It doesn’t matter if you have exterior lights around your property or many different light fixtures that brighten your home’s interior. All of these items require special care, and spring is the best time to clean them. Professional electricians are sharing their simple and sensible tips on safely maintaining light and brilliance in every corner of your home.
Dust and Dirt Factor
According to professional electricians, all lighting components should be cleaned because dust and grime can build up and, at times, significantly reduce illumination. Even a thin layer of dust on a bulb or lens can lower brightness by at least 20%. This, in turn, can cause considerable eye strain.
Before you start spring cleaning, safety always matters. One of the most important rules is, “Always turn off the light.” To be extra safe, you can even shut off the circuit breaker to the fixture you’re cleaning to prevent any risk of electric shock.
With a Microfiber Cloth
Next, let the bulbs cool for a few minutes. A hot lightbulb can still burn you. Next, use a slightly damp or dry microfiber cloth and gently wipe down the lighting fixtures, lenses and bulbs. Some fixtures may be more delicate than others, so use caution in applying pressure. Fragile glass breaks easily and could cut your hands.
The best formula for cleaning glass shades is plain dish soap and warm water. Avoid using ammonia or vinegar solutions, as both household products can be harsh and strip protective coatings, damage metal hardware or even cause clouding on painted or specialized finishes. Also, the fumes can be overwhelming and dangerous to the eyes. Wearing a pair of safety glasses is a good idea for protection during spring cleaning.
Here’s another important tip: Have a sturdy ladder or step stool when reaching sconces high on the wall, chandeliers or other ceiling fixtures.
A Hose for Outdoor Fixtures
Cleaning your outdoor light fixtures this spring can be more challenging than cleaning indoor lighting features. Inclement weather and leftover winter storms can leave lights covered in debris. The best process is to turn off the power first. Then use a hose to rinse off loose dirt before applying a commercial cleaning product made to remove stubborn grime. Rinse thoroughly, and let the fixtures dry before restarting the power.
Check Your Electrical Connections
The spring season is also the perfect time to ensure that your lighting fixtures have safe electrical connections. All wires should be properly connected. Loose or exposed wires can cause issues that only a professional electrician can repair.
Always stay safe, and let your lighting fixtures shine bright this spring. If you have concerns or require lighting services, contact Fisher Electric in Santa Cruz, CA.
