Germ-Free Channel Surfing: Properly Cleaning Your Remote Control

Remote controls are a staple in every home. Whether you’re binge-watching your favourite series or catching the evening news, chances are your remote gets more use than many other household items. Yet, despite being touched countless times a day, remote controls are often forgotten when it comes to cleaning. The result? A buildup of dust, oils, food crumbs, bacteria and possibly even viruses.

Fortunately, with the right method and the right products, cleaning your remote control is quick, safe, and sustainable. In this guide, we’ll show you how to disinfect and refresh your remote control using Bio-D’s All Purpose Sanitiser, which is available in Original, Mandarin, and Yorkshire Rhubarb scents. You’ll learn not only how to clean effectively but also why eco-conscious products like Bio-D make a better choice for your health and the planet.

Why It’s Important to Clean Your Remote Control

Think about it, you touch your remote control after cooking, snacking, sneezing, and even after handling your phone or other germ-laden items. Over time, this high-touch surface becomes a hotspot for microbial activity. Research has found that remote controls can host more bacteria than toilet handles or doorknobs!

Here are just a few reasons to make regular remote cleaning a habit:

• Stops the spread of germs: Especially during cold and flu season, cleaning can reduce the risk of illness transmission.
• Improves function: Sticky or clogged buttons from dirt and residue can interfere with usability.
• Removes odours: Built-up grime can start to smell over time.
• Prolongs device life: A clean remote is less likely to suffer wear-and-tear from accumulated debris or corrosion.

What You’ll Need to Clean Your Remote

Before you begin, gather the following tools and products:

• Bio-D All Purpose Sanitiser (choose from Original, Mandarin, or Yorkshire Rhubarb)
• Microfibre cloth – gentle and lint-free
• Cotton buds – ideal for tight spaces
• Soft-bristled toothbrush – helps dislodge stubborn dirt
• Toothpick – for detail work around buttons
• Compressed air (optional) – helps clear dust from crevices

Unlike harsh chemical cleaners, Bio-D’s sanitiser is plant-based, non-toxic, and biodegradable, meaning it’s safe for you, your family, and your electronics.

Step-by-Step Guide to a Germ-Free Remote

1. Power Down and Remove Batteries

Begin by switching off your remote and removing the batteries. This prevents short circuiting and gives you access to clean the battery compartment, which can often collect residue or leakage.

2. Surface Cleaning

Spray a small amount of Bio-D’s All Purpose Sanitiser onto a microfibre cloth (never directly on the remote). Gently wipe down the entire surface, including the back and edges. The natural cleaning agents in Bio-D’s formula will help lift dirt and kill bacteria without leaving behind harmful residues.

3. Clean Between Buttons

Dip a cotton bud in the sanitiser and work it around each button. For tighter areas or stubborn grime, use a soft-bristled toothbrush. If debris is lodged deep in the seams, a toothpick can help carefully scrape it out. Compressed air is great for blasting out fine dust from the inner gaps.

4. Tend to the Battery Compartment

Check the battery area for signs of corrosion, dust, or leakage. Lightly moisten a cloth with Bio-D’s sanitiser and wipe the compartment clean. Let it dry completely before reinserting the batteries.

5. Drying Time

Once cleaning is complete, let the remote air dry fully. Avoid using a hairdryer or heat source. Once dry, reinsert the batteries and enjoy your freshly sanitised device.

Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Remote Clean

To keep your remote control in top condition, adopt a few simple habits:

• Clean weekly: A quick clean once a week is usually enough, more often during cold and flu season.
• Practice good hand hygiene: Encourage everyone in the household to wash their hands before handling the remote.
• Store it smartly: Avoid leaving the remote near food, drinks, or in areas where it could fall between cushions and gather crumbs.
• Use a washable cover: Silicone remote covers are widely available and easy to clean, just pop them off and wash as needed.

Why Bio-D’s All Purpose Sanitiser is Ideal for Electronics

Not all cleaners are created equal. Bio-D’s All Purpose Sanitiser stands out for its effective, eco-conscious formulation. Made with natural ingredients, essential oils, it’s free from bleach, and petroleum-based chemicals making it safe for both your electronics and your family.

The sanitiser comes in three refreshing scents:

• Original: A clean, classic fragrance perfect for any space.
• Mandarin: Bright and citrusy, great for an energising touch.
• Yorkshire Rhubarb: A tangy, distinctive scent that’s uniquely British and thoroughly invigorating.

Better still, Bio-D offers refill options, supporting your commitment to reducing single use plastic and cutting down on household waste.

The Bigger Picture: Sustainable Cleaning with Bio-D

Choosing Bio-D means you’re not only caring for your home but also making a meaningful impact on the environment. Bio-D’s entire product range is made in the UK, 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and certified by trusted third parties like Allergy UK and The Vegan Society.

By using Bio-D’s All Purpose Sanitiser on your electronics, you reduce exposure to harsh chemicals and do your part to support sustainable living, one clean at a time.

Your remote control may be small but keeping it clean can make a big difference in your home’s hygiene. With Bio-D’s All Purpose Sanitiser, you can tackle bacteria and grime without harming your electronics, or the planet.

So, whether you’re flipping channels or queuing up a film, enjoy peace of mind knowing your remote is as clean and fresh as your favourite Bio-D scent.