How to Clean Power Cords
From power tools to television sets, power cords end up being the commonly disregarded facets of most electrical items out there. Power cords are usually found sitting in the corners of rooms where they unsurprisingly collect quite a lot of debris and dust.
So, if you are here because your power cords are looking quite unsightly or have lost their ability to transmit or receive power, then you’re in the right place. Here, we will teach you how to clean dirty power cords in just six simple steps.
Things you will need
Dry cloth
Dish soap
Hot water
Dry sponge
Putty knife or spoon
Hot vinegar
Baking soda
Toothbrush
Step 1
The very first thing you need to do is dust these power cords with the help of a dry cloth to eliminate all the pet hair and dust, along with any loose debris. If you see any chewed up, cracking, peeling or frayed power cords, then you should replace them completely.
Step 2
Don’t Use Solvent or Alcohol Cleaners
Now you will have to create a solution that is a mix of dish soap and hot water. Once the solution has been made, dip a dry sponge into it and begin wiping at the power cords. This can be done by pinching and folding the sponge around the power cord for its whole length.
Step 3
Use Spoons or Putty Knives
Once the power cords are clean, you need to use a putty knife or a spoon to remove the dried paint splatters from the power cords. If they don’t immediately come off, try using a paper towel to dampen the stains with hot vinegar or citrus cleaner. You may also use, with caution, your hairdryer to soften or heat all those paint splatters.
Step 4
Paste Made from Water and Baking Soda
If you notice that your originally white power cords are yellowing up, then you should use a mix of baking soda and water, and apply it using a toothbrush. Once the paste begins to dry or crust up, then you use a damp sponge to remove to reveal the whitened surfaces.
Step 5
Using Compressed Air
If you think you have gunk stuck inside the female sides of the extension cords or the prong inlets, then your first weapon of choice should be wooden toothpicks. If this doesn’t seem to do the job, then we’re sure compressed air will work like magic. Blow compressed air into the inlets to clean the dirty power cords.
Step 6
Use WD-40® for Preventative Maintenance
Once your power cords have been cleaned, you need to use a dampened sponge to remove any residue left from baking soda. Once this is complete, you can finally apply some WD-40 Multi-Use on a clean rag and wipe over the power cords to repel debris and moisture alongside protecting them from any rust or corrosion.
While these six steps should take you about an hour max, how many power cords in your house, in your estimation, need cleaning? This is exactly why preventative maintenance is better than post-disaster maintenance!
When it comes to basic maintenance around the house, we can often fall a little short. But it’s so quick and easy we really shouldn’t have to! With that in mind, check out our guide on How to Maintain Your Tools or any of our other useful tips and tricks from the blog!
The uses shown and described for WD-40 Multi-Use Product were provided to WD-40 Company by the users themselves. These uses haven’t been tested by WD-40 Company and do not constitute a recommendation of suggestion for use by WD-40 Company. Common sense should be exercised whenever using WD-40 Company products. Always follow the instructions and take heed of any warnings printed on the packaging.
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