The same cautious approach covered for power adapters applies directly here, given the similar electrical safety considerations.
Unplug fully before any cleaning attempt
As covered in our note on cleaning a power adapter, the same basic safety step applies — fully unplug the strip from the wall and disconnect everything plugged into it before attempting any cleaning at all.
Dry or barely damp cloth on exterior surfaces only
Wipe only the outer casing with a dry or barely damp cloth — this isn’t a component to wash with liquid cleaners or submerge, given the electrical components involved.
Never attempt to clean inside the outlet openings
Dust or debris that’s found its way into the outlet openings themselves shouldn’t be cleaned with any liquid, and probing with metal tools risks both damage and shock — if outlets are genuinely dirty or obstructed, replacing the strip is the safer option than attempting to clean inside them.
What to do in practice
Unplug fully, wipe only the exterior casing with a dry or barely damp cloth, and never attempt to clean inside the outlet openings themselves.
What we would not do
Suggest using liquid cleaners or probing inside outlet openings — the same electrical safety caution covered for power adapters applies here.
Last reviewed 25 August 2026