Your remote control could probably use cleaning — how to do it

An item that should be on your cleaning checklist.
You should be cleaning your TV remote at least once a month (and more often, if a family member is sick).
You should be cleaning your TV remote at least once a month (and more often, if a family member is sick).
/ Source: Good Housekeeping
By Meaghan Murphy and Hannah Baker

We know all the cleaning hot spots in the home: floors, showers, windows, et cetera. But there are lots of other items you might be forgetting to clean — including your television remote control.

Fortunately for us, Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, is here to help. We got the lowdown on how often to clean the TV controller, as well as the best methods and tips to eliminate whatever germs may have gathered over time.

How often should you clean your TV remote control?

Chances are good you're only cleaning your television remote once in a while. But it should be cleaned monthly, or after a family member is sick, to avoid the spread of germs.

How do you clean a dirty, sticky remote?

If your remote's looking grimy and gross, here are Mock's tips for a quick, easy clean.

  1. First, take the batteries out.
  2. Put some rubbing alcohol on a microfiber cloth and wipe down the remote.
  3. When the stickiness is gone, dry the remote with a clean towel or cloth.
  4. If there's grime inside the buttons, use a toothpick to remove it. Dry the remote with a lint-free cloth.
  5. Once the remote is dry, put the batteries back in and you are good to go!

Bonus tip: Keep your remote(s) in a decorative box to keep them cleaner and tuck them away since — let's face it — remotes don't exactly look pretty sitting out on your coffee table.

Frequently asked questions

In order to fix a sticky remote button, you will have to disassemble the entire remote. Mock suggests taking photos and/or videos while disassembling the remote so you remember how to put it back together.

  1. Once the remote is disassembled, remove the buttons from the switchboard.
  2. Next, you will want to put the buttons (or any of the sticky plastic parts) into a bowl with warm water and dish soap.
  3. Then, rinse with warm water and allow all parts to completely dry before reassembly.

Similar to fixing a sticky remote button, you will have to first disassemble the remote prior to cleaning the remote-control contacts.

  1. Once the remote has been disassembled, gently wipe down the control contacts with a microfiber towel.
  2. Next, you will want to use a cotton swab with a drop of rubbing alcohol to clean the contacts.
  3. Once it is dry, you can reassemble your remote.

How we chose

TODAY.com asked an expert for their insights on how to best clean a TV remote. We then chose affordable, well-reviewed products based on their advice.

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