20 Best Tips for Cleaning Outdoor Lighting Fixtures
Updated September 16, 2024
Need some cleaning tips to clean your outdoor lighting fixtures?
It’s not uncommon for our customers to forget to perform basic landscape lighting maintenance.
Outdoor light fixtures are often taken for granted in terms of decorative additions to homes, as well as the safe, welcoming light they cast. When the warmer weather arrives or before the cool fall and winter comes and if you are busy cleaning windows and sprucing up the inside of your home, don’t forget to clean your outdoor lighting. This is not a glamorous task, but it won’t take long, and you’ll reap the rewards all season long.
Cleaning outdoor light fixtures will enhance their beauty and improve the quality of light cast. It’s quite easy to do and doesn’t require special equipment. All you will need is some spare time and plenty of attention to avoid getting water into electrical sockets. Read on for the best 20 tips on how to clean your landscape lighting.
Check Manufacturer’s Instructions
Always check the manufacturer’s instructions on cleaning before you begin. Read through the manufacturer’s booklet for washing instructions. If the booklet is long gone, try checking online. If your lights were installed by Nite Time Décor, give us a call, we are always available to help or answer any questions.
Best 20 Tips to Clean Your Landscape Lighting
These steps will work for all outdoor light fixtures.
Make sure the light is turned off and disconnect all power sources before removing fixtures or components.
If you cannot reach the light from a ground, secure a ladder near any out-of-reach fixtures. Ensure the ladder is sturdy and the footing is secure before beginning.
While each fixture is unique, most have components that easily removed and cleaned. Remove any globe, shields or grills with the appropriate tool – usually a screwdriver.
Remove the light bulb. Set all parts aside. You are now ready to begin the cleaning part of your landscape lighting maintenance.
Fill two buckets with hot water and add some dish soap. Make sure it has some suds.
Note: Chemical cleaners, unless recommended by the manufacturer, can leave a filmy residue on glass that leaves the fixture looking dull. Some cleaners may contain mild abrasives that will mark the glass or finish. Some recommend vinegar and water. Use your best judgement.
Place the removed items (except light bulbs) in one bucket.
Dip a rag or sponge in the second sudsy bucket and use that to wipe down the parts of the light fixture that you could not remove. Wipe off the bug carcasses and spider webs. Make sure to keep water from running into open sockets.
Rinse the fixed pieces and the loosened pieces with water.
When all are dry, apply polish or wax to metal parts if desired; clean glass or shades with glass cleaner.
Wipe off light bulbs with a damp rag (if burnt out, replace them). Again, make sure you do not get the end that screws into the socket wet.
If they are Nite Time Décor lighting, contact us if they are burnt out! The LED lights we use should last for about 10 years!
Reassemble your lighting fixtures and voila – you have completed your landscape lighting maintenance!
Tips for Cleaning Copper and Tiki Torch Lights
As mentioned, please make sure to check the manufacturer’s website for cleaning tips for the specific product that you are cleaning.
There are a variety of metal cleaners on the market. For light fixtures that are made from copper sources recommend you cut a lemon in half and dip the half into salt and scrub the copper lighting fixtures. The acid in the lemon helps loosen any tarnish while the grit in the salt helps scrub the tarnish away. Then remove the lemon juice and salt from the copper light with a damp rag and sprinkle on some copper polish. Wait a few moments and then clean off the polish.
If your outdoor lighting is a tiki torch (Nite Time Decor tiki lamps, for example), before you clean the torch, make sure there are no combustible items nearby. Natural or propane gas tiki lamps burn cleanly, but there will be some carbon build-up. Clean the head with mild soap and warm water.
Other Maintenance Tips
Since you’re out cleaning the outdoor lights, why not do a visual check to identify and fix any potential problems. Here are some general things to watch out for. Remember to always call a professional if any of this is beyond your know-how.
Check all the lights. Do they work? Some bulbs may simply need to be tightened and others may need to be replaced. This is a great time to do that while you’re thinking of it.
Check around the lighting, especially ground or garden lighting. Have any bushes or greenery grown enough to block or cast shadows? Trim or prune back what you need to. Did all the surrounding flora survive the winter? Have any branches or limbs come down that need to be tidied up? Have high winds or winter snowfall shifted the lighting? Take the time to readjust it if you can, or call a professional.
Wiring and cords are sometimes susceptible to damage from the weather, rodents, pets and other things. Do a visual check and ensure everything is in top shape. Repair any damage if necessary.
Have a look around the yard. Is it time to upgrade or change out some fixtures? Builders often install fixtures that are too small to save costs, now might be the time to swap those out. Tired of cleaning dead bugs out of light fixtures? Maybe it’s time to put up outdoor lighting bugs aren’t attracted to or can’t get in to.
For a more detailed list of maintenance tips, click to read this article, Fall And Winter Landscape Lighting Maintenance Checklist.
Install the best landscape lighting
One of the best ways to reduce maintenance and to save time and money is to get sturdy fixtures. High quality lighting fixtures will stand up better to wear and tear. Bring in experts from Nite Time Décor Oakville to help you find the highest quality lighting available.
Plan Outdoor Lighting with Care
You may want to re-adjust your Nite Time Décor landscape lighting fixtures now that the weather is warmer. Winter designs may not work as well for spring or summer, so maybe it’s time for a tweak.
Landscape lights should highlight your landscaping in all its glory! Now that you’re taking the time to properly clean your existing outdoor lights, you might want to highlight new flowerbeds and foliage in a way that you couldn’t over winter. It’s not only about the architectural features anymore, but nature is the star. Talk to a Nite Time Décor Oakville specialist to see how you can use plants, trees, and water features in your outdoor lighting display.
Catch your neighbours by surprise with gorgeous outdoor lighting services! Receive your complimentary consultation from Nite Time Décor today. You’ll be glad you did!
We Are Always Available To Help!
If you are unsure about any part in the landscape lighting cleaning process, feel free to contact us. Our Nite Time Decor associates are always willing to help you out!