Introduction
Think your kitchen counter is the dirtiest spot in your home? Think again! Light switches and door handles are some of the most-touched surfaces in your house—and they’re magnets for germs, fingerprints, and grime. Learning how to clean light switches and door handles is a small step that makes a big difference for your health and home. This step-by-step guide will show you the best way to disinfect these high-touch areas safely and effectively, so your whole space stays cleaner and healthier.
Why Cleaning Light Switches and Door Handles Matters
Every time you turn on a light or open a door, you transfer dirt, oil, and germs from your hands to these surfaces. Over time, they become breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses—especially during cold and flu season. Regularly wiping down switches and handles reduces the spread of germs, keeps your home looking tidy, and gives you peace of mind that you’re doing a little extra to protect your family’s health.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Light Switches
1. Gather the Right Supplies
Using the right cleaners and cloths is key for safety and effectiveness.
- A gentle all-purpose cleaner or disinfectant spray
- A microfiber cloth or soft lint-free cloth
- Cotton swabs or a soft toothbrush for crevices
- Disposable gloves (optional)
- A dry cloth for buffing
2. Always Turn Off the Power (If Needed)
Safety first!
- For standard light switches, it’s usually safe to clean them while the power is on—just don’t oversaturate with liquid.
- If you’re deep cleaning old or exposed switches, or you’re concerned about moisture, flip the circuit breaker for extra safety.
3. Wipe Away Dust and Surface Dirt
Start by dry-wiping to remove loose debris.
- Use a dry microfiber cloth to dust off the switch plate and surrounding area.
- Pay special attention to grooves or edges where grime can build up.
4. Apply Cleaner Sparingly
Never spray cleaner directly onto a switch!
- Lightly spray your cloth with disinfectant or all-purpose cleaner—just enough to dampen it.
- Wipe the switch plate, toggle, and surrounding wall area gently.
- For stuck-on grime, use a cotton swab or soft toothbrush dipped in cleaner to scrub around edges.
5. Buff Dry
Remove any leftover moisture to prevent streaks or residue.
- Use a dry part of your cloth to buff the switch plate dry.
- Double-check that the switch works smoothly—no sticking or residue.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Door Handles
1. Choose the Right Disinfectant
Door handles can carry a lot of germs, so disinfect properly.
- Use a disinfectant spray or wipe that kills bacteria and viruses—check the label for “kills 99.9% of germs.”
- For brass or antique handles, use a gentle cleaner suitable for the material to avoid damage.
2. Wipe Off Surface Dirt First
Don’t just disinfect over dust.
- Use a damp microfiber cloth to remove surface dust, dirt, and fingerprints.
- Dry thoroughly before applying disinfectant.
3. Disinfect Thoroughly
Use your disinfectant spray or wipe:
- Apply the disinfectant to a clean cloth or use a disinfectant wipe.
- Wipe the entire handle, including the front, back, and the area around the base plate.
- Pay special attention to thumb latches or push buttons, which trap grime.
4. Let the Disinfectant Sit
Contact time matters!
- Check the product instructions—many disinfectants need to sit wet for 3–10 minutes to kill germs effectively.
- Reapply if the surface dries too quickly.
5. Buff and Polish (Optional)
For a shiny finish:
- Buff handles with a dry, soft cloth.
- For metal handles, use a polishing cloth occasionally to remove smudges and fingerprints.
How Often Should You Clean Them?
- Light switches: Once a week for general cleaning; more often during flu season or if someone in the house is sick.
- Door handles: Daily for bathroom doors, entry doors, and other high-traffic spots; weekly for low-use doors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Spraying Cleaner Directly on Switches or Handles
Solution: Always spray onto your cloth—too much moisture can seep inside and cause electrical problems or damage finishes.
Mistake 2: Using Harsh Abrasives on Metal Handles
Solution: Avoid steel wool or rough scrubbing pads that can scratch delicate finishes. Use soft cloths and gentle cleaners instead.
Mistake 3: Skipping Contact Time
Solution: Disinfectant needs time to kill germs. Read the label and let it sit for the full recommended time.
Mistake 4: Using Too Much Water
Solution: Excess liquid can drip into electrical components or cause corrosion. Lightly dampen your cloth instead.
Mistake 5: Not Cleaning the Surrounding Area
Solution: Wipe the wall area around switches and the door surface near handles—these spots get touched too!
Extra Tips & Cleaning Hacks
- Keep Wipes Handy: Store disinfectant wipes in each room for quick daily wipe-downs.
- Teach Good Habits: Encourage everyone in the household to wash hands regularly—less grime means easier cleaning!
- Related Guide: Want to freshen up more hidden spots? Check out our article on how to clean out your bedroom closet for more deep-cleaning motivation!
Conclusion
Once you know how to clean light switches and door handles, you’ll never look at these high-touch spots the same way again. Regular cleaning helps stop the spread of germs, keeps your home looking neat, and adds an extra layer of comfort and safety—especially during flu season or when you have guests over.
Remember: gentle cleaning, the right disinfectant, and a bit of regular attention go a long way. Bookmark this guide and come back whenever you need a quick refresher—your switches and handles (and your immune system!) will thank you.