{"id":712,"date":"2022-09-23T09:06:37","date_gmt":"2022-09-23T09:06:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/flipswitch.wpengine.com\/fliptheswitch\/?p=712"},"modified":"2024-07-16T21:10:03","modified_gmt":"2024-07-16T21:10:03","slug":"dos-and-donts-for-cleaning-light-fixtures","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.destinationlighting.com\/fliptheswitch\/dos-and-donts-for-cleaning-light-fixtures\/","title":{"rendered":"Dos and Don&#8217;ts for Cleaning Light Fixtures"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\">How to Clean Light Fixtures:<br \/>\nThe Do\u2019s and Don\u2019ts for Cleaning Glass, Bulbs, Fans and More<\/h1>\n<p>Looking for a way to gain a new perspective on your everyday life? Instantly brighten your home by cleaning your light fixtures. You\u2019ll be surprised at how much sunnier your place looks with freshly cleaned lights.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Cleaning light fixtures throughout your home ensures that your bulbs are putting out the amount of lumens they should. If you feel like things are a bit dim, cleaning your fixtures is sure to keep the ambiance bright. Built-up dust and grime can make bulbs appear up to 30 percent dimmer and if the shades or covers are dirty, too, you diminish the amount of light in your space even more.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6872 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.destinationlighting.com\/fliptheswitch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2016\/09\/cleaning21-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The pros at Destination Lighting have come up with the best tips for how to clean greasy light fixtures, yellowed glass light fixtures, recessed ceiling lights and more. These do\u2019s and don\u2019ts will inspire you to make a fresh start by cleaning light fixtures in every room of your home.<\/p>\n<h2>DO: Be Prepared Before You Start<\/h2>\n<p>Cleaning light fixtures will take some time, a little preparation and the proper tools. Cleaning all the fixtures in the home at the same time may seem like a huge undertaking, but it will make sure you have everything you need handy, which ultimately makes for faster cleaning.<\/p>\n<h2>DON&#8217;T: Shortchange Safety<\/h2>\n<p>Light fixtures involve electricity, which doesn\u2019t mix well with the liquids you\u2019ll need for cleaning those light fixtures. Make sure the power to all your lights is off or they\u2019re unplugged to avoid any risk of electric shock. When cleaning ceiling light fixtures, make sure you position your ladder so the feet are flat on the floor to avoid tipping and move it as needed so you aren\u2019t stretching to reach a high-up fixture.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-6877\" src=\"https:\/\/www.destinationlighting.com\/fliptheswitch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2016\/09\/cleaning10-1024x681.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>DO: Gather Your Tools and Supplies<\/h2>\n<p>Gather the following supplies and tools before you get started:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Soft cloth<\/li>\n<li>Plain water<\/li>\n<li>Mild, glass-safe detergent<\/li>\n<li>Warm water<\/li>\n<li>Towels<\/li>\n<li>Vacuum for fabric, rattan and beaded lamp shades<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> Certain types of glass finishes, such as Scavo, can be clouded by detergents. Test a small, inconspicuous area before using a soap on your glass hardware. Consider a soak in white vinegar if you\u2019re looking to clean yellowed glass light fixtures.<\/p>\n<h2>DON&#8217;T: Rush the Process<\/h2>\n<p>Proper and safe cleaning of the lights and bulbs in your home isn\u2019t something you can rush through. Give yourself enough time to clean everything thoroughly and safely in order to avoid accidents. When you\u2019re done, you\u2019ll enjoy the beautiful brilliance of your whole home.<\/p>\n<h2>DO: Know Your Fixture Type<\/h2>\n<p>Different types of fixtures require different care for the best results.<\/p>\n<h3><em>How to Clean: Chandeliers<\/em><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-6875\" src=\"https:\/\/www.destinationlighting.com\/fliptheswitch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2016\/09\/cleaning9-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Clean <a title=\"chandeliers\" href=\"https:\/\/www.destinationlighting.com\/products\/chandeliers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">chandeliers<\/a> with the following steps:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Remove the bulbs and wipe with a soft cloth.<\/li>\n<li>Note where each crystal goes for reassembly.<\/li>\n<li>Place any pendants, crystals and saucers in warm, soapy water.<\/li>\n<li>Wipe each piece gently and dry quickly to avoid water spots.<\/li>\n<li>Use a damp cloth to wipe down the base.<\/li>\n<li>Reassemble the pieces.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><em>How to Clean: Flush Mount Ceiling Lights<\/em><\/h3>\n<p>When cleaning flush mount\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.destinationlighting.com\/products\/indoor-ceiling-lights\">indoor ceiling lights<\/a>, remove the covers and soak them in warm soapy water. Remove and wipe down the bulbs and use a damp cloth to clean the fixture. Clean and dry the covers before reinstalling.<\/p>\n<h3><em>How to Clean: Pendant Lights<\/em><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-6869\" src=\"https:\/\/www.destinationlighting.com\/fliptheswitch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2016\/09\/cleaning5-1024x675.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"675\" \/><\/p>\n<p>You can clean most\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.destinationlighting.com\/products\/pendants\">pendant lights<\/a>\u00a0in place. After wiping the bulbs down, use the damp cloth to clean globes, cables and extension rods. If you have intricate fixtures, you may need to remove the globes and soak them in warm, soapy water.