How To A Clean Remote Control

Navigating Safely in Rough Waters…

As we enter uncharted territory, we see things differently. We’re doing things to keep ourselves, family, and friends safe that weren’t even afterthoughts a month ago. There are some common household items that healthcare professionals advise taking a better look at. For example…

Your AV remote is dirtier than a toilet seat, in even the cleanest homes. Yeah, yuck, but it’s no comment on your bathroom. Rather it’s what healthcare professionals term a “high touch surface”, like a steering wheel or doorknob. In the best of times it is something that should probably be paid closer attention to. In the COVID-19 times in which we live now however, it’s essential.

Here are some remote control cleaning tips to keep your remote clean and sanitary, while minimizing the risk of damaging it.

Use only a soft, lint-free cloth such as microfiber. Nix abrasive cloths, towels, or paper towels. Paper towels are actually more abrasive than you’d think.

Although it may be tempting to just hit it with the Lysol spray, don’t use any type of aerosol sprays, bleaches, or other disinfectant sprays.

Avoid using spray cleaners on a remote or touch screen surface. Some of the chemicals in them can discolor or cloud the plastic.

The same holds true for excessive wiping, which can damage them.

Since liquids and power aren’t good partners, before cleaning, unplug all external power sources, and cables. Remove any batteries too. If this is impossible, such as with wall-mounted touch panels, take extra care when following the procedure below.

Using 70 percent isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol, wipe or dip a cotton cloth, and wipe down the entire surface of the controller. Do not get moisture into any openings, which can ruin the remote.

Use an alcohol-soaked Q-Tip to carefully clean around the buttons. Make sure it is not wet enough that moisture drips into or builds up on the remote.

Finally, dry the remote with a lint-free cloth and replace the batteries.

Is this kind of a pain? Sure, but healthcare professionals recommend doing this procedure every day as we battle to contain the novel Coronavirus. Once you’ve done it a couple of times it should only take a minute or two per remote.

As many of us stay at home, using video teleconferencing, watching Netflix and YouTube, our networks can strain under a load they’ve yet to experience. 4K streaming is very bandwidth intensive. What’s the likelihood you’re at home, streaming?

Well, if you’re not taking a walk, pretty darned good. 46% of Americans subscribed to multiple video streaming services at the end of 2019, up from 33% in 2017. That doesn’t even include YouTube.

How much do people really watch YouTube? Sit down; worldwide people watch 1 Billion hours of YouTube videos ever day. Yes, per day! We didn’t believe it either, so we looked it up. It’s true.

Stay Safe…

Companies that install and maintain security, internet, video, and telecommunications systems are deemed essential services by government agencies during this pandemic. Please know we are taking all precautions to help ensure your safety.

This is a difficult time for all. Our passion is making life easier and more fun for you. There are so many ways to do that now, it can get a little confusing. We’ll help you sort it all out.

Drop us a line and let’s chat.

Jason and the Automated Living Team

PO Box 464

Automated Living LLC

[email protected]

502-643-1194