Basic spring maintenance for your landscape lighting system will not only ensure your outdoor lights are performing well, but it’s also a time to re-evaluate whether it’s time to upgrade or update some of your older fixtures.

You don’t need special equipment or training to get started on basic cleaning and maintenance, but you will need to pay careful attention to electrical components and ensure sockets stay dry.

As always when working with any electrical elements, ensure the power is turned off before you begin to clean. If the fixtures aren’t easily reached from the ground, be sure to secure the ladder properly to avoid accidental tips or falls.

Always make sure to check the lighting manufacturer’s website for any cleaning instructions specific to your fixture.

A screwdriver is usually all that’s required to remove the globe, shields, or grills of your fixture. Any removeable components can be easily cleaned up with a soft cloth and warm soapy water to remove any dirt or bug carcasses that may have accumulated over the last season. Alternatively, any glass components can be cleaned with a standard glass cleaner.

Do not wash the light bulbs! Water in sockets can cause damage.

With your soft cloth and sudsy water, wipe down the exterior of the light fixture. This should shine things up considerably. Avoid getting water into the open sockets as this could damage your fixture.

Give things a good rinse with a clean damp cloth. You don’t want to leave any soapy residue behind. Let everything dry before applying polish or wax to metal parts.

Lightbulbs can be fragile, so handle with care. This is also a great time to replace burnt out light bulbs. Again, make sure not to get water in the sockets.

And you’re done! It’s fairly quick and easy to do basic cleaning and maintenance on your lighting fixtures for a polished and clean shine that will light up your home or business for another season.

Additional Tips for Your Landscape Lighting Maintenance

Lemon For Copper Fixtures – A great homemade cleaner for copper fixtures is a cut lemon. Take half a fresh lemon, dip the cut end in some salt, and scrub the copper clean. The acidic lemon and salt mixture scrubs and removes tarnish. Be sure to wipe the lemon juice off the fixture before applying a copper polish.

Cleaning Tiki Lamps – These are fun fixtures for the garden and landscape and if you’ve purchased a Nite Time Décor tiki lamp, it should last with little maintenance. Even with natural or propane gas tiki lamps that burn clean, there will be some carbon build up. Just clean the head with warm water and mild soap and it should be good as new again.

Is It Time To Upgrade Or Replace?

This quick spring cleaning is a great time to learn about new smart technology lighting solutions, or upgrades to LED for greater efficiency. Or maybe it’s just time to change the look of things and see what’s new. Our Nite Time Décor Oakville associates are always willing to help with any questions you might have. Contact us today!