During flu and cold season, one way everyone in the home gets sick is by touching the remote control. You cough or sneeze, and then cover your mouth with your hand while watching your favorite program. Then you touch the TV remote, without remembering to wash your hands, and now the germs are partying on the remote control. Next, your child picks up the remote to turn on a cartoon or movie, and rubs his or her eyes. Now, this little person is at risk of getting sick, too.
With cold and flu season just around the corner, it is important to get into the habit of cleaning remote controls on a weekly basis.
- Remove the batteries and replace the battery cover.
- Clean around the buttons with a cotton swab. Dip the swap in rubbing alcohol and gently clean the small cracks and crevices around the buttons and sides of the remote.
- Use a soft cloth to clean the rest of the remote. Lightly dampen the cloth in rubbing alcohol, wipe the remote control down, and allow it to air dry.
- Wipe the remote control and buttons with an antibacterial wipe. Allow them to air dry.
- Replace the batteries.
Never submerse a remote control in water, pour rubbing alcohol on it, or spray cleaning products directly onto it. The liquid can get inside the remote, and cause the device to short-circuit and stop working. For more serious problems, like sticky soft drink spills and non-working remotes, you will need to order a new remote control. You can obtain new TV and device remotes for all makes and models by contacting Replacement Remotes at -855-5-REMOTE (1-855-573-6683).