Cleaning your lights makes your home brighter and more welcoming. Clean lights also improve the quality of air in your home and make life easier for people who have allergies or respiratory problems. In addition, when you clean your lights, you remove a safety hazard, for dirty lights are at risk of overheating. But there’s a right, safe way to clean your lights. Here’s where to start.
First, Turn Off the Power
Before cleaning any light fixture, turn off the power. Either unplug the fixture or turn it off at the circuit box. This removes the risk of shock. If you’re still using incandescent or halogen bulbs, wait until they cool off before you start to clean.
Gather Your Tools
Cleaning tools can include a good number of lint-free or microfiber cloths, dishwashing detergent, a lambswool duster with a telescoping pole, a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment and even a gum eraser or canned air.
Clean Your Floor or Table Lamps
Table and floor lamps almost always come with some kind of shade. If your light fixture has a glass, plastic, metal or ceramic shade, carefully remove it and clean it on a stable surface. Fill a bucket or bowl large enough for the shade with soapy, lukewarm water, and use it to clean. Then, dry the shade with a clean cloth. Before replacing it, wipe down the bulb and the fixture with another clean, dry cloth. You can use a tiny bit of water if the metal components are really filthy, but not enough to enter the socket. If the socket is truly grungy, you might want to replace it. Then, replace the shade.
Use canned air or the brush attachment of your vacuum to clean fabric shades. Clean away marks on a paper shade with a gum eraser, and use a barely damp microfiber cloth to clean wicker or rattan.
Clean the Ceiling Lights
You might need to use a stepstool or even a ladder to reach a ceiling light. Two things to know about stepstools and ladders: never stand on the very top rung, and don’t use them on an area rug. If you’re nervous about using a stepstool or a ladder, invest in a duster with a telescoping pole. If you have a very high ceiling and you really don’t want to use a ladder, call in a professional to clean your ceiling lights.
Clean Your Outdoor Lights
Cleaning outdoor lights might be more challenging since they’re exposed to the weather, bugs and other pests. Again, turn off the power at the source. Then, remove the debris from around the light fixture. Clean the light with mild detergent and lukewarm water, rinse away the soap, and dry it. Make sure the fixture is thoroughly dry before turning it back on. While you’re cleaning, you should also look for damage and make sure connections are secure.
Adding light fixtures to your spring cleaning routine helps keep your home bright and welcoming. A little care and attention now will keep your lights shining safely all year long. If you have concerns or require lighting services, contact Electrical Pros in Topeka, KS.