When cleaning a car people are quick to clean the dashboard, carpets, steering wheel, or maybe the center console. But there is one vital component many overlook…car keys!
Car keys are among the 5 dirtiest things that humans come in contact with on a daily basis, which is alarming as they are breeding grounds for germs, disease, and much more.
This shouldn’t be too surprising if you think about everything you touch prior to using your keys. Maybe it’s cash from the grocery store, products off the shelf, or a receipt at a checkout. All of these can contain bacteria and viruses that transfer over to your car keys.
It’s time to give car keys the attention they deserve by learning how to clean them properly. Let’s dive in and learn the best way to clean your car keys.
For a visual guide on how to polish your car key fob, watch the following:
How To Clean Car Keys
What You Will Need:
The beauty of this technique is that it utilizes everyday cleaning products that you likely have around your house already.
- All Purpose Cleaning Spray
- Alcohol-based disinfecting wipes
- Microfiber cloth or rag
- A bowl
- Dishwashing soap
- A toothbrush or a soft-bristled brush
Step 1: Clean and Sanitize the Key Fob or Key Ring
Most car keys either have a key fob that contains the metal key or have a small key ring that the key is attached to.
- If you have a key fob, separate the plastic from the key itself to allow for the safest cleaning. If this step is disregarded, the all-purpose cleaner may damage the sensitive electronics within the fob.
- If you have a key ring, simply remove it and set it aside.
To clean both the key ring and fob, spray an all-purpose cleaner so that all surfaces are coated. Allow this to sit for as long as recommended on the manufacturing label (likely a few minutes).
- Once the all-purpose cleaner has sat, wipe the key ring and key fob clean using a microfiber cloth or towel. This can kill the bacteria and viruses present in your key components
Step 2: Clean Your Key Chain Accessories
Although it can damage your car’s ignition over time, some people pile mounds of cute accessories onto their key chain. You will want to repeat step one above for any accessories on the chain.
- If any of the accessories contain electronic components, such as flashlights, key cards, etc, use caution with the all-purpose cleaner and make sure to keep the electronic components dry.
- If the accessories are made of fabric, simply toss them in your next load of laundry to disinfect them of all possible bacteria.
Step 3: Was The Metal Key
It’s officially time to wash the actual key and restore it to its former glory
There are three great cleaning solutions for metal car keys: an all-purpose cleaner, hydrogen peroxide, and dish soap. Choose any of these three the use in the mixture below
Fill a bowl with 1 cup of warm water to begin. Add in a few drops of dish soap, or a quarter cup of hydrogen peroxide or APC, whichever you prefer. Place the metal car key into the solution and let it soak
- After the key has soaked, use a soft bristle brush or a toothbrush to agitate any remaining dirt on the key. This process can be done for any plastic key fob components that aren’t quite up to your standards as well
- Once all components have been cleaned, dry them off using a microfiber rag or towel
If your key is separated from its fob, re-assemble it and prepare to hit the open road. Here is a helpful video on how to take apart and put back together a key fob.
How To Clean Battery Contacts In Car Keys
If your car key fob and electrical commands are not working properly, it may mean the battery contact in your keys need to be cleaned. Let’s learn how to clean them!
The battery contacts are located within your key fob where the battery connects to the electronic components. Over time, these connections can become loose, corroded, and even break. Keeping them up to date is essential to a properly working key.
To properly understand how to clean the battery contacts, watch the following visual guide so that you can fix your key battery in no time.
Additional Car Key Tips and Tricks
1: Remove Bulky Key Chain Attachments
- Although you may find them pleasing, your car’s ignition certainly does not. The weight of the key chain can wear out parts of the ignition called tumblers. When tumblers become worn, they are no longer able to engage and t urn your car on.
2: Set A Regular Cleaning Schedule
- Congrats! You have cleaned your car keys after reading this guide…but they will get dirty again soon. Take the time to set a reminder on your phone to clean your keys every so often. It may seem random now, but you will thank yourself later.
3: Buy A Key Fob Cover
- Covering your key fob in a cover makes the cleaning process much more simple for car owners with a fob. Rather than having to take the plastic fob apart, simply remove the rubber cover and throw it into the cleaning solution used above. Here is a link to help you find the exact cover you need.
Car Cleaning FAQ & Solutions
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