Every time we clean the house, we all endeavor to make it look lovely. However, sometimes, a small piece that we don’t pay that much attention to can spoil the look and distract from the attractiveness of our decorating talents. A splotch on the wall, a little spill on the carpet, or a yellowed light switch can all contribute to this problem. So we will discuss the issue about how to clean yellowed light switches.
Besides, yellowed light switches are a typical issue that we’ve all encountered at some point. This problem occurs when the switches get too old and are exposed to light, oil, and so on. The thing is, regardless of the culprit for the discoloration, you have to return your light switches to their original color if you want your house to look amazing.
Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of several effective techniques for cleaning yellowed light switches. And the best part is that all of these methods are inexpensive.
Table of Contents
How to Clean Yellowed Light Switches
Bleach
Bleach is an excellent cleaning agent for yellow light switches. It’s effective, simple to use, and, most importantly, it’s available nearly in every house.
Firstly, to clean yellowed light switches with bleach, you’ll need to fill a bucket with half water and half bleach.
Then, submerge the yellowed switches in the solution and wait for them to recover their original color.
If you don’t feel comfortable removing the yellowed switches cover, or they cannot be submerged, just don’t give up yet. We still have a special tip for you.
Drench a paper towel into the bleach solution and use it to cover the yellowed light switch. Press the soaked paper towel hard to establish contact between the solution and the yellowed part and wait until the plastic has whitened. Finally, rinse the switches with clean water.
Remark: Bleach is extremely caustic and irritating to the skin, lungs, and eyes. Therefore, for your own safety, we recommend wearing gloves and ensuring adequate ventilation when cleaning light switches with bleach.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is another popular cleaning ingredient that is often used to remove a broad variety of stains.
Since this fantastic agent also has natural whitening properties, you can rely on it to clean your light switches and remove that unsightly yellow tint.
To use this approach, combine baking soda with a small amount of water to make a thick paste. Put the paste you created into a paper towel or cloth and rub it over the yellowed part of the light switches and leave it to dry.
Lastly, wipe the treated area with a cotton ball or clean lint-free cloth.
White Vinegar
Are you weary of constantly purchasing ineffective commercial cleaners? Did they all promise you mind-blowing results, only for you to discover that they were all lies? Well, it’s maybe time to use what’s under the kitchen sink and give your wallet a break. That’s right. The time has come to use the white vinegar.
This approach is similar to the one with bleach. Simply combine white vinegar and water in a bowl with a ratio of 1:1 and soak a clean towel in the solution. Then, rub the yellowed light switches until you hit the milestone.
In case the initial tip fails to whiten the switches, then you’ll need something else that can move the needle. And what else could you choose other than adding a small amount of baking soda? Mixing baking soda with the white vinegar solution will improve its efficiency significantly.
Read also: How to Make a Dull Acrylic Bathtub Shine [In No Time]
Frequently Asked Questions
- How Do You Prevent Light Switches from Turning Yellow?
Painting your light switches with clear acrylic varnish helps prevent them from turning yellow.
- How Do You Prevent Light Switches from Turning Yellow?
Because germs and viruses can live for a long time on surfaces such as light switches’ covers, experts recommend cleaning the switches at least once or twice a week.
Conclusion
We hope the tips mentioned above have assisted you in restoring the attractiveness of your house by removing the yellowed color on the light switches. Also, we will highly appreciate it if you leave us a comment below sharing with us your experience with the tips and which one has provided you the best result.
Your bathroom tiles, like your light switches, can develop yellow stains. And if you want to understand more about this issue and how to solve it, we highly recommend reading our latest guide on removing yellow stains from bathroom tiles.
How do you whiten a yellow light switch?
To whiten a yellowed light switch, mix baking soda and water to make a paste, apply the paste to the switch with a cloth or sponge, let it sit for a few minutes, and then rinse the switch with water and dry it with a clean cloth.
Why do my light switches turn yellow?
Light switches can turn yellow due to a buildup of dirt, grime, and oils from your fingers over time. This can be especially noticeable on white or light-colored switches. Exposure to sunlight and other environmental factors can also contribute to yellowing over time. In some cases, yellowing may be a sign of more serious issues, such as smoke or water damage, so it’s important to inspect the switch carefully and address any underlying issues if necessary.
Can you use WD40 on light switches?
It is generally not recommended to use WD-40 on light switches as it can leave a greasy residue and attract dust and dirt, potentially causing the switch to malfunction or become difficult to use over time. WD-40 is also flammable and can be dangerous if it comes into contact with electrical components. It’s best to use a mild cleaning solution, such as a mixture of water and dish soap or a gentle abrasive cleaner, to clean light switches instead.
How can I make my light switch look better?
To make your light switch look better, you can clean it with a mild cleaning solution, such as a mixture of water and dish soap or a gentle abrasive cleaner. You can also consider replacing the switch cover with a new one or painting the existing cover with a fresh coat of paint. Another option is to install a decorative switch plate cover or switch stickers to add some personality or style to the switch.
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