Maintaining your light fixtures can be a chore but, dirty chandeliers or pendants are not a good look. Unclean light bulbs reduce brightness which is waste of energy. The U.S. Department of Energy says dirty light bulbs provide 30% less light than clean ones so, regular cleaning is a great habit to get into. It pays to keep a few tips and tricks in mind to save time, brighten your home and stay safe while doing so.
Light Bulbs
Homeowners are embracing the new LED and CFL technology that have longer life spans compared to the older bulbs. Which means you don’t switch out your bulbs as often and those bulbs end up collecting more dust without regular cleaning. A thorough wipe with a dry cloth is the best method to rid the dust and dirt. A damp cloth or spraying solution are not recommended as they can do damage to the bulb.
Most important is to be safe when cleaning light bulbs throughout your home:
– First and foremost, always make sure power to the bulb is turned off. Removing any plugs connected to the bulb is recommended. Or for extra precaution turn off your lights at the circuit breaker.
– Even after power is turned off, it’s essential to wait until the bulb has cooled before doing any cleaning.
– Trying to clean a light bulb while it’s still connected to its socket makes the job that much harder, as well as more dangerous. Pull the bulb out when cleaning it.
– Damp cloths and spray cleaning chemicals can seep into the bulb or the fixture it’s connected to, damaging both. Instead, opt for a dry, gentle cloth to wipe bulbs down and remove any dust, dirt or grime.
Ceiling Fixtures
It is always important to dust your ceiling fixtures such as chandeliers, pendants or ceiling fans once a week as we know how quickly dust can build.
– If possible once or twice a year take down your chandelier and wash those crystals so, that they will shine to their brightest.
– Pendants may be easier to reach so, use your cleaning solution and wipe down with a microfiber cloth. A dryer sheet is also a great way to dust bulbs and a handy cost effective alternative.
– Ceiling fixtures may be more difficult to reach so, it is best to take them down and use soapy water to wash away the grime and dirt.
– Recessed fixtures should be dusted weekly especially the lensed cover area which attracts dust and is a resting place for dead bugs.
You now have a general idea of how to clean your home lighting fixture but, it is always important to be safe while doing so and to use common sense. Your home has a multitude of different lighting fixtures so, they may require a different method.
(courtesy of the www.americanlightingassoc.com)