I was a sloppy painter, and got paint on the electrical outlets. How can I safely get it off? Should I just replace them?
2006-08-14 13:18:46 · 11 answers · asked by Jill O 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Decorating & Remodeling
Replace them with nice new ones.
2006-08-14 13:37:18 · answer #1 · answered by treday25 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Numero Uno: If you're going to do anything w/ the electrical outlets, 1st shut off the circuit breaker or fuse to the outlet you're going to work on. Is it on the outlet cover that screws over the actual plugs or on the actual plugs? Sounds like it's on the cover. If so, if it's latex paint you should be able to wash it off w/ soap & H2O, if oil paint you'll need to use turpentine. I'll tell ya, if it were me, I'd just buy new ones. You can get them real cheap at the hardware store. Good luck!
2006-08-14 13:41:20 · answer #2 · answered by babydoll 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's probably easier to replace them than clean them. If you do clean the outlets, turn off the electricity! Next time you paint, take off the switchplates and outlet covers, and tape over the stuff inside.
2006-08-14 15:12:50 · answer #3 · answered by soxrcat 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Very carefully. You should switch off the breaker for the receptacle being worked on. If you are talking about the cover plate, this comes off with a small set screw in the center. Once removed you clean as you wish, making sure there are no chemicals or water left behind. The same goes for the actual receptacle, do not get any water or chemicals inside the holes or near the wires. Use a dry tooth brush or plastic knife.
2006-08-14 13:28:44 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
What you need to do is find the circuit breaker for the room that has the paint you need to clean... kill the power, then you can use the product called goof-off. this product is strong and it might just melt the plastic so be careful. Use a "Q-Tip" to get in the outlet holes. let dry if you use too much. this stuff drys really fast but it wont hurt to let it dry. after you have cleaned this outlet you can turn the power back on.
2006-08-14 14:28:50 · answer #5 · answered by allbright 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Replacing works, but scraping it of with a flat screw driver is cheaper.
Next time use masking tape before you start painting, it's less work.
2006-08-14 13:25:52 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I guess you could replace them. But I would take pain thinner to them. Unscrew the whole deal, and give it a thourough cleaning with paint remover. Just turn the main power off first!
Love, Jack.
2006-08-14 13:26:30 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
From past experience....if it is wet, just wipe it off...if it is dry, take a hard plastic scraper with a sharp edge and it will scrape off quite easily. Good luck.
2006-08-14 13:26:01 · answer #8 · answered by bmoolb 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Replace them.........but very carefully. Make absolutely sure the circuit breaker is off to them before you start to remove them.....DO NOT rely on the wall switch.
2006-08-14 13:26:00 · answer #9 · answered by stik 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Scrape with a dull knife.
2006-08-14 13:24:17 · answer #10 · answered by William E 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