How to clean plastic switches: easy ways to get rid of yellowing

White switches and sockets look stylish and minimalist. But over time, the plastic they're made of tends to turn yellow when exposed to sunlight, constant contact with hands, and other factors. Fortunately, this yellowing can be removed quite easily.

OBOZREVATEL has collected several such methods. They require inexpensive products that can be easily purchased. But it's worth starting not with the recipes themselves, but with the safety precautions for caring for sockets and switches.

How to clean switches safely

First of all, do not wipe any live points with a damp cloth. Even if it is dampened with a little alcohol. Water or alcohol can cause an electric shock.

To avoid even the risk of injury, it is best to disconnect the power to the outlets and switches before cleaning them.

It is good to clean these points from dust with an old makeup or paint brush. It will remove all dirt, even from the crevices. After that, you can start bleaching the yellowing. Here's what you'll need.

Potatoes

Potato juice is an excellent dissolver of grease and dirt. It will also cope with yellow plastic. Simply cut a potato in half and wipe it over the cover of the outlet or switch. After that, wipe it with a damp cloth and dry it before turning the power back on.

Baking soda

This substance is a true champion in stain removal. Make a thick paste with dry baking soda and a little water. Apply it to the yellowed plastic surface and rub it gently with a sponge. Then carefully remove the remaining baking soda and polish the surface with a clean towel. Be careful not to get any product into the socket holes.

White vinegar

Low-concentration acetic acid is a good degreaser and cleaner. It also whitens even heavily yellowed plastic. You can soak plastic parts in vinegar after removing them from sockets and switches. For soaking, it is best to use a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water. Let the parts soak for about an hour. After that, you can rub them with a sponge to keep them clean and shiny. Let the parts dry completely before reinstalling them.

Nail polish remover

Whether it contains acetone or another solvent, nail polish remover can do a good job of removing yellowing. But before using it, you need to test it in an inconspicuous place, because it can damage some types of plastic. Apply the liquid with a microfiber cloth. It should be slightly moistened. All sockets and switches must be completely dry of solvent before being plugged in.

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