Yellowing on light switches can make your home look dated, often caused by exposure to sunlight, oils from hands, or the aging of the plastic itself. Fortunately, you can restore their bright, clean appearance using simple household items.
A common and effective method involves using a cleaning solution made from dish soap and white vinegar.
Simple Cleaning Method Using Common Household Items
One practical way to tackle yellowed plastic light switches is with a gentle, homemade cleaning mixture.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- Dish soap
- White vinegar
- Warm water
- Soft cloth or sponge
Step-by-Step Process:
Here’s how to apply this cleaning method, incorporating the steps from the provided reference:
- Preparation: Before cleaning any electrical fixture, always turn off the power to the light switch at the circuit breaker. This is crucial for safety. You might consider removing the cover plate for easier cleaning away from the wiring, but the reference describes cleaning the cover itself.
- Mix the Solution: In a bowl, combine equal parts of dish soap and white vinegar with warm water. The exact ratio isn't critical, but ensuring equal parts of soap and vinegar within the warm water base creates the effective cleaning solution.
- Apply and Scrub: Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the mixture you just prepared. Wring out excess liquid so the cloth is damp, not dripping. Gently scrub the yellowed outlet covers. The combination of vinegar (an acid) and dish soap (a degreaser) works to lift grime and surface discoloration.
- Rinse: Rinse the cloth in clean water to remove the cleaning solution.
- Wipe Clean: Wipe the outlet cover again with the rinsed, damp cloth to remove any residue left from the cleaning mixture.
- Dry: Use a dry cloth to thoroughly dry the light switch cover before reinstalling it and turning the power back on.
This method is gentle on the plastic while being effective against common causes of yellowing.
Why This Works
The white vinegar contains acetic acid, which can help break down and lift stains and discoloration on plastic surfaces. Dish soap acts as a surfactant, helping to lift grease and grime, allowing the vinegar to work more effectively and making the dirt easier to rinse away. Warm water aids in dissolving the soap and helps the mixture penetrate surface dirt.
By following these steps, you can significantly improve the appearance of yellowed light switches, making them look cleaner and newer without resorting to harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbing that could damage the surface.
