How To Clean Ceiling Light Fixtures
Light fixtures tend to be the final resting place for bugs. And if it’s been a while since you’ve cleaned yours, you’ve more than likely got a bug graveyard hanging over your dining room table. Cleaning up can be quick and easy, and is a great project to add to your seasonal cleaning duties. So gather your supplies, round up some help and evict those exoskeletons.
Depending on what type of fixture you are working with, you might need an extra set of hands to help out. If it is an option, take it! The fewer trips down the ladder the better!
What You Need
Materials
- All purpose cleaner (I used vinegar + water)
- Clean dust cloth
- Drop cloth or towel
Tools
- Ladder
- Screwdriver
- Feather duster
Instructions
Prepare by placing a towel or drop cloth beneath the light fixture you’ll be cleaning. This will help to catch any debris that falls when you are moving things around and can also act as a cushion should you accidentally drop any breakable pieces from your fixture.
Position your ladder (be sure not to place it directly beneath the fixture so you can have some space to move around when you’re up there cleaning!) shimmy up and determine what kind of tools you’ll need to aid in the removal of the globe.
1. Remove the part of the fixture covering the light bulbs (usually some sort of globe) by loosening the screws and place the globe on a clean work surface.
Be sure to place any hardware you remove together in one place so you can easily re-install the globe/glass.
2. One peek inside and you’ll find a range of matter. Ceiling debris, bugs —whatever your treasure, turn the globe upside down and dump out as much of it as you can.
3. Rinse the globe under warm water or wipe it down with all-purpose cleaner and set it aside.
4. Check your lightbulb and change it out if necessary. Now might just be the best time to swap whatever you’ve got with a better, energy saving bulb.
5. Grab your feather duster (a dry paintbrush works really well for small, intricate detailed areas!) and clean any parts of the fixture that are not removable. For caked on grime, dampen a cloth with all purpose cleaner to remove the residue. A stray sock or cleaning glove is great for this step, especially if you are working alone.
6. After the globe is dry, install it back into the fixture.
More great tips and tutorials: Cleaning Basics