How to Clean Light Switches

Co-authored by Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann

Last Updated: May 24, 2021

You might forget about light switches when you clean, but they should be near the top of your list. You spread germs with your hands and there are few household fixtures that you touch as often as light switches. You should clean light switches about once a week. A basic disinfectant should work, though you will probably want to use a Q-tip to help reach some of the hard to get spots.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Cleaning Your Light Switch with a Homemade Solution

1
Make a vinegar solution. Mix 8 ounces (227 g) of white vinegar, four ounces of rubbing alcohol, and 4 ounces (113 g) of hydrogen peroxide. If you have it available, add a few drops of tea tree oil or another essential oil.^{[1]
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2
Use a paper towel or cloth to apply the cleaning solution to the switch. Do not spray the cleaning solution directly on the switch. Instead, spray it to a paper towel or cloth and rub down the switch.^{[2]
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3
Use a Q-tip to get the hard to reach spots. Use a Q-tip to spread the cleaning solution in the crevices and holes that you can't reach with the towel.^{[3]
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4
Buff with a dry towel. Rub the switch down with a clean, dry towel to pick up excess moisture and cleaning solution. Try to pick up any streaks that may have appeared.^{[4]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Wiping Down Your Light Switch with a Microfiber Cloth

1
Fold the microfiber cloth. Fold the cloth in half three times, so that it has eight small sides. You can get the most out of the cloth this way, because there will be eight sides that you can use for up to eight separate light switches.^{[5]
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2
Wipe the switch down with a dry microfiber cloth. Microfiber naturally disinfects surfaces without the negative side effects of chemicals. Rub down the entire surface of the switch with one of the eight sides of the cloth.^{[6]
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- If the light switch has visible signs of dirt and grime, you will need to use a different method.
3
Use a different side of the cloth for the next switch. Do not run water over the cloth, or it will spread the dirt that you have picked up. Instead, use another side of the folded cloth to wipe down the next switch.^{[7]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Cleaning Your Light Switch With a Disinfecting Wipe

1
Rub the switch with a disinfecting wipe. The disinfecting wipe already has cleaning solution on it, so there is no need to apply solution to it. Use the wipe to rub down the entire surface of the switch.^{[8]
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2
Use a Q-tip to clean hard to crevices. Rub down the hard to clean spots with a Q-tip. Try to spread the fluid from the disinfectant wipes over the parts you had trouble reaching previously.^{[9]
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3
Buff the switch with a clean dry towel. Rub the switch with a towel. Try to get all the hard to reach spots. Continue until you have picked up all the excess moisture. ^{[10]
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Expert Q&A

Question

How often should you clean light switches?

Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann
House Cleaning Professionals
Claudia and Angelo Zimmermann are the founders of Everneat, an Eco-Friendly Cleaning Service based in New York City and in Connecticut. They are also the founders of Clean Code, a DIY 100% natural cleaning product line.

Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann

House Cleaning Professionals

Expert Answer

Disinfect your light switches frequently, especially if someone in your home or office has recently been sick.
Question

What can I use to clean my light switches?

Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann
House Cleaning Professionals
Claudia and Angelo Zimmermann are the founders of Everneat, an Eco-Friendly Cleaning Service based in New York City and in Connecticut. They are also the founders of Clean Code, a DIY 100% natural cleaning product line.

Claudia & Angelo Zimmermann

House Cleaning Professionals

Expert Answer

You can use glass cleaner to clean your light switches—a convenient option if you're already doing the windows or mirrors in the room!