Remote controls are sometimes like the missing socks in the dryer. Absolutely no one knows where they are, but you know they were recently used. Worse, you go to watch your favorite show, only to find that you can no longer operate your television, DVD player, or other device that only responds to a certain remote.

What Are Your Options?

There are a couple of options when it comes to replacing a remote control. You can certainly go right to the manufacturer, but you might spend more than you like and, in some cases, you have to be certain that they send you the exact same model number so you can use all the functions on the device. The wrong controller from the right manufacturer may mean you can only turn the device off and on, and maybe change the volume setting. The other option is to buy a universal remote that can operate one or more devices.

The universal option uses remote control codes to operate one or more devices. This means you don’t have to worry about keeping track of multiple controllers, because you have one gadget that operates them all. They are easy to set up, and they don’t require any kind of special knowledge or even a model number, in most cases. You simply select the device you want to program, put in the code, and enjoy the ease of use. This is especially helpful if you have a multi-media living room or family room, because you never have to worry about trying to figure out which remote operates which device. It’s also great when you want to limit TV time for the kids, since you only have to hide one device.

Some of the most filthy items in your house are the things that you touch every day. The door knobs, faucet handles, and, yes, your beloved remote controls. Don’t wait until you are passing an illness around the house to get these items clean. Take a few minutes, and the tips here, and clean the key to your television viewing pleasure right now.

Rough Clean First
Get the crumbs and other large items off before you actually wipe down the TV remote, or you will cause those items to stick even harder. Just remove the batteries, and then take an old toothbrush and brush down all of the buttons, making sure to get in between the keys and the hard plastic.

Wipe It Down
Now, make a mixture that is 50{8c8ae2a71b30a2d8c6f534038a85ab39be2a915945a2526b1de25039d71b9e11} rubbing alcohol and 50{8c8ae2a71b30a2d8c6f534038a85ab39be2a915945a2526b1de25039d71b9e11} water. Dip a Q-tip in the solution and squeeze out the excess liquid. Now use the Q-tip to clean in all of the crevices. Repeat the process of dipping it in liquid and wringing it out as needed.

Now you’re going to wipe the whole thing down, including the keys. Dip a microfiber cloth in the mixture and wring out any excess liquid. Microfiber works better than things like toilet paper, because this type of material doesn’t leave any lint behind. These cloths can also pick up any cotton strands that were left behind from the previous cleaning.

Be sure to allow your remote control to dry out completely before you replace the batteries and try to use it again. If you happened to get any liquid inside, and you return power to it, you could short it out, causing significant damage.