Every room in the house can have a different feel depending on the lighting, so it’s crucial to keep them clean. After all, when you chose your chandeliers or those Einstein bulbs, a mood of dingy and grimy was probably not what you had in mind.
Before Cleaning Light Fixtures
Safety Tips
You should turn off the electricity to all of your lights before cleaning them to reduce the chance of receiving an electric shock. Position your ladder so that the feet are flat on the ground to prevent tipping, and move it as necessary so that you aren’t bending over to reach a fixture.
Tools And Supplies
Gather the following supplies and tools before you get started:
- Soft cloth
- Plain water
- Mild, glass-safe detergent
- Warm water
- Towels
- Vacuum for fabric, rattan, and beaded lamp shades
Pro Tip: Detergents have the potential to cloud certain glass finishes, including Scavo. Before applying a bar of soap to the hardware on your glass, test it on a small, discrete area.
Know Your Fixture Type
For the best results, different fixture types require different maintenance.
Chandeliers
Clean chandeliers with the following steps:
- Bulb removal and soft cloth cleaning are required.
- When assembling the crystals, take note of where they go.
- In warm, soapy water, soak any pendants, crystals, and saucers.
- To prevent water stains, gently wipe each piece and dry it as soon as possible.
- Wipe the base down with a damp cloth.
- Reassembling the parts
Flush Mount
When cleaning flush mount indoor ceiling lights, remove the covers, and soak them in warm soapy water. The bulbs should be taken out and cleaned, and the fixture should be cleaned with a damp cloth. Cleaning and drying the covers.
Pendants
You can clean most pendant lights in place. After cleaning the bulbs, clean the globes, cables, and extension rods with a damp cloth. You might need to remove the globes from intricate fixtures and soak them in warm, soapy water.
Ceiling Fans
Clean your ceiling fans by removing the globes and soaking them in soapy water while you wipe down the bulbs and fixtures. Dry and clean the globes with care. As you climb the ladder, be careful not to try to use the blades to maintain your balance. Accidents may occur because of their sudden movements.
Recessed/Can Lights
For recessed lights or LED ceiling lights simply remove and wipe the bulbs. Dry the canisters completely after wiping them down with a damp cloth, both inside and out.
Methods For Cleaning Light Fixtures
Gather The Right Materials
Make sure you have the proper tools available before beginning to clean fixtures. A microfiber towel is a fundamental tool that you require. Terry cloth towels should never be used as they can scratch the surfaces of the fixture.
Depending on the condition of your fixture, you might only need to clean with microfiber and that one tool. Microfiber is also great for picking up dust.
Check The Power
In order to avoid electrical risks, you should never clean a fixture while the power is on. Before cleaning, make sure the bulb is completely cooled, the switch is off, and the breaker is turned off. Too often, people overlook this easy step and unintentionally shock themselves.
Consider Safety Matters
Make sure you consider other safety considerations when cleaning in addition to the potential for electrical shock. Use a sturdy ladder rather than a chair if you need to work on a fixture without removing it from the ceiling to clean it. To have a second set of hands, think about asking a friend for assistance.
Be Careful With Water Solutions
Even though you can clean most fixtures with a microfiber towel, if it hasn’t been cleaned for a while, you might need some extra assistance. If you decide to use a cleaning solution, the best combination is warm water and a mild cleaner, such as dish soap.
You should never use water or cleaners close to electrical components or wiring, it is very important to remember this. When cleaning fixture heads that detach from the fixture, it should only be applied as necessary. Prior to being put back on the fixture, the fixture cover must thoroughly dry.
Never use water on bulbs other than the fixture head itself. For the most part, bulbs only need the occasional wiping down with a microfiber towel to remove any dust accumulation.
Check Hardware To Avoid Safety Hazards
You can reinstall the fixture above the lamps once it has been thoroughly cleaned and dried. To prevent a safety hazard, make sure you secure any hardware by fastening it. Accidents may occur as a result of a lamp cover falling.
Finishing Touches
Pay attention to a few finishing touches now that you are aware of the ideal method for cleaning light fixtures. Before installing freshly cleaned globes and light bulbs, dust the housings and blades of the ceiling fan.
With a damp cloth, clean the rims of the lamp shades and the lamp bases. Remove the lamp shades, then use a damp microfiber cloth to gently dust them. You can vacuum or clean beaded shades with a damp cloth. To remove dust from fabric shades, use a vacuum or lint roller.