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Caution: Clean Electrical Switches and Outlets Like This

Think for a minute about the term professional home cleaning. What comes to mind? We’re sure you see experts going through every corner and surface of your house wiping or sanitizing away anything they can get their hands on. They leave no stone unturned, ensuring every space is the cleanest it possibly can be.

If you want to clean up the way they do, that means following in their footsteps, washing, disinfecting, and sanitizing every square inch of your home. Yes, that also includes electrical switches and outlets. But since you’re using liquid solutions and detergents, how does one maintain cleanliness without causing an accident?

Ah, good question.

Keep reading, dear reader.

How Often Must You Clean These Electrical Areas?

First off, light switches are known as high-touch areas, meaning individuals always come in contact with them throughout the day. To achieve results similar to professional home cleaning, it is best to wipe them at least once a week. More, if these switches are located in busy areas such as the kitchen, living room, or dining room.

On the other hand, outlet covers may not need to be cleaned as often as light switches; but some people prefer to clean them simultaneously. It is better to sanitize them too often than not frequently enough, primarily if these are also located in high-touch or busy areas in the home.

Clean These Sections Like This

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. To avoid electrical damage or accidents like professional home cleaning services, follow these simple steps:

  • Prepare these supplies:
  • Either a microfiber cloth, paper towel, or sponge
  • Dish soap
  • Warm water
  • A screwdriver
  • Turn off the power through the board: Your home’s circuit breaker distributes electricity from the power lines. Even without appliances plugged in, electricity can still pass through outlets and switches, which is why we warn kids not to stick their fingers or any point objects in them! 

    Once the power’s shut off, there’s no harm in testing it. Try to turn on a light or an appliance. If they don’t work, you’ve successfully cut off the power.
  • Take out the plates and covers: Remove the light switch and outlet plates on your walls with your handy-dandy screwdriver. This will take more time than the previous steps, but it will ensure that you can get into every square inch of the walls. It will also make cleaning the switch and outlet plates easier. 

    Place all the screws and outlet plates in a designated area as you work so you don’t lose any screws or parts. It can be helpful to keep the switch and outlet plates stored in the rooms where they belong until you install them.
  • DSS: This acronym stands for dust, swab, and soak. Take out the plates and covers to soak them in warm water and dish soap. 

    Then, dust and swab the switches and outlets. Place the cleaning solutions onto the microfiber cloth, paper towel, or sponge to prevent electrocution when you turn the power back on.

Conclusion

Finally, you can place the plates and covers back, turn on the power from the circuit breaker, and enjoy clean electrical switches and outlets again! Was the experience nerve-wracking? We bet it was, more so if you’re not used to it. That’s why it’s better to get professional home cleaning in Washington from the experts of InsideOut! Our premium service takes care of even the areas you wouldn’t think need a good clean. Book your appointment with us online today!