How To Clean Electrical Contacts

A wise man once said, “With great power comes great responsibilities.” 

Although he meant power in general, I’m talking about the electrical power supply to certain types of equipment. I have many appliances with complex circuits and electrical contacts in the house. And while the electrical contacts are a tremendous help for consistent power supply, cleaning them for prolonged durability is a must.

In my previous home, I would face a ton of circuit malfunctions and would always blame it on the poor quality of the electricals. However, when I shifted to this house and was getting electrical work done, a trusted professional suggested that I clean them periodically. He took me by surprise when he stated that the lack of cleaning could lead to malfunctions. 

Hey there! My name is Stacy, and if you have been facing one too many electrical failures, this guide is for you. To help you learn from my past mistakes, I have put together this little guide on how to clean electrical contacts. 

So, without further ado, let’s begin!

The Ill Effects Of Not Cleaning Electrical Contacts

Before I dive into ways to clean, let’s look at why we should be cleaning them in the first place. While this is not something that needs to be done every day, it is necessary to do it once in a while and thoroughly.

It is best not to have dirt settle on any electrical contacts, as the deeper it gets, the more damage it can cause. In those cases, it would be more appropriate to hire professionals to get the job done. Failing to do so can lead to multiple issues depending on which appliance the electrical contact is in. 

In my case, a few household appliances and motors started to malfunction due to the dust on the contacts. Most of the time, they would not come on, and even if they did, they would shut down as I would use them. 

This constant on and off on some bigger appliances can significantly affect the electrical circuit of the house. This is why it is essential to clean these contacts from time to time, and here are some of the ways you can do it.

Cleaning Electrical Contacts

There are multiple methods to get the cleaning done, so I will mention a few that helped when I faced this issue.

Most of the time, the methods depend on the type of dirt on the surface, ranging from plain old dust to oxidation. Make sure you take a good look at the electrical contacts to ascertain which method would be appropriate. 

If you are dealing with something more serious such as rust or oxidation, I suggest using a cleaning solution. These are readily available in the market and are pretty easy to use as well. Here is what you will need:

• Cleaning brush (preferably a micro brush, so it is easier to clean)
• Any cleaning solution for electrical contacts 

Steps To Follow

Step 1

The first thing you need to do is cut off the power to the appliance to be cleaned. This is the most important step, and failure to do this will lead to accidents. 

Step 2

The role of the cleaning agent is to break down any build-up on the electrical contacts. So, the next thing you will do is spray the circuit. Remember to not spray directly onto the contacts and instead only on the areas affected by corrosion. Also, it would be best to spray it from afar (around four to six inches)

Step 3

Finally, once you notice the build-up cracking, use the micro brush to clean it off the surface.

Choosing The Right Cleaner

Industrial cleaners that can tackle oxidation and rust on metallic surfaces are not new and have become more common in the past few years. They are easily available in the market and are quite effective, which is why people opt for them. However, it is essential to pick the right cleaner, or the effect might be quite different. 

In order to purchase the most appropriate one for your electrical device, there are a few factors to keep in mind. 

• Whether the solution is compatible with the device, especially if it has plastic elements. 
• Whether the solution is toxic and has an eco-friendly alternative  
• Other factors such as price, flammability, etc. 

Alternative Cleaning Options

If there is no electrical contact cleaner in the house, there are many things you can use in its place. The three most common substitutes are vinegar, alcohol, and nail polish remover. 

While the application process with these three is pretty much the same. You need to shut off the power and then apply the make-shift cleaner. However, the cleaning is slightly different. 

When using vinegar and alcohol, make sure to scrub the dirt off the electrical contact with a brush. And when using nail polish remover, just a light brush off with the micro brush should suffice.

FAQs

To Sum It Up