Remotes can get quite dirty over time. Dust, dirt, food particles, and more can build up on the buttons and crevices. This leaves many wondering: can you wash a TV remote with water? The quick answer is yes, you can wash most standard infrared remotes with water, but there are some precautions you should take.
Should You Clean Your Remote?
Before deciding whether to wash your remote, first consider if it really needs cleaning. Here are some signs it may be time to clean the remote:
- Visible dirt, crumbs, or stickiness on buttons
- Buttons are sticky or hard to press
- Remote has an odor
- You use the remote while eating often
If you don’t notice any of these issues, your remote may not need cleaning yet. But if it shows signs of dirtiness, washing it can help get rid of germs and make the buttons work properly again.
Can You Submerge a Remote in Water?
When cleaning a remote, you have to be careful not to damage the internal components. Most remotes contain:
- Circuit boards
- Buttons and rubber membranes
- An infrared LED
- Batteries
Submerging the remote can short circuit the boards and damage other parts. So you cannot fully submerge a remote in water without taking it apart first.
How to Clean a Remote with Water
The safest way to clean a remote with water is to use a lightly damp cloth. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Turn the remote off and remove the batteries. This prevents accidental button presses during cleaning.
- Dampen a soft cloth or paper towel with water. It should be moist but not dripping wet.
- Gently wipe down the top and bottom of the remote, including in crevices between buttons.
- Use a cotton swab dipped in water to clean between tight spaces.
- Dry the remote thoroughly with a clean lint-free cloth.
- Allow it to air dry completely before replacing batteries.
Don’t use harsh cleaners, soap, or scrub aggressively. This can damage the remote. The moisture from water on a cloth is enough to lift away most dirt.
Can You Wash Remote Buttons?
Yes, you can wash remote buttons with water on a damp cloth. Just be very gentle. Underneath the rubbery buttons are thin membranes that contact the circuit board when pressed. Scrubbing too hard can scratch or displace these membranes.
Use a cotton swab or soft-bristle toothbrush dipped in water to very lightly clean around and between the buttons. Take care not to over-saturate the area around buttons.
Can You Use Rubbing Alcohol?
Rubbing alcohol can be used to disinfect remotes, but carefully and sparingly. Here are some tips for using rubbing alcohol on a remote:
- Use a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution and cotton balls or swabs.
- Don’t pour or spray alcohol directly on the remote.
- Avoid getting alcohol on button membranes as it can damage the rubber.
- Spot test a small area first to check for discoloration.
- Only use a small amount of alcohol and wipe it away immediately.
- Dry thoroughly after wiping with alcohol.
Does Washing a Remote Damage it?
Washing a remote with a lightly damp cloth is generally safe if done correctly. Avoid submerging the remote or using lots of water. The main risks of washing a remote include:
- Liquid damage – Getting too much water in cracks can short circuit the internal boards.
- Component displacement – Rubbing too hard on button membranes can move them out of place.
- Residue buildup – Letting moisture evaporate rather than drying can leave mineral deposits.
As long as you use a minimally damp cloth and dry thoroughly, washing a remote should not cause damage.
Does Washing Remove Remote Grease?
Yes, washing a remote with water can help remove built-up hand grease and oils. Areas where grease accumulates include:
- All over the buttons from frequent pressing
- The back from being held in your hand
- Around the battery cover if you change batteries often
Using a slightly damp cloth helps lift away this grease and leaves the remote looking clean. Make sure to fully dry it afterward.
How to Dry a Remote After Washing
After washing a remote, it’s very important to dry it fully before using it again. Any moisture left behind could damage the circuits. Here are some tips for properly drying a washed remote:
- Absorb excess water with a clean dry cloth.
- Leave the remote open in a warm, dry place for at least 24 hours.
- You can also use a hairdryer on a low setting to speed up drying time.
- Check for any damp areas and repeat drying if needed.
- Once fully dry, insert fresh batteries and test it out.
