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Guide to Cleaning & Disinfecting Light Switches

by checklistmaids - February 18, 2022

Cleaning-Disinfecting-Light-SwitchesWhat chores does your home disinfecting routine in Queens include? “The list is pretty long,” you’ll say as you want to make sure you cover every nook and cranny while cleaning and sanitizing your house. You want to ensure the well-being of your family, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

But do you actually tend to every inch of your house? What about light switches? You sometimes forget them, don’t you? But, they’re a breeding ground for viruses and bacteria, as many people touch them every day. So, in this article you’re going to learn how to clean and disinfect your light switches safely. Read on!

How do I clean light switches?

Making your light switches dirt-free isn’t as demanding as carpets or upholstery, for example. Follow this 6-step guide for ultimate results:

  1. Turn the power off at your home’s main electrical panel, as you don’t want to cause an electric shock.
  2. Concoct your DIY cleaner. Combine 4 cups of warm water, ½ cup dish soap, and ½ cup white vinegar. Optionally, add a few drops of your lavender essential oil. Stir cautiously and then add to a spray bottle.
  3. Lightly dampen a microfiber cloth with your homemade solution. Make sure to wring thoroughly since you don’t want to oversaturate the surface.
  4.  Wipe the light switch carefully. A cotton swab can come in handy if you have trouble reaching all the crevices.
  5. Grab another microfiber cloth. Dip it into clean water, squeeze out the excess liquid and rinse the switch.
  6. Finally, use a dry microfiber cloth to dry the plate entirely. And you are good to go!

What can I use to disinfect light switches?

After you’ve removed the gunk and dirt from your switches, it’s time to disinfect them. To do this, you can get commercial disinfecting products. Other suggestions include using bleach solutions or applying rubbing alcohol or 3% hydrogen peroxide.

  • When opting for store-bought disinfectants, make sure to buy the EPA-approved ones, as you don’t want to handle life-threatening chemicals.
  • If you choose to use bleach, make sure not to experiment by mixing it with other chemicals. Also, ventilate the area properly and wear adequate protective equipment (gloves, goggles, and masks), as inhaling the fumes can irritate lungs, eyes, throat or cause nausea.
  • If you want to be environmentally friendly, rubbing alcohol or 3% hydrogen peroxide is perhaps the best solution (use them separately). They don’t pose any threat to your health, and they don’t leave any toxic residue lingering in the air. Rubbing alcohol may, however, discolor some types of plastic, so test it on a tiny area first before wiping the entire switch. Also, don’t forget to wear protective gloves and keep the area aired.

Can I spray disinfectant on a light switch?

As is the case with sanitizing your electronics, you should never spray a disinfectant directly onto your light switch.  This could pose a great safety risk since the liquid could seep in and create an electrocution hazard.

That’s why use a slightly damp cloth and make sure to dry the switch entirely before turning the power back on.

How-do-I-clean-light-switchesHire the most reliable green home disinfecting service Queens can offer

Cleaning and sanitizing all light switches around your house regularly? No way! And what about disinfecting the bathrooms and the kitchen you’ve been postponing for a long time? Well, rest assured, Checklist Maids will do the job for you.

We only cooperate with trustworthy professionals who follow top cross-contamination protocols and have tried-and-true eco-friendly cleaning methods up their sleeves. They will make your house tidy and germ-free while you relax at Flushing Meadows. Schedule an appointment today!