Your pendant lights often get forgotten on spring cleaning lists! Out-of-eye-height dust and dirt can gather on your pendant light over time without you realising it, so be sure to schedule a regular deep clean to ensure your light works efficiently for as long as possible and doesn’t look unsightly when guests come over.
In this helpful step-by-step guide, we will outline how to clean pendant lights, offering tips and tricks to do the job efficiently and safely. We will also offer specific tips for different pendant light finishes, including ceramic and glass, to maintain the look of your pendant light and its illumination.
Table of contents:
How to clean pendant lights
Follow this step-by-step guide to reinvigorate your pendant light fixture to its original glory.
Materials you will need:
- Step ladder
- Microfibre cloths
- Soft lint-free cloths
- Mild dish soap
- Warm water
- Vinegar (optional)
- Spray bottle
- Compressed air canister (optional)
- Screwdriver (if needed for disassembly)
- Gloves (optional for delicate materials)
Steps:
- Turn off the power: Ensure no power is getting to your pendant light by switching off its main power circuit breaker switch to prevent electrical accidents.
- Stabilise the ladder: Place your ladder on a stable, even surface to prevent falls. If you’re worried, ask a friend to hold the ladder at the bottom to reassure you.
- Remove dust: Use a microfibre cloth to gently wipe down the pendant light to remove loose dust and dirt. For intricate designs and hard-to-reach areas, use the compressed air canister.
- Remove shades and bulbs: Remove the bulb and shade according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use your screwdriver to unscrew any fixed accessories and gently lift it off its mount. Ensure the bulb is cool before removing it.
- Prepare the cleaning solution: Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water in a bowl.
- Clean the pendant light: Wipe down the bulb and gently clean the fixture using a damp microfibre cloth and warm, soapy water to remove dirt or debris. Use the soft brush to clean hard-to-reach places. Avoid using too much water.
- Clean the shade: Different light shades require varying cleaning methods, so for more specific instructions on how to clean different shade materials, read our guide, How to Clean Lampshades. (link when published)
- Clean chains and cords: Use a damp cloth to clean the chains and cords. For very dirty chains, use a soft brush to scrub gently.
- Dry: Remove excess water with a dry microfibre cloth.
- Reattach shades and bulbs: Once dry, reassemble the pendant light.
- Final polish: Use a soft cloth to give the entire pendant light a final polish to remove any fingerprints or smudges.
- Restore power: Restore the power to the light by turning on the circuit breaker and testing the light switch to ensure everything works.
How to clean ceramic pendant lights
Ceramic pendant lights require careful handling to avoid damage when cleaning. Here are our top tips for cleaning ceramic pendant lights to add to the steps above.
Replace step 6 with the following:
- Dip a soft sponge or cloth into the soapy water solution, wring out any excess water and gently wipe down the ceramic parts. Avoid soaking the ceramic to prevent any water damage.
- You can use an equal-part measurement of vinegar and water for tougher stains. Dampen a cloth with this solution and gently scrub stains.
- Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away any soapy residue and dry thoroughly with a soft, lint-free cloth.
How to clean glass pendant lights
Dirt on glass pendant lights can show easily, so follow these steps to keep your glass pendant light looking clean and bright.
Follow the steps above, but when you reach step 6, you can use a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water as an alternative to creating a streak-free finish. A vinegar and water solution also prevents hard water from leaving stains.
Alternatively, you can use your household cleaning products, such as a glass cleaner, to brighten your glass pendant light and eliminate streaks.
For dirty or greasy glass, let the glass sections soak in the warm, soapy solution for a few minutes, and the soap should break down the grease.
Rinse the glass thoroughly with clean water to remove soapy residue. Lastly, wipe the glass parts of your pendant light with a lint-free cloth to prevent water spots and streaks.
Pendant lights at Castlegate Lights
Following these steps, your pendant light will be clean and look as good as new. Clean your lights regularly to help extend the life of your fixtures and keep them shining brightly. Try not to allow dust and dirt to build up to help make deep cleaning easier and less frequent.
If you’re looking for easy-to-clean pendant lights, browse our vast selection at Castlegate Lights in various materials and finishes to suit your decor and cleaning preferences.
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