How to Clean and Maintain Your Home Light Fixtures for Maximum Shine

Spring is here, and spring cleaning is well underway for many homeowners. One often overlooked part of home spring cleaning is home light fixtures. Regular light fixture cleaning is important because it can improve the quality of the light, enhance home aesthetics, and even extend the life of the fixture. Keep scrolling to learn Lighting Design's tips for cleaning and maintaining your lights. 

Safety First. First things first. When cleaning light fixtures, it is always a good idea to ensure the light is turned off. If you do a deeper cleaning than dusting/wiping down, cut the power off to the light at the breaker box. Additionally, select sturdy ladders and step stools if you need them to reach higher-up ceiling lights. 

Suggested Supplies: 

Here are the light fixture cleaning supplies that Lighting Design suggests you use. For our favorite brands, visit our Amazon shop. 

• Microfiber cloths
• Dusters
• Mild dish soap
• Glass cleaner
• Screw driver (if disassembly is needed)
• Compressed air (for nooks and crannies) 

General Care for Light Fixtures

In general, you should dust your light fixtures monthly. It's also a good idea to gently wipe them down with a damp cloth. But occasionally, do a deeper clean of all your home lights. 

Cleaning Ceiling Lights

Pendants: 

1. Wipe down cords, chains, and bulbs
2. Use a lint roller for fabric shades to remove dust
3. Use glass cleaner to clean glass shades
4. Replace any burnt-out bulbs

Chandeliers: 

1. Wipe down cords, chains, and bulbs
2. Polish individual arms, crystals, or decorative parts
3. Replace any burnt-out bulbs

Semi-Flush and Flush Mounts: 

1. Remove housing/shades (you may need a screwdriver and/or ladder for this)
2. Use mild dish detergent and lukewarm water to wash the shade. Never put light fixtures in the dishwasher. 
3. Allow any parts to dry completely before reassembly 

Recessed Lighting: 

1. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the trim
2. Dust around the housing if accessible 

Cleaning Wall Lights

Sconces: 

1. Remove any dust from shades by dusting, lint rolling, or wiping down the shade, depending on the kind of material it is made of
2. Wipe down bulbs, finials, etc., with a damp cloth

Bath Bars:

1. Dust or wipe down the top and bottom of the bath bar
2. Use glass cleaner on glass shades 

Exterior and landscape lighting: 

1. Outdoor lights and landscape lights are weather-rated. Use a hose with low water pressure to rinse off light fixtures
2. If hard water is present, use glass cleaner on glass parts
3. Adjust and tighten any loose lights. Outdoor lights see more wind and weather than indoor lighting

Cleaning other light fixtures

Table and Floor Lamps: 

1. Remove the lamp shade
2. Dust and wipe down the lamp
3. Fabric shades can be washed with mild detergent and air dried

Ceiling Fans:

1. Ceiling fans attract a lot of dust. Either use a duster or do the pillow case hack to remove the dust buildup from the blades
2. Wipe down all parts with a damp cloth
3. Tighten any loose parts

Now, go clean those light fixtures! Let us know if you try any of these tips. See more tips on our blog.