Rushing the drying process risks water still being inside the remote. Take your time and allow it to fully air dry before using again.
How Often Should You Clean a Remote?
Most remotes only need occasional cleaning. Here are some guidelines on remote cleaning frequency:
- No visible dirt – Clean once every 3-6 months.
- Light dust/dirt – Clean every 1-2 months.
- Sticky buttons or visible grime – Clean every 2-4 weeks.
- Used frequently while eating – Clean monthly.
- Sick household members – Clean weekly.
Set a reminder to check your remote every month or so. Clean whenever it looks visibly dirty. More frequent cleaning helps prevent buildup.
Does Disinfecting Wipes Damage Remotes?
Disinfecting wipes contain alcohol and harsh cleaning agents that can damage remotes if used improperly. Here are some precautions when using disinfecting wipes on electronics:
- Use wipes designed specifically for electronics.
- Never spray wipes directly onto the remote.
- Gently wipe and immediately dry with a clean cloth.
- Spot test first to watch for discoloration or damage to buttons.
- Avoid using on rubber button pads which absorb chemicals.
With care, you can use disinfecting wipes to sanitize remotes without harm. But gentle cleaning with water is usually sufficient.
Can You Wash a Roku Remote?
Roku remotes can be cleaned with water, but require extra care due to their design. Here are some tips for washing a Roku remote safely:
- Use only a lightly damp cloth, not excessive water.
- Avoid the headphone jack which can retain moisture.
- Don’t immerse the remote or use running water on it.
- Take batteries out before cleaning.
- Be very gentle around the rubber directional pad.
- Let dry 24-48 hours since moisture can collect under pads.
Take your time cleaning a Roku remote to ensure no moisture remains trapped inside before using it again.
Can You Put a Remote in the Dishwasher?
No, you should never put a remote control in the dishwasher. Dishwashers are too harsh for the sensitive components of a remote in a few ways:
- The high water pressure can push water into crevices.
- High heat can damage circuit boards and melt solder.
- Detergent is too corrosive for the materials.
- The force of spraying water can dislodge components.
Always wash remotes by hand using a lightly damp cloth instead. The dishwasher will likely destroy the remote.
Does Washing a Remote Fix Button Issues?
If remote buttons are sticky, delayed, or require multiple presses, washing can help restore function. Grime, grease, and debris can build up on the underside of buttons over time. Light washing can fix button issues by:
- Removing dirt and crumbs affecting movement.
- Eliminating built-up hand oils making buttons sluggish.
- Cleaning contacts so they make full contact.
For best results, use a soft-bristle toothbrush and rubbing alcohol for stuck buttons. Avoid excess liquids near buttons.
Does Rubbing Alcohol Damage Remote Buttons?
Rubbing alcohol can damage rubber remote buttons if used improperly. Problems that can occur include:
- Drying out – Alcohol removes oils leaving rubber dry and cracked.
- Swelling – Rubber absorbs alcohol causing swelling.
- Discoloration – Dyes and pigments in rubber can bleed out.
- Coating damage – Alcohol can dissolve protective surfaces.
To avoid damage, use alcohol sparingly on buttons and wipe immediately. Do not soak the buttons in alcohol.
Should You Use Rubbing Alcohol on Remote Buttons?
Here are some guidelines on using rubbing alcohol on remote buttons:
- Spot test first and watch for damage to coatings.
- Apply alcohol to a cloth, not directly on the buttons.
- Gently rub sticky buttons to avoid tearing membranes.
- Never soak the buttons in alcohol.
- Immediately wipe away any excess.
- Allow to fully air dry afterward.
Used carefully, alcohol can clean sticky buttons without causing harm. But water is usually a safer choice.
Conclusion
Cleaning a remote control with water is generally safe if done carefully. Use a slightly damp cloth and avoid excess moisture near buttons and openings. Rubbing alcohol can also be used sparingly for disinfecting. Allow plenty of time to fully air dry before using the remote again. With some simple precautions, you can wash most standard TV remotes to keep them looking and working like new.