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How to Clean Remotes & Controllers
Remote controls are some of the most frequently touched items in the home. From TV remotes to gaming controllers, they collect dirt, oil, crumbs and germs over time. Learning how to clean a remote control properly helps keep your devices working well while maintaining a cleaner home environment.
Why do remotes get so dirty?
Remote controls are high-touch surfaces used daily, often by multiple people in the household. Over time, they accumulate skin oils and fingerprints, dust and debris from living spaces, food crumbs and spills, and germs from frequent handling.
How often should you clean a remote?
Your TV remotes and gaming controllers see a lot of action. To keep them clean, wipe them down about once a week to prevent the buildup of dirt, oils and germs from regular use. During cold and flu season, or if someone in your house is sick, disinfect them daily to help reduce the spread of bacteria and viruses on surfaces. Regular cleaning also helps keep buttons working properly over time. Always follow manufacturer instructions for cleaning and disinfecting electronics.
What to clean a remote with
- Clorox™ Disinfecting Wipes — For wiping down and disinfecting hard, nonporous surfaces on TV remotes and gaming controllers, including buttons and grips
- Cotton swabs or soft cloths — For cleaning tight spaces around buttons and seams
Tip
Always follow manufacturer instructions for cleaning and disinfecting electronics.
How to clean a TV remote control
Remove the batteries or power down the device
Take out the batteries to prevent damage and ensure safe cleaning.
Shake out loose debris and dust
Gently tap the remote over a trash bin to remove crumbs or dust trapped between buttons.
Wipe the surface
Use Clorox™ Disinfecting Wipes to thoroughly wipe down the entire surface of the remote, including the back, sides and button areas. Make sure the wipe is damp, not dripping, and avoid oversaturating the device. To sanitize, wipe surfaces until visibly wet and allow the surface to remain wet for the contact time listed on the product label before air drying. Always follow manufacturer instructions for cleaning and disinfecting electronics.
TipSurface should stay visibly wet for 30 seconds to sanitize.
Let it dry completely
Allow the remote to air dry fully before reinserting batteries.
How to clean sticky controller buttons
Power off the controller or remove batteries
Make sure the device is off before cleaning.
Wipe the surface thoroughly
Use Clorox™ Disinfecting Wipes to clean the exterior of the controller, focusing on high-touch areas like grips and buttons.
TipSurface should stay visibly wet for 30 seconds to sanitize.
Target buildup around buttons
Take a fresh Clorox™ Disinfecting Wipe and carefully clean around each button. Press buttons gently while cleaning to help loosen debris that may be trapped underneath.
Repeat as needed for buildup
For sticky buttons, repeat light cleaning rather than soaking or scrubbing aggressively.
Allow to fully dry
Let the controller air dry completely before turning it back on or replacing batteries.
Common mistakes to avoid
To avoid damage while still removing dirt, grime and germs, follow these simple do's and don'ts for cleaning your remote control the right way.
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Do remove batteries before cleaning | Don't clean while the device is powered on |
| Do clean regularly to prevent buildup | Don't wait until buttons become sticky or unresponsive |
| Do let the remote fully dry before use | Don't reinsert batteries while moisture is present |
| Do focus on high-touch areas like buttons | Don't use abrasive cleaners that can damage surfaces |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do you clean sticky controller buttons without rubbing alcohol?
Always follow manufacturer instructions for cleaning and disinfecting electronics. To clean sticky controller buttons without rubbing alcohol, you can use a Clorox™ Disinfecting Wipe or dampen a soft cloth or cotton swab with a bit of warm, soapy water. Gently wipe around and under the buttons, making sure not to let excess moisture seep into the controller. After cleaning, dry the area with a cloth and let the controller air dry completely before using it again.
- Is alcohol good for cleaning a controller?
According to the CDC, isopropyl alcohol (at least 70%) is great for cleaning controllers because it evaporates quickly and safely removes dirt, oils, and grime without harming most surfaces. It's especially handy for cleaning around buttons and tight spaces where sticky residue can accumulate. Just remember to apply it lightly with a cloth or cotton swab and avoid soaking the controller to keep moisture from getting inside.
- Are disinfectant wipes okay to use on game controllers?
Always follow manufacturer instructions for cleaning and disinfecting electronics. Disinfectant wipes are generally safe for cleaning game controllers, especially high-touch areas like buttons and grips. To disinfect, wipe the controller and allow the surface to remain visibly wet for 4 minutes.
- Why are my remote control buttons not working?
If your remote control buttons aren't working, it could be due to worn-out batteries, dirt or debris blocking the contacts, or internal damage from spills or corrosion. Start by replacing the batteries. Next, clean around the buttons with a Clorox™ Disinfecting Wipe, soft cloth or a cotton swab lightly dampened with rubbing alcohol. If that doesn't solve the problem, the internal contacts might be damaged, and you may need to consider professional repair or replacement.
- How do you disinfect and sanitize electronics like TV remotes and gaming controllers?
Always follow manufacturer instructions for cleaning and disinfecting electronics. To disinfect and sanitize your TV remotes and video game controllers, start by removing any batteries or unplugging the device. Use a Clorox™ Disinfecting Wipe or a soft cloth lightly dampened with 70% isopropyl alcohol to clean, making sure to carefully wipe around buttons and edges without letting moisture seep inside.