Outdoor lighting fixtures can elevate the look of your home’s exterior and enhance your landscape. But if not regularly cleaned, they can become clogged with leaves, cobwebs, and other debris.
Shut off the circuit breaker and indoor switches to the light fixture before cleaning. Position a step ladder next to the fixture and use a safety brush to remove cobwebs.
Soap and water
Using soap and water is the most basic method for cleaning outdoor lighting fixtures. It is very important to always turn off the power to any fixture before cleaning to avoid any electrical shock hazards. This step should also be taken before removing any light bulbs.
Use a utility bucket, hot water, and soap to clean outdoor lighting fixtures that can be disassembled. Make sure to use a mild cleaner, such as dish detergent or non-toxic natural cleaner.
Dip a rag or sponge in the soapy water and wipe down all of the surfaces of your light fixture. Be careful not to get water in any open sockets on the fixture. Rinse the rag and repeat as needed to fully clean the surface of your fixture. When you are done, dry the fixture with a towel and apply metal polish or wax to any exposed hardware on your fixture. You can also use glass cleaner to clean any glass globes or shades that you have removed from your light fixture.
Vinegar
Outdoor light fixtures are designed to brighten the landscape around your home after dark, and also increase its curb appeal. However, they can easily become dirty with the accumulation of dust and cobwebs, or tarnish from exposure to the elements.
Regularly cleaning these fixtures prevents the buildup of grime and extends their lifespan. You can do this with a soft cloth, some mild soap and water, or a toothbrush for hard-to-reach nooks and corners.
Vinegar is an acidic liquid made by adding bacteria to any type of alcohol, including wine, beer, hard cider or sugars, which then ferments and turns into acetic acid. There are many different kinds of vinegar, each with a specific flavor profile and best use for cooking, cleaning and natural remedies. White vinegar is the most commonly used, and is suitable for general purposes. Other varieties of vinegar have unique flavors, preserving qualities or specific health benefits. Some varieties may cause stomach discomfort or digestive burning sensations in those with histamine intolerance.
Dish soap
Outdoor light fixtures are a wonderful way to illuminate the landscape of your home, and they can also be an eye-catching decoration during the holiday season. However, light fixtures require proper care to keep them looking beautiful and working well. Twice a year cleaning and maintenance is all that is required to prolong their life and maintain their appearance.
The first step is to turn off the lights and unplug them. This is important because it prevents you from getting shocked by mixing water with electricity. If you have any hard to reach fixtures, place a ladder where it is stable and safe to use.
Next, remove any grills, shields or decorative globes from the fixture by using a screwdriver or similar tool. Soak them in a bucket of warm, soapy water to clean them and let them dry before reattaching them. Fill another bucket with warm, soapy water and saturate a rag or sponge with it. Wipe down the loosened parts of the lighting fixture with this rag or sponge, being careful not to get any water in open sockets.
Windex
Outdoor light fixtures enhance your home’s curb appeal, help you feel safer walking around after dark, and cast more flattering light for welcoming guests. To keep them looking good and working well, you need to clean them regularly.
Whether they’re hanging from your porch, mounted on your house, or positioned in your yard, outdoor lights collect dust, dirt, and bug debris. Regular cleaning also keeps them brighter and extends their life.
For a safe and effective cleaning, first shut off the power to your lights at the circuit breaker. Remove any light bulbs and place them aside on a soft surface. Put on safety rubber gloves and fill a bucket with hot water and soap. Remove any globes, shields, or grills with a screwdriver and soak them in the soapy bucket (not the light bulb). Wipe them down with a soft brush and sponge to remove bug carcasses, cobwebs, and spores.
