HOW TO CLEAN YOUR LIGHT FIXTURES

Light fixtures can be magnets for dust, spider webs, and airborne particles. Not only are dusty light fixtures gross, but dirty lights can lessen your room’s illumination by 20-30%. Dirt and dust can even lower the lifespan of your fixture’s light bulbs.

Some experts recommend deep cleaning your fixtures bi-annually, but this requires taking down the entire fixture, which can be inconvenient, dangerous, and require an extra set of hands.

An alternative to those deep cleaning methods is regularly dusting and wiping down your fixtures. With regular cleaning, you can prevent the need for heavier, deep cleaning routines.

Keep It Clean

Preparation

Before you begin cleaning, make sure you have the following supplies and tools readily available.

Gather the Following:

1. Extendable Duster

2. A Step Stool or Ladder (depending on the hanging height and position of your fixture)

3. Microfiber Cloth

4. Clean Rag

5. A 1:1 Mixture of Mild Soap and Water

Turn off the Light Fixture

Now that you have collected your supplies, ensure all the fixtures have been switched off for at least 20 minutes - This will allow you to handle the bulbs and the fixture's safety while cleaning.

The 5 Best Light Fixture Cleaning Steps

1. Place your step stool or ladder below your fixture(s) and unscrew the light bulbs from their sockets. Use a dry, soft cloth to clean the bulb. Do not apply pressure or rub a specific area too hard as the bulb can shatter. Store in a dry, dust-free container after cleaning, for later re-installation.

2. Use an extendable duster to capture dust on the fixture canopy, rods, arms, and sockets. Dusters that can reach up high are great to use on chandeliers, pendants, and semi-flushes.

3. Use a dry microfiber cloth to capture any remaining dust on more detailed areas of the fixture (i.e. thin fixture arms, caps, decorative beads and nuts, etc.).

4. Make a 1 to 1 mixture of mild soap and water in a small bowl. Take a clean un-used rag and soak it in the mixture. Wring out the cloth until it is damp, not dripping. Use the damp cloth to clean more delicate areas of the fixture (i.e. crystals, glass, beads, etc.).

5. Allow fixture(s) to air dry completely, then re-install light bulbs. Turn on the lights and voila!

Don'ts for Cleaning Your Light Fixture

DON'T spray cleaning fluid directly at your fixture

Spray into a clean, unused cloth and test the chemical strength in an inconspicuous area of the fixture. If finish is faded, material stripped, or any other blemishes – do not use product on fixture.

DON'T spray cleaning fluid directly at the bulbs

Spray fluid into a clean, unused cloth. Gently rub the bulb with the damp cloth until clean.

DON'T put shades of any material in a dishwasher or washing machine