use to get deep into the grooves of an outlet or light switch. All unsightly dirt and grease deposits that cause dingy surfaces can be easily removed. This cleaning process should also not exceed the regular cleaning routine. However, the dirt that accumulates on it can make your home look dated and unkempt. Clean switches and sockets ensure thisimproved look of living roomsand bathrooms as well as exposed areas at eye level, such as doors and kitchen back walls.
In addition, it is very important to turn off the power at the circuit breaker before cleaning. Also make sure that all power sources are turned off. Only then can you gently rub surfaces and grooves with somehomemade cleaning solutionsor conventional alcohol-based cleaning agents. If your home is full of switches and outlets, you can quickly clean them even if you leave the cover plates on. However, it is better to remove them for thorough cleaning. You should also never leave them on during the cleaning process. As long as they have no power supply, the cleaning process can be done safely and quickly. Here are some more precautions you should take:
- Reduce the risk of electric shock by not spraying liquids on switches.
- Dampen a lint-free cloth before cleaning and do not soak it in the meantime as the liquid can cause an electric shock through the gaps.
- When cleaning yellowed outlets and light switches, it would be best to remove the cover from the wall and soak it in water to lighten the color.
- If your switches are dark in color, wiping them with a damp cloth and detergent is sufficient as the yellowing is not noticeable.
Getting started and cleaning supplies needed
To clean electrical outlets, you will need a screwdriver, a cleaning brush such as a nail brush or an old toothbrush, cotton swabs, bleach, baking soda, distilled white vinegar, and a small bowl to pour cleaning solutions into. It's also best to turn off the power at the breaker before you begin. If necessary, also turn off other switches installed on it. You can then use a voltage tester to check whether there is electrical current to it. These are important first steps if you want to clean deep into grooves and crevices where dirt and dust collect.
Additionally, you must be absolutely sure that there is no risk of electric shock, which can only be done by turning off the power at your home's fuse box. To actually thoroughly clean the surrounding areas, you should remove the switch covers. However, this step can be skipped if the sockets and light switches to be cleaned are not visibly dirty. However, for heavily soiled areas, this is essential so that you can keep them as clean as possible. You should also make sure that any loose screws remain in a cup, jar or bag while cleaning so that you don't lose them.
Remove switch covers and clean yellowed sockets and light switches
Before you begin, remove the cover plates of any electrical switches by using aknife or a sharp oneSlide an object under the side and pry it open. However, if there are still screws on it, you can remove them with a screwdriver. Do this before lifting the covers and avoid applying any liquid, be it a light cleaner or a diluted cleaning solution. This eliminates any risk of electric shock. Then follow the next steps to use home remedies to clean sockets and light switches.
Cleaning paste with baking sodado it Yourself
- First, combine one tablespoon of baking soda with about three tablespoons of water. This makes it easy to make a paste for cleaning switch covers.
- Then apply the paste, ideally treating the entire cover to get rid of dirt or yellowed areas.
- First, take the cover plate and use dish soap with a kitchen sponge to scrub it well and gently to remove any stains.
- Finally, you can rinse the electrical switch cover under water and dry it with a clean microfiber cloth.
- To use this cleaning method on unlocked switches, you can make a thicker paste.
- Then use paper or kitchen towel to apply the cleaning paste over the yellowed part of sockets or light switches.
- Then let the paste work for about an hour.
- Finally, you can wipe the treated areas with a cotton ball or a clean, lint-free cloth.
Clean the inside of switches and sockets
Meanwhile, you can also make a cleaning solution with bleach and soak the cover plates in it. To do this, mix 1 part bleach with 10 parts water in a bowl or bucket. Again, soak switch covers in the homemade cleaning solution for about an hour. While leaving the cover plates soaked, you can clean the knobs or the interior of the socket or light switches. Be sure to turn off the power before doing this.
- First, use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down interior parts and buttons.
- It is best to treat hard-to-reach areas with cotton swabs to remove dirt from them.
- First, you should let the opened sockets and light switches dry in fresh air. It's best to wait a few hours before using the switches again to make sure there are no traces of moisture inside.
- You can then reinstall the socket or switch covers. You should ensure that the cover plates snap into place and are well aligned by installing the screws.
Use vinegar and clean yellowed sockets and light switches
Another effective cleaning option is to use distilled white vinegar as a common and, above all, inexpensive home remedy. This method is similar to using bleach.
- To do this, you can first simply combine white vinegar and water in a bowl in a 1:1 ratio.
- Then soak a clean towel in the solution and you can use it to work directly on the wall, cleaning yellowed outlets and light switches.
- If you can't whiten the switches the first time, you may need stronger cleaners. For example, you can also mix baking soda with the white vinegar solution to increase the cleaning effect.
This way you can keep sockets and light switches clean
Maintaining cleanliness is important for electrical outlets and light switches to prevent potential hazards from accumulated dirt and debris that could cause a short circuit. Additionally, cleaning directly on the wall can be quicker and easier than replacing or dismantling and often has the same visual impact. This will restore the modern, clean and comfortable look of your home. There are also other steps you can take if you want to clean your outlets and light switches less often.
- An alternative to the above methods would be to treat dirt and yellowed areas with nail polish remover or acetone. As with any other liquid, dab some nail polish remover on a soft microfiber cloth before using it to clean the corresponding switch. However, try to avoid spraying acetone on the switches or soaking the cloth with it.
- Another thing that works well for cleaning light switches is white toothpaste because sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is one of its ingredients. You can also use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub the switch to remove stubborn stains.
- Prevent light switches from yellowing quickly in the first place by painting them with clear acrylic varnish.
- Clean the covers at least once or twice a month or week to get rid of germs and viruses.
