Like skirting boards and kitchen grouting, sockets are often overlooked in a cleaning routine – even if you’re a self-professed cleaning maniac. However, sockets are frequently touched surfaces, and should be cleaned regularly. We’ve compiled an easy-to-follow guide for how to clean a socket so your home is hygienic and clean all year round.
Whilst cleaning sockets may not be something you’ll have to do regularly, it is still important to clean sockets because they get touched so frequently when we charge our phones, laptops, or plug in appliances. Using good cleaning products will speed things along, but cleaning a socket isn’t entirely intuitive, so here’s how to clean sockets properly.
Because sockets are used so often, it is important to clean them regularly. However, too much cleaning increases the risk of damage, so it is also important not to clean them too often and over do it. Wipe down the outside of sockets and light switches once a week, but a deep clean can be carried out every six months, or when you notice that they look dirty – in that sense sockets are no different to gardening tools: Clean when cleaning is needed!
The best way to clean a socket is to turn off the power, and gather some cleaning supplies that will tackle intricate spots. You won’t be able to spray the cleaning product directly at the socket, as this will spray moisture where it shouldn’t be. So, you can clean the outlet cover with paper towels and some cleaning solution, but after removing the cover, you’ll need to use q-tips. Q-tips will allow you to get to hard-to-reach spots, without spreading excess moisture around the electrical socket. Allow the socket to dry properly and then replace the cover. Make sure children and pets stay away from the socket while it is being cleaned and drying.
Often you’ll want a socket where there isn’t a mains outlet, so using an extension cable is ideal for this purpose. Unplug the extension cable from everything that it is hosting, such as chargers or computers. Unplug the extension cable at the other end, too, removing it from its power source. Like with the main sockets, sockets on extension cables shouldn’t be cleaned by spraying cleaning solution directly onto them. This could damage the cable or put you in danger – which is so much worse! Again, use a dampened paper towel to scrub away dirt from around the socket without allowing the moisture to get into the socket. Allow the socket to dry before plugging things back in.
We hope this article gave you some tips and now your sockets are dust-free! We also have other useful articles on cleaning things around the house that you usually wouldn’t think about such as door handles and dusting books. Don’t forget to sign up to Ask Team Clean for exclusive offers and discounts on your favourite cleaning products.