DIY Cleaning Methods for Light switches

How to Clean Light Switches with a Vinegar Solution Spray

• Mix your solution: Combine equal parts white vinegar and water in a clean spray bottle. Give it a good shake to blend. White vinegar is a common household staple that helps break down grime and fingerprints, but it’s not a disinfectant.

 

• Lightly mist a cloth: Don’t spray the solution directly onto the light switch. Instead, lightly mist a clean microfiber or cotton cloth. This helps you avoid getting moisture inside the switch, which can cause electrical issues or damage the wall plate.

 

• Wipe the switch: Gently wipe the surface of the light switch and the surrounding plate. Pay attention to the edges and any grooves where dust and oils from hands tend to collect. If you see stubborn spots, you can apply a bit more pressure, but avoid soaking the area.

 

• Dry with a clean towel: Immediately follow up with a dry, lint-free towel to remove any remaining moisture. This step helps prevent streaks and keeps the switch looking clean.

 

• Extra tip: If you’re cleaning multiple switches, switch to a fresh section of your cloth or a new cloth as needed. This keeps you from spreading grime from one spot to another.

• What’s a microfiber cloth? It’s a type of cleaning cloth made from very fine synthetic fibers. Microfiber is great for picking up dust and oils without scratching surfaces, and it doesn’t leave lint behind.

 

• Why not spray directly? Spraying liquid directly onto electrical fixtures can let moisture seep inside, which isn’t good for the switch or your safety. Always spray the cloth, not the switch.

What You’ll Need

• Mild hand soap (the kind you’d use on your own skin—think gentle, not industrial)
 
• Microfiber cloth (these are made from fine synthetic fibers and are great for picking up dust and grime without scratching surfaces)
 
• Small bowl of warm water
 
• Dry microfiber cloth (for finishing up)

How to Clean Light Switches with Mild Hand Soap and a Microfiber Cloth

• Turn off the lights or power to the switch if you want to be extra cautious. You don’t need to flip the breaker, but it’s smart to avoid pressing wet cloths onto live switches.
 
• Mix a drop or two of mild hand soap into your bowl of warm water. You want just enough to make the water slightly sudsy—too much soap can leave a residue.
 
• Dip the microfiber cloth into the soapy water, then wring it out thoroughly. The cloth should be damp, not dripping. Excess water and electricity are not friends.
 
• Wipe the light switch plate and surrounding wall area gently. Microfiber is designed to grab onto dust, fingerprints, and smudges, so you don’t need to scrub hard. Pay attention to the edges and the switch itself, where grime likes to hide.
 
• Flip the cloth to a clean section as it gets dirty, or rinse and wring it out as needed. This keeps you from just moving dirt around.
 
• Use a dry microfiber cloth to buff the switch plate dry. This helps prevent streaks and water spots, and leaves the surface looking clean.
 
• Let the area air dry for a few minutes before turning the lights back on, just to be sure everything is moisture-free.

Extra Tips

• Avoid spraying cleaner directly onto the switch. Always apply it to the cloth first to keep moisture out of the electrical components.
 
• Microfiber cloths work best when clean. If yours is loaded with old dust or soap, swap it out for a fresh one to avoid streaks.
 
• Check for stubborn spots (like sticky fingerprints) and go over them with a little extra pressure, but don’t use anything abrasive that could scratch the plastic.