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, Good Housekeeping editor Meaghan Murphy and Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, are 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 to clean your TV remote control | How to clean a dirty, sticky remote | How to fix a sticky remote button | How to clean remote control contacts | The best products for cleaning and storing your remote
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 on a quick, easy clean.
Here's what you'll need:
- First, take the batteries out.
- Put some rubbing alcohol on a microfiber cloth and wipe down the remote.
- When the stickiness is gone, dry the remote with a clean towel or cloth.
- If there's grime inside the buttons, use a toothpick to remove it. Dry the remote with a lint-free cloth.
- Once the remote is dry, put the batteries back in and you are good to go!
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.
How do you fix a sticky remote button?
In order to fix a sticky remote button, you will have to disassemble the entire remote. Pro tip: Mock suggests taking photos and/or videos while disassembling the remote so you remember how to put it back together.
Once the remote is disassembled, remove the buttons from the switchboard.
Next, you will want to put the buttons (or any of the sticky plastic parts) into a bowl with warm water and dish soap. Then, rinse with warm water and allow all parts to completely dry before reassembly
How do you clean remote control contacts?
Similar to fixing a sticky remote button, you will have to first disassemble the remote prior to cleaning the remote-control contacts.
- Once the remote has been disassembled, gently wipe down the control contacts with a microfiber towel.
- Next, you will want to use a cotton swab with a drop of rubbing alcohol to clean the contacts.
- Once it is dry, you can reassemble your remote.
The best products for cleaning and storing your remote
Amazon Basics Microfiber Cloths
Microfiber cloths are great for cleaning all over your home, not just your remote. They're lint-free and an eco-friendly swap for paper towels.
Rubbing Alcohol
Banish sticky, yucky remote controls using rubbing alcohol and a microfiber cloth.
Bamboo Toothpicks
Get in between your remote control buttons with a toothpick to get it fully clean and good as new.
Want a pretty decorative box to tuck away your remotes when they're not in use? Here are some options we love.
Seagrass Box Set
This set comes with three boxes of different sizes — the smallest is probably the best fit for remotes and you can use the other two for odds and ends around the house.
Threshold Rounded Faux Shagreen Box
This classic faux-shagreen box looks high-end but comes in at under $20 — a steal!
CB2 Chelsea Small Box
Add a little subtle texture to your coffee table or side table with this lidded cement box.