Why many Indian families refuse to remove plastic cover from TV remote? Food habits could be the main reason, say netizens

Indian households have certain unspoken rules that quietly turn into family traditions passed down through generations. From not cutting nails on a Thursday to avoiding sweeping after sunset, these desi customs may seem unusual to outsiders but are diligently followed in several homes. Recently, a Reddit user shared a post on the platform, highlighting another common yet bizarre practice that is thoroughly maintained. It involves wrapping remotes with plastic and never removing it, no matter how old.

Reddit user shares Indian stereotype of plastic-wrapped remotes

The Reddit user dropped a picture of a TV remote, securely wrapped in plastic. His short and apt caption read, ‘An Indian household is full of stereotypes, like this remote (laughing face emoji).

The person further asked fellow Reddit users to share their individual experiences of such household rules that, despite absolutely making no sense, are followed by everyone. Needless to mention, the comments section did not disappoint.

Internet justifies the unusual but effective practice

Justifying the plastic-wrapped remote custom, an individual revealed that they follow it too because of their kids. Another pointed out that keeping remotes uncovered results in the button prints fading away in just a few months from repeated usage.

Someone else noted that covering a TV remote protects it from getting wet. ‘It is actually good. There is no harm in it,’ they wrote, humorously adding that if the rule has been made by Indian moms, there is no point arguing over it.

Agreeing to the plastic wrap on remotes, one person emphasised that the custom does make sense if someone lives in a polluted and dusty area and wants the remote to be clean. Meanwhile, someone else reasoned that since most Indians watch TV while having food, they keep the remotes wrapped up to protect it from curry, oils and crumbs.