Don’t forget to give your wall lights a once-over when spring cleaning! Wall lights are notorious for gathering dust, grease, and dirt over time, so if you want your home spick and span, give your wall lights some TLC.
Cleaning your wall lights is all part of their general maintenance and you will find giving them a once over every now and again comes with benefits. Ensure they continue functioning efficiently, offer optimal light to the room and are kept in good condition with regular cleaning.
Whatever type of wall lights you have, from metal to glass, we will help guide you through the best way to clean them. From safety tips to specific cleaning instructions to maintain different finishes, learn how to clean your wall lights so they continue to brighten your home.
Table of contents:
- How to clean wall lights
- Top cleaning tips for wall lights
- How to clean metal wall lights
- How to clean glass wall lights
How to clean wall lights
First, we will go through general cleaning tips and steps to clean most wall lights. Follow the steps below for clean, bright, and dust-free wall lights to illuminate your home beautifully.
Materials and cleaning products you will need:
- Soft microfibre cloths
- Mild detergent or dish soap
- Warm water
- A bucket or bowl
- A step ladder (if necessary)
- Soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush
- Compressed air canister (if you have an intrinsically designed wall light)
- Gloves (for handling delicate light fittings)
- Screwdriver (if disassembly is required)
Steps:
- Turn off your mains power: Before cleaning your wall lights, turn off your light at the switch and turn off the mains power supply to your lights at the circuit breaker to avoid any risk of electric shocks.
- Remove bulb and shade: Carefully remove detachable parts such as bulbs, lampshades or covers. If the bulb is still hot, wait for the bulb to cool before handling it. Use a step ladder if they are hard to reach.
- Dust fixtures: Put down that old-fashioned feather duster unless you want all the dust to fly everywhere around the room. Instead, use a soft microfibre cloth to dust the fixture gently and collect dust. If the design is intricate, use the soft brush of an old toothbrush to reach small crevices. Use your compressed air canister to expel dirt for delicate and detailed fixtures.
- Prepare cleaning solution: Mix a few drops of mild detergent or dish soap with warm water in a bucket or bowl. Avoid using harsh chemicals as they can damage the wall light fixture finish.
- Clean your light: Dampen the microfibre cloth with warm, soapy water and gently wipe down the light fixture. You may need to scrub lightly with the soft-bristled brush for stubborn spots of greasy residue.
- Rinse and dry: Wipe the wall light clean with a soap-free damp cloth and remove soapy residue. Then, avoid leaving it to dry; instead, dry thoroughly with a dry microfibre cloth to prevent water spots.
- Clean the bulbs: Wipe the bulbs with a dry, lint-free cloth to ensure they are dust and fingerprint-free.
- Clean the shade: Wall lights have a variety of shades with different materials and finishes, so read our guide, How to Clean Lampshades (Link when uploaded), for more detailed information on cleaning specific lampshade materials.
- Reassemble wall lights: Once everything is clean and dry, reassemble the light fixtures.
- Turn on the power: Restore power to the lights and ensure everything is working properly and there aren’t any missed spots.
Top cleaning tips for wall lights
- Dust from time to time to prevent dust buildup and make deep cleaning easier.
- Always consult the manufacturer’s guidelines for specific cleaning instructions for delicate materials like crystal wall lights.
- Always prioritise safety by ensuring the power is off before starting, all fixture parts are completely dry before turning the power back on and avoiding using excessive water near electrical components.
How to clean metal wall lights
If you have metal wall lights, such as copper, brass, bronze, brushed steel or nickel, and they are starting to look lacklustre, you can give them a shine with the addition of metal polishing.
Follow the step above, but once your fixtures are dry after step 6, use a metal polish for the appropriate type of metal and apply according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually with a soft cloth and buff to shine.
If you have metal wall lights, avoid ammonia, bleach and abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the metal finish.
How to clean glass wall lights
If you have glass wall lights, there are some additional cleaning options to consider.
In step 4, when preparing the cleaning solution, you may want to use a white vinegar-water solution in equal parts to give your glass additional shine.
During step 5, you can use a commercial glass cleaner to give your glass wall lights extra shine. Spray it onto a cloth rather than the glass to avoid over-spraying on other parts of the fixture.
After step 8, you also have the option to polish the glass with a dry microfibre cloth or a glass polishing cloth for a perfect finish.
Always handle glass parts with care to avoid breaking or chipping.
Wall lights at Castlegate Lights
By following these steps, you can ensure that your wall lights provide the optimal amount of light for each room and enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home, knowing your lights are dust and dirt-free!
Discover easy-to-clean wall lights in various materials and finishes at Castlegate Lights to suit your home’s interior design.
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