In hotel rooms, remotes are touched by dozens of people and yet they often look spotless. What’s the trick? Hotels follow ultra-simple routines to sanitize items that are handled frequently. The good news? You can easily copy the method at home — it only takes minutes and barely any tools.
– A pack of disinfecting wipes OR a soft cloth with 70% rubbing alcohol
– A piece of plastic wrap or a transparent freezer bag
Unplug or remove the batteries if possible. Use a disinfectant wipe or a cloth dampened with alcohol to clean all surfaces of the remote. Pay extra attention to the buttons and gaps around them.
Leave the remote to air dry for a few minutes. Alcohol evaporates quickly, so the surface will be dry and safe to use in no time.
Wrap the remote in plastic wrap or insert it into a transparent freezer bag. This protects it from dirt and bacteria without affecting the functionality. Buttons will still work perfectly!
– Change the plastic once a week, or immediately after someone who is sick uses the remote.
– In households with kids (sticky hands alert!)
– Vacation rentals and Airbnbs — impress your guests with hotel-level hygiene
– Elderly or immunocompromised individuals
– Shared spaces: coworking rooms, breakrooms, or waiting areas
If you’re avoiding single-use plastic, consider a washable transparent silicone cover. It’s reusable, efficient, and easy to disinfect too.
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