There are people who are diligent about spring cleaning everything in and outside of their homes but don’t give a thought to their lighting fixtures. Maybe it’s simply because they hang from the ceiling and are hard to reach, or they have a shade that they feel should at least protect the lightbulb or keep it out of sight. But it’s a good idea to clean your lighting. Here’s why.

Cleaning Your Lighting Makes It Work Optimally

People who never think of cleaning their lighting might look one day and see a shockingly thick film of dust and dirt on the shades or even the lightbulbs. Even flush-mounted glass globes not only pick up dirt and grime but, amazingly, don’t even manage to keep out light-seeking bugs. Dust, dirt and dead bugs can cause lighting, especially incandescent lighting, to overheat and maybe even burn out.

Spring Cleaning Your Lighting Makes It Brighter and Clearer

Giving your lighting a spring cleaning also makes the light it gives off brighter and clearer. In turn, this makes the room brighter and more welcoming.

There’s also the fact that it’s not good for everything else in the room to be spic and span from their spring cleaning while the light fixtures are dirty because this can be a major eyesore. This is true even when the lights aren’t turned on.

Clean Lighting With Care

Since most lighting in the home is powered by electricity, it needs to be cleaned with care. Lightbulbs, whether they are halogen, LEDs, types of fluorescent lights or old-fashioned incandescent bulbs, need to be unplugged and left to cool before they’re cleaned. If the lighting fixture can’t be unplugged, it should be turned off at the circuit box before it’s cleaned. An ostrich feather, lambswool duster or a microfiber cloth can be used first and might be all that’s needed in some cases.

If the lighting fixture needs more care, they should never be subjected to bleach, ammonia or even mild acids such as vinegar or any kind of solvents. Some shades and fittings, like those made of glass, can be gently washed with soapy, lukewarm water. Shades made of fabric can actually be gently vacuumed with the upholstery fitting, while the metal varieties, such as brass, may do best with special polish. Crystal chandeliers are often spritzed with a solution made to bring out their sparkle with old newspapers placed beneath the chandelier to catch the dirty solution as it drips off. Replace any bulbs that have blown out.

Lighting fixtures should be cleaned regularly, and spring is the best time to do it. For more help with maintaining your lighting, contact our professionals at Wire Works in Lansing, MI.