Brighten up your home by cleaning the light fixtures
If your lights don't seem to be offering as much illumination as usual, it might not be the result of the dimmer switch or a dying bulb. Instead, it might be time to add the light fixtures to your spring cleaning list.
The buildup of dust and dirt on a light bulb can easily diminish the amount of light it is able to put out. The fixture can be dimmed even further by a grimy lampshade or a cover filled with dead bugs.
It's helpful to get into the habit of regularly dusting your light fixtures to keep them shining nicely. Sarah Aguirre, writing for the home advice site The Spruce, says a duster with a long handle can be used to clean off light bulbs, chandeliers, and other fixtures. Every once in awhile, though, you'll need to give your light fixtures a more thorough cleaning.
When cleaning the bulbs and fixtures, make sure the light has been turned off for at least an hour. Recently illuminated bulbs can be hot to the touch, and can crack or break when exposed to cold water or cleaning solutions. Shutting off the electricity to the fixture also helps avoid the risk of electric shock when using liquid cleaners.
Bulbs can be dusted off with a clean cloth. Stefan Lucian Gheorghe, founder of the interior design and architecture site Homedit, says you can use a damp cloth to get rid of stubborn grime. However, you shouldn't get the metal part of the bulb wet.
For globe fixtures that tend to be a death trap for insects, start by unscrewing the globe from its base. Ashley Poskin, writing for the home design site Apartment Therapy, says it can be helpful to spread out a towel first to catch any debris that might be dislodged when you remove the globe.
Dump the debris that has collected in the globe into the trash. The globe can then be washed in a sink full of soapy water or wiped down with a solution of alcohol and water. Aguirre says dusting can be sufficient for periodic cleanings, but that you should wash these globes at least twice a year.
Don't run these fixtures through the dishwasher, since they often use delicate glass. The fixtures can break during the washing cycle, causing damage your appliance.
The inside and outside of pendant light covers can be cleaned with a traditional cleaning spray. Gheorghe says the cables holding the lights in place should be wiped down with a dry cloth.
Recessed lighting can be kept fairly clean with regular dusting, but can benefit from the occasional wash. Lisa Kaplan Gordon, writing for the National Association of Realtors' home improvement site HouseLogic, says you should wipe down the inside of the canisters with a microfiber cloth or moist rag.
It can be a challenge to clean chandeliers, but dusting them once a week can keep the worst of the grime at bay. Once or twice a year, it is a good idea to give these fixtures a more thorough cleaning.
Consider taking a picture of the chandelier before starting the job, since it can be difficult to put back together if you choose to disassemble it. If the chandelier is too unwieldy to take down, you can clean it in place with a stepladder.
One option to clean the chandelier is to create a solution of one-quarter of a cup of vinegar to three cups of water, mixed with a small amount of mild dish soap. Add this solution to a spray bottle and use it on the crystals, wiping them off with a microfiber cloth after they have dried.
You can also take off any crystals or pendants to clean them individually. Tara Aronson, author of the blog Clean Organized Family Home, says they can usually be washed with soap and water. Rinse them in a solution of water and ammonia to help them sparkle.
The best way to clean a lampshade depends on what material it is made of. As with light fixtures, dusting or vacuuming them weekly can prevent them from looking too soiled.
Some lampshades, like fabric and silk, can benefit from the occasional professional cleaning. Other lampshades—such as beaded, plastic, and metal varieties— can be wiped with a damp cloth or cleaned with soap and water.