What to do if your car switches are dirty
The interior of your car gets dirty from normal everyday use when dust settles inside, from an accident like spilled French fries to accidentally leaving a window or door open at the wrong time. Dirt can get into your car, causing damage to the controls.
When your vehicle's switches become dirty, especially driver's door switches such as power window switches and power mirror switches, they need to be cleaned. Dirty switches can wear out and fail due to the abrasive nature of dirt, sand, and other debris.
To clean car switches:
Remove any dirt from the switch. Using a dry cloth, gently wipe dirt off the switch. If possible, keep additional dirt out of the switch where it can block the electrical contacts.
Blow the dirt off the switch. Use a can of compressed air to blow any dirt out of dirty switches. This is especially important for frequently used switches such as power window switches, door lock switches and power mirrors.
Check switch operation. Press down on the switch or switches you are cleaning to make sure they operate smoothly. If they stick or are difficult to press, there may be a sticky substance on the contacts, such as baking soda.
Clean the contacts if necessary. Spray dirty switches with electrical contact cleaner. If you notice an unusual color of dirt coming out of the switch, repeat this step as needed until the contact cleaner is clear. Dry the switches again with compressed air.
Limit the use of dirty car switches until you can properly clean them. Dirt in the switch can cause wear on the electrical contacts, which can lead to premature switch failure. Also, do not use the switch until it is completely dry after cleaning.
