How to Clean and Sanitize Household Electronics

An old man holds up a tv remote and wipes it with a white cloth, a plaid upholstered chair in the background.

During cold and flu season, keep home electronics like TV screens, cable boxes, DVRs, remotes, game controllers, sound systems and more not just looking and feeling clean, but also sanitized.

More from Clorox experts

Regular home cleaning typically focuses on floors, walls and furniture, but tackling home electronics is a more delicate matter. Luckily, there are a few products we can recommend for reducing dirt and germs on many of your devices. Just remember to always follow manufacturer instructions when cleaning electronic devices.

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How to sanitize home electronics

If you’re looking to kill germs on your electronics, spraying hard surfaces with Clorox™ Disinfecting Mist is a great way to reduce germs. You don’t even have to wipe. Just spray, and walk away. 

For more thorough cleaning and sanitizing of high-touch devices, you’ll be happy to know that the Clorox™ Disinfecting Wipes you love can be used on most remote controls, game controllers and phones. Before you get started, check manufacturer instructions to confirm that bleach-free disinfecting wipes can be safely used on your device.

What you need

Steps to sanitize electronic devices with Disinfecting Mist

  1. Power down the device

    If your device uses an electrical outlet, make sure it’s turned off and unplugged.

    A closeup shot of a hand pulling an electrical plug from a wall socket.

  2. Dust surfaces

    Use the microfiber cloth to wipe away any dust prior to sanitizing with Clorox™ Disinfecting Mist.

    A closeup shot of a hand using a blue microfiber cloth on a solid white surface.

  3. Spray on the mist

    Hold the nozzle 6–8 inches away from the item and lightly spray the mist.

    Tip

    Surface should stay visibly wet for 30 seconds to sanitize.

    Hand spraying Clorox™ Disinfecting Mist, Multi-Surface, at downward angle with visible mist showing.

  4. Air dry

    Let treated surfaces air dry completely before handling.

    open window ventilation

Steps to clean electronic devices with Disinfecting Wipes

  1. Power down the device

    If your device uses an electrical outlet, make sure it’s off and unplugged.

    Tip

    If obvious dirt is visible, pre-clean surface before sanitizing.

    A closeup shot of a hand pulling an electrical plug from a wall socket.

  2. Wipe the device

    Wipe down all hard, nonporous surfaces with a Clorox™ Disinfecting Wipe, and be careful not to let any liquid seep into the buttons or other openings.

    Tip

    Surface should remain visibly wet for 10 seconds to sanitize.

    An old man holds up a tv remote and wipes it with a white cloth, a plaid upholstered chair in the background.

  3. Air dry

    Let the surfaces air dry completely before use.

    open window ventilation

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you disinfect electronic devices?

To disinfect hard, nonporous surfaces, use enough Clorox™ Disinfecting Wipes to keep high touch surfaces wet for 4 minutes, then allow to air dry. Always follow manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and disinfecting electronics.