How To Clean Your Outdoor Lighting Fixtures

Outdoor lighting units can add the perfect touch of elegance to your home’s exterior. However, they also collect dirt and grim over time, so keeping them clean is crucial.

Keeping an eye on your outdoor lighting fixtures is key to making them last. Ignoring basic upkeep can lead to all sorts of problems, like the potential for bulbs to explode. So, give your lights a little TLC now and then to keep them running safely and lasting longer.

In this guide, we’ll dive into why cleaning your outdoor lights matters and walk you through the steps to do it effectively. Stick with us, and you’ll not only keep your home bright but also looking fantastic.

Why Clean Your Outdoor Lighting Fixtures?

1. Improving Visibility

To make sure your outdoor spaces are well-lit, it’s important to keep your lights clean. Dust and grime can dim their shine, making it harder to see clearly around your home. Regularly sprucing up your fixtures will not only boost visibility but also create a welcoming vibe.

2. Increasing Safety

The main purpose of installing outdoor light fixtures is to increase safety. Dark places are easier for intruders to break in; hence, it is important to clean outdoor light fixtures.

If dirt builds up on your light fixtures, they might not shine as brightly as they should, which could compromise your home’s security.

3. Enhancing The Appearance Of Your Home

Outdoor light fixtures can help you elevate the look of your exteriors. However, simply installing a light fixture to match the aesthetic of your home is not enough for this - you need to clean them, too, to shine brighter. Also, dirty lights are not so appealing to look at!‌

Guide To Cleaning Your Outdoor Lighting Fixtures

Step-By-Step Guide On How To Clean Outdoor Light Fixtures

Step 1

Turn off the power supply to your bulbs before you begin cleaning outdoor lighting fixtures. You should switch off the circuit breaker and then remove the light bulb.

Step 2

Use a soft cloth or a brush with soft bristles to wipe every light bulb one by one to remove any accumulated debris. You can use a toothbrush to clean the areas that are hard to reach.

Step 3

Fill a bucket with warm water and add a bit of dish soap. Soak a soft cloth in the mix and gently clean your copper fixture with it.

Step 4

After wiping your copper light cover using warm water and a cleansing agent, wipe it using a clean cloth to remove any soapy water residue. And use a professional glass cleaner to clean the glass scones and shades.

Step 5

After your garden lights are fully dry, fasten them back in place and switch the power back on.

Tips On Cleaning Different Types Of Light Fixtures

• Using a cleaner designed specifically for metal-based units, such as copper fixtures, is best.
• It would help if you used a gentle glass cleaner when cleaning glass fixtures and did not apply excessive pressure while wiping.
• Use a vegetable-based soap if you want a gentle cleanser.
• Ensure that your decorative globes get regular cleaning to avoid the stubborn accumulation of dirt and bug debris on their glass panes.

Safety Precautions To Take While Cleaning Light Fixtures

• Whenever you clean glass globes at a certain height, use a sturdy ladder and have someone assist you.
• Wear safety gloves to protect your hands from the harmful chemicals of a glass cleaner.
• Avoid harmful chemicals as much as possible while choosing a cleansing agent; you can also go for natural options like baking soda.
• Turn off the power supply to avoid short circuits in the electrical sockets.

How Often Should You Clean Outdoor Fixtures Of Light?

Cleaning your bulbs regularly is key to preventing too much debris from building up. If you leave them for too long without cleaning, dirt can become hard to remove and may need specialised tools.

The frequency at which you should clean your outside lights depends on several factors, such as where they are installed. Typically, decorative additions should be cleaned at least twice a year. However, if your bulbs are located at places prone to excessive dirt and dust, you should clean them more often.

Shining Bright: Tips & Tricks for Cleaning Your Outdoor Lighting Fixtures

Upgrade to LEDs for brighter and more energy-efficient outdoor lighting. Exterior lighting fixtures, including LED options, require minimal maintenance, making them a popular choice for homeowners who want to enhance the look of their property. However, regular cleaning is still necessary to ensure their effective performance and longevity.

You must first remove the bulb from its fixture to clean such lights. Next, dip a clean cloth (preferably a microfiber cloth) in soapy water, and then use this damp cloth to clean the fixture carefully.

Then, rinse the outdoor lights with hot water (not too hot!) and allow them to dry. Screw the light back on and turn on the light switch.

The professionals at Bright Force Electrical provide unbeatable services when it comes to cleaning your exterior light bulbs. Call us today, and let a professional do the job!

Want some more great tips? Check out our blog on how to clean your power outlets and switches to keep your electrical system clean and functional.

FAQs

1. What supplies do I need to clean outdoor lighting fixtures?

You will need a sturdy ladder, a soft cloth, one bucket, cleansing agents (metal or glass cleaners), water, and a hose. It is advised that you also use safety items, such as gloves and safety glasses, to avoid direct contact with the harmful chemicals of the cleaners or debris.

2. Can I clean outdoor lighting fixtures or hire a professional?

If you are confident removing and cleaning the light bulb, you should do it yourself. However, it is best to contact a professional if the bulbs are in out-of-reach areas or if you are hesitant to do any particular step.

Also, calling a professional to help clean damaged lights is essential. Cleaning such bulbs might require extra precision and expertise, which you may not necessarily have.