Just like cell phones, sponges and money, remote controls are one of the dirtiest objects you touch in a day.  Hardly anybody thinks of cleaning it over time, even though they see the grime build up.  Remote controls are taken for granted, they are left out, have things spilled on them, passed around a room and take a beating.  They are routinely lost, kicked about and dropped.  Why not take the time to clean your remote and keep it in working condition for as long as possible?

It is not hard to clean a remote. First, take the batteries out and set them aside. Before doing so, check to make sure they are not leaking. Since remote controls use very little battery life, the batteries may be sitting in there for years before needing to be changed. Over time, batteries can begin to leak if not rotated or switched out. You should rotate the batteries in your remote every three months to avoid this from happening. It can become a good habit if you do it when you clean your remote.

Next, take a damp wash cloth and wipe down the remote. This should get a majority of the build up off the remote. If there are still areas around the buttons in particular, you can use Q – Tips to work away the dirt. Just work at the grime until it is gone, you may go through a lot of Q – Tips, but it is worth the effort. Buttons that might stick will now work like new. Just make sure not to overload the wash cloth or Q – Tips with cleaning solution, otherwise you might damage the remote and render it useless.

By taking the time to clean your remote control you ensure it working for a long time.  Plus, you avoid sharing germs around your home.  Keeping a clean remote should be a priority in any home.  After all, you have no idea what type of germs are living in your remote, and why would you want to handle something that dirty?