How to Clean Light Switches to Get Rid of Germs

Published June 22, 2022
Woman cleaning a light switch with a disinfecting spray

Did you know your light switches are crawling with bacteria? It's true. Bathroom light switches are right up there with the bathroom floor around the toilet when it comes to germs. Learn how to clean your light switches clean by trying a few different methods.

Gather Your Materials for Cleaning Light Switches

Are your light switches starting to look a little crusty? Don't let it go too long. While light switches are a place that people often forget to clean, light switch cleaning is important to keeping your home happy and healthy. It's not hard to clean light switches. You just need to grab a few things:

Baking Soda In Glass Jar Vinegar And Lemon On Table

How to Clean Light Switches and Plates With Microfiber Cloth

One of the easiest ways to clean your light switches and plates is with a microfiber cloth and toothbrush. This method is perfect for plastic and wood plates. Just remember that when it comes to cleaning light switches, you are working around an area of electricity. Make sure your cloth is just damp, not dripping. You don't want to get the area too wet.

  1. Take a dry toothbrush and scrub around the switch to remove any dirt or grime.
  2. Dampen a microfiber cloth and add a bit of dish soap.
  3. Work the soap into the cloth and scrub the switch.
  4. Hit it again with the toothbrush.
  5. Wipe with a damp cloth.
  6. Dry with a clean, dry cloth.

For any stubborn stains or sticky areas, you can add some straight white vinegar to the microfiber cloth and scrub the area gently.

Best Way to Clean Your Light Switches With Magic Eraser

If you have a Magic Eraser lying around, you can use it to remove bacteria and grime from switches with ease. This method is simple and only takes a few minutes to get your switches sparkling.

  1. Wet the magic eraser.
  2. Wring it out well.
  3. Scrub down all areas of the switch.
  4. Use a cotton swab to get around the switch itself if grime still lingers.
  5. Wipe everything dry with a clean microfiber cloth.

Easy Way to Clean and Sanitize Light Switches and Plates With Rubbing Alcohol

Illnesses are everywhere and getting worse with every passing year. Make sure your home is free of bacteria by cleaning and sanitizing your switches. To do this, you need to grab the rubbing alcohol.

Woman in protective gloves disinfecting wall switches while cleaning at home
  1. Wipe down the switch with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
  2. Scrub the area with a toothbrush to loosen any dirt.
  3. Wet a microfiber cloth with rubbing alcohol.
  4. Wipe down the light switch and wall plate.
  5. Use a cotton swab dampened with rubbing alcohol to clean out any small crevices.
  6. Wipe down with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.

You can substitute hydrogen peroxide for rubbing alcohol on white light switches.

How Often to Clean Light Switches?

You should clean your light switches at least once a week. In addition to keeping them looking nice, it stops any bacteria buildup in your home. If you have someone in your home sick with a virus or other illness, you'll want to make sure to clean your light switches every day.

Simple Ways to Clean Light Switches

Light switches are all over your home. In fact, the bathroom switches are one of the dirtiest places in your home. But they are one of those areas many people overlook when it comes time for cleaning. Don't let the germs build up by trying one of these cleaning methods. Now that you've got your light switches covered, think about cleaning other germy neglected areas in your home like your door handles.

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How to Clean Light Switches to Get Rid of Germs