Let your inside lights sparkle

As days get shorter and natural light is less abundant, interior lighting becomes ever more important.

All lights and fictures most effective when they are clean. HGTV experts say dirty lights can give off up to 20 per cent less light than clean ones. Dirty fixtures also waste energy.

These tips can cut down on the time needed to give lights a thorough cleaning.

• Stock up on the right cleaning supplies. Microfiber dusting cloths are smart choices because they can help trap grime and tend to be machine-washable and reusable. Extendable static-charged dusters are another handy item to have around, particularly for fixtures that are hard to reach.

• Dust regularly. Dusting regularly can prevent the buildup of grime that’s difficult to wash off. Try to dust light fixtures weekly or biweekly. The more frequent the fixtures are dusted, the less time each cleaning session will take. Soft cloths can remove the dust from most bulbs and exterior surfaces.

• Deep-clean at table level. Deep-cleaning at table level is more manageable. Remove any glass accents and set them out on a cushioned surface so they do not break. Soft cloths dampened with a vinegar solution should remove most of the dirt on chandelier crystals and the globes or outer glass coverings of other types of fixtures.

If you can’t remove a fixture, use a sturdy stool, a spray bottle with your cleaning mixture and a soft cloth to wipe away the dirt.

Do not spray liquids directly onto light bulbs; otherwise, you can damage the bulb and the electrical components.