When it comes to cleaning the house, light switch cleaning is probably something you don’t think about. I mean, who actually thinks about those little plates which you flip on and off every day? Well spoiler alert – you probably should! So let’s get down to the nitty gritty and answer a question you probably haven’t considered before: when was the last time you cleaned your light switches?
To start, when was the last time you even considered cleaning your light switches? If you’re looking confused and squinting your eyes, don’t panic! You aren’t alone! These innocent little plates are simply magnets for dirt, grime, and everything else undesirable.
Consider this – each time you touch the light switch, you are not only controlling the lights. You are transferring whatever dirt (is that a snack junk or the makeup you used?) is on your hands to the light switch. And let’s not even factor in the little hands, of the kids, that explore the nooks and crannies in your house!
How Often Should You Clean Them?
So how often should you wipe down these everyday items? The answer isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. It depends on your household habits, how many people live in your house, and whether or not you have messy hobbies.
For the average household, a good rule of thumb is to include light switch cleaning in your weekly routine. This might seem excessive, but trust me, the first time you actually wipe down that switch plate, you’ll thank yourself. A simple solution of water and mild soap on a microfiber cloth can do wonders.
Cleaning Frequency by Household Type
If you’re the owner of an active household with lots of company, or if you’ve been home sick for a nasty cold or flu, you may want to start cleaning the light switches more often. Aim for like two times a week. Certainly, it may seem like overkill. However, in the big scheme of things, it’s pretty easy to incorporate into your cleaning schedule. It is a cheap price to pay to minimize your germ exposure.
However, if you are one of those rare people who live alone, in a very minimalist white-glove home, you may be tempted to skip the light switch cleaning frequency altogether. Sure your switches aren’t going to be as dirty, but you should still get something on them regularly. Use a cloth every two weeks. Even in squeaky clean homes, things just seem to accumulate. Additionally, switches are actually pretty good dust traps.
That said, we get that life can be busy. The laundry is piling up, the dishes are starting to take over the kitchen, and the light switches just keep getting pushed back on the to-do list. If you’ve gotten yourself stuck in the chaos of it all, but can only do your light switches upon your main big clean, go right ahead. Wipe the light switches good, when you do your main clean.
Long story short, while cleaning light switches isn’t maybe the most glamorous of jobs, it is one small step you can take in working toward cleanliness. And there really is a feeling of knowing you are flicking a light switch that is clean, which is satisfying.
