Cleaning and Taking Care of your Light Fixtures 

Finding the right light fixture and installing it in the perfect place in your home is a rewarding accomplishment. Once installed and functioning exactly how you wanted, your next thoughts should probably drift towards how to keep it  – and the light it casts on the room – just as beautiful as it is right now.

You know it will need to be cleaned. If And, if you kept the manufacturer’s cleaning and care instructions, you can find the specific guidelines to follow for cleaning and caring for it. However, what if you didn’t keep the instructions or what if you have other light fixtures that you’d also like to keep at or restore to the same quality?

Not to worry. Here are some essential steps and tips for keeping all of your light fixtures as lovely and bright as they were the day you installed them.

Be practical. Before you do any type of cleaning or maintenance to a light fixture, it must be turned off. If you’re creating a floor or table lamp, unplug it. For those fixtures that are installed permanently, go beyond just turning off the light switch and all turn off the circuit breaker. This is safe as it prevents any electricity from flowing.

Clean your light fixtures about every six months.  You need to prevent debris and dust from accumulating. By gently cleaning your light fixtures regularly – especially those in the bathrooms due to humidity and your kitchen because of the steam and grease from cooking – you’ll prevent the inevitable build-up. Of course, if dust or debris builds up sooner than six months, you’ll have to gently clean them more frequently.

Don’t neglect your lampshades and metal parts.  Lint rollers or microfiber cloth can be very effective for removing dust from fabric lampshades. But, for tougher dust – especially that which gets caught in peated shades – you can use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner.

Glass lampshades can also be cleaned with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. Once again, be gentle. You don’t’ want to scratch or mar gals shade with painted finishes or texture. If the dust is too stubborn, you can use a cloth dampened with water and liquid soap. Two things to keep in mind: Sometimes glass cleaners are too harsh on these types of lampshades and don’t forget to rinse the glass shade with a cloth dampened in clean water after you have used the liquid soap.

Just like your glass and fabric lampshades, a cloth that soft and dry and perhaps dampened with mild liquid soap will work for the metal components of your light fixtures. Again, being gentle is vital. A lot of times light fixtures with metal parts have lacquer for protection of the metal finish. Don’t use chemical or metal cleaners as they can be too harsh.

Chandeliers and other crystal light fixtures need careful, soft dusting. These elegant light fixtures are meant for feather dusters. But, if they need to be cleaned more thoroughly to get the shine back in the crystal, don’t use “crystal cleaners” or spray cleaners.

Instead, do the following:

Put a towel or blanket under the fixture. This is a precaution against accidentally chipping or cracking the crystals should they fall from the fixture.

Remove the crystals from the fixture; do so very carefully. And pay attention to exactly where each crystal goes. It’s suggested you either refer to your original diagram (if you still have it) or take pictures.

Wash the crystals in a mix of liquid soap and water

Prevent water spots by thoroughly rinsing and drying the crystals

For More Information on Professional Light Fixture Cleaning Services

D & H Window Cleaning is a professional commercial and residential window cleaning service located in Sterling Heights, Michigan.  We have been providing light fixture cleaning for Macomb and Oakland County for over 20 years. We are dedicated to providing quality workmanship and dependable service. Call us today to receive a free quote.