You purchase your light fixtures not just to light up your home, but also for their beauty and how that beauty adds to the aesthetics of your home. Fixtures that are allowed to become dirty are not only ugly but can also be unsafe. Cleaning your fixtures should be part of your regular housekeeping routine.
Safety First
Most light fixtures use electricity. Before you start to clean them, make sure their power source has been turned off. This may be as simple as unplugging a lamp. On the other hand, you might need to find your circuit box and cut the power to your dining room chandelier there.
Supplies You’ll Need
After you’ve disconnected your light fixtures from their power source, gather the supplies you’ll need. They include microfiber cleaning clothes, lukewarm water, and mild detergent.
Different Fixtures Need Different Methods
All of your light fixtures can’t be cleaned the same way. Table and floor lamps might be the easiest to clean. After unplugging, take off the shade. Start with a microfiber cloth to clean both the shade and the base. Vacuum fabric and beaded shades with the upholstery attachment. If the base is really filthy, use mild soap.
Dampen a cloth in lukewarm water and wipe down shades made of glass or ceramic. As with any other light fixture, make sure your table lamps are completely dry before you plug them in again.
Cleaning Your Chandelier
Some people put a drop cloth beneath their chandelier, wet it down with special chandelier cleaning fluid, and let the dirty liquid drip down. That can work, but a more effective cleaning method is to basically take the chandelier apart. Unscrew the bulbs and wipe them down. Notice where the crystal balls and pendants go, take them off, and let them soak in soapy water. Wipe down the rest of the chandelier. Dry all components quickly after they’re clean, then put them back where they belong.
Cleaning Flush Mounted Ceiling and Pendant Fixtures
With flush-mounted fixtures, take off the covers, put them in soapy warm water to soak while you unscrew the lightbulbs, and wipe them down. Clean the fixtures with a cloth dampened in lukewarm water. Make sure everything is dry before replacing. You probably won’t have to remove anything when it comes to pendant lights. Just use a damp cloth on the fixture, and clean the lightbulbs.
Call Us for Tips on Cleaning Your Light Fixtures
Keeping your light fixtures clean not only preserves their beauty but also helps them to work in a safe manner. If you need help with your electrical fixtures, call Nichols Electric and Plumbing of Rochester, New York.