<\/p>\n<h3><em>How to Clean: Ceiling Fans<\/em><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-6866\" src=\"https:\/\/www.destinationlighting.com\/fliptheswitch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2016\/09\/ceiling-fan-1024x675.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"675\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Clean your\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.destinationlighting.com\/products\/indoor-ceiling-fans\">ceiling fans<\/a>\u00a0by removing the globes and soaking them in soapy water while you wipe down the bulbs and fixtures. Carefully clean and dry the globes. Don\u2019t try to use the fan blades to keep yourself steady while on the ladder: they can move suddenly, which can lead to accidents.<\/p>\n<h3><em>How to Clean: Recessed\/Can Lights<\/em><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-6874\" src=\"https:\/\/www.destinationlighting.com\/fliptheswitch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2016\/09\/cleaning8.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"468\" height=\"763\" \/><\/p>\n<p>For recessed lights or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.destinationlighting.com\/products\/led-ceiling-lights\">LED ceiling lights<\/a>,\u00a0simply remove and wipe the bulbs. Use a damp cloth on the inside and outside of the canisters and dry thoroughly.<\/p>\n<h2>DO: Clean Your Bulbs for Brighter Lights<\/h2>\n<p>You can safely and effectively clean all <a href=\"https:\/\/www.destinationlighting.com\/dept\/light-bulbs\">light bulb types<\/a> using a dry, soft cloth. Make sure you scrub gently to avoid shattering the bulb. Heavily dirty\u00a0bulbs may require replacing.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong>\u00a0DON\u2019T apply force to a tight bulb. Instead, cut a long section of duct tape, twist it into a loop and apply it to the bulb so there is a handle on each side for easier removal.<\/p>\n<h2>DO: Treat Each Shade with Care<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-6868\" src=\"https:\/\/www.destinationlighting.com\/fliptheswitch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2016\/09\/cleaning6-1024x679.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"679\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Use the following tips for cleaning light fixtures with shades:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Glass Shades<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 The best way to clean glass light fixtures is to use a soft damp cloth for light cleaning. A gentle glass cleaner or soapy water eliminates tough grime.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Fabric Shades<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Most fabric shades can be vacuumed gently to remove excess dirt. For serious stains, consider a dry cleaning product that you can use at home.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Beaded Shades<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Vacuum beaded shades frequently to avoid dust buildup. Use a damp cloth to remove stubborn spots, making sure to wipe gently and avoid rubbing too hard on the beading.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Paper Shades<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 In many cases you\u2019ll be able to simply wipe paper shades with a dry cloth. If the dirt and dust become thick, you\u2019ll need to replace the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.destinationlighting.com\/products\/lamp-shades\">lampshade<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong>\u00a0DON\u2019T put shades in a dishwasher or washing machine. Doing so may warp the shape and damage the material. Improper cleaning solutions can also cloud the glass and soldering points.<\/p>\n<h2>DO: Help Your Finishes Shine a Little Brighter<\/h2>\n<p>Light fixtures have different finishes and there are plenty of home remedies to keep them clean. A challenge for many homeowners is cleaning metal light fixtures without causing tarnish. While most can be cleaned with a damp cloth, you can keep brass and painted bases looking great with a solution of mild soap and water. Wipe bases made of metal or brass with a damp cloth. Metal and wood bases also benefit from a quick polish with lemon oil for added luster.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-6871\" src=\"https:\/\/www.destinationlighting.com\/fliptheswitch\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2016\/09\/cleaning-3-1024x681.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>DO: Keep Your Home Bright<\/h2>\n<p>Hopefully, this list of how to clean light fittings in various settings has shed some light on the task. The combination of clean bulbs and shades will enhance every room of your home and you\u2019ll get more light and longer use from your bulbs. Easily accomplished in an afternoon, cleaning light fixtures is a DIY project that will brighten your home and your mood for weeks.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How to Clean Light Fixtures: The Do\u2019s and Don\u2019ts for Cleaning Glass, Bulbs, Fans and More Looking for a way to gain a new perspective on your everyday life? Instantly brighten your home by cleaning your light fixtures. You\u2019ll be [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6876,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[59,156],"tags":[275,274,276],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v16.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Cleaning Light Fixtures: Do\u2019s &amp; Don\u2019ts for Clean Lights<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Brighten your home with Destination Lighting\u2019s guide for cleaning light fixtures for grime-free chandeliers, bulbs, fans, can lights and more.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.destinationlighting.com\/fliptheswitch\/dos-and-donts-for-cleaning-light-fixtures\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Cleaning Light Fixtures: Do\u2019s &amp; 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