Cleaning winter e/s switch

Houandrew · Post by **Houandrew** » 06 Mar 2020, 11:50

What’s he best way to clean switch? Ok to use wd40? THanks everyone

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 06 Mar 2020, 13:23

Remove it, take it apart and clean very gently.
Even better, see if you can find a cleaner one,
clean and prep it, then just replace the old one.

I’d keep harsh solvents like WD away from it.

Mine has had a color matched hand towel draped
over it for about 15 years, now. Better safe than messy!

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 06 Mar 2020, 17:14

Use something like CRC QD Electrical Cleaner and a q-tip or small brush and microfiber cloth. It's plastic safe, quick drying, and it won't damage anything electrically.

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 06 Mar 2020, 19:53

The problem is, Gravity. There are just too many areas
that you can't reach when it's installed and in one piece.

Getting it really clean means getting it out so that you
can knock out any big stuff and clean it out on a bench.

And if it's taken any spills, that's really the only way to
get all of the various soda/coffee/dirt gunk cleared out.

Post by **jreed** » 07 Mar 2020, 06:00

I agree with the above advice. I've had good luck using a small spray can of CRC 2-26 "multi-purpose lubricant, improves electrical properties", which I found in the electrical wiring section of the local big Hardware store for about $3 a can.

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 07 Mar 2020, 08:15

BEJinFbk wrote: 06 Mar 2020, 19:53 The problem is, Gravity. There are just too many areas
that you can't reach when it's installed and in one piece.

Getting it really clean means getting it out so that you
can knock out any big stuff and clean it out on a bench.

And if it's taken any spills, that's really the only way to
get all of the various soda/coffee/dirt gunk cleared out.

Yes, removing it is going to be the only way to thoroughly clean it.