Soon all your winter essentials will be tucked away for next season and it is nearly time for your spring cleaning routine. From floors to windows, your home will be sparkling – but don’t forget to look a little higher to those light fixtures!
Dust, mummified bugs, and other debris can accumulate in light fittings and on light bulbs, blocking light. Those dust-bunny laden bulbs and light fittings can shed almost 30% less light than clean ones, wasting energy.
Ready for a bulb and light fitting spring clean?
Gather your tools:
Most fixtures can be removed by hand with a simple hand twist, but it doesn’t hurt to have a flathead screwdriver and pair of plyers on standby for fixtures too old or tight for a hand turn. Unless you’re built like a basketball player you’ll probably need a step ladder or folding ladder as well.
Gear-up:
Grab a pair of safety glasses, a hat or hair wrap and disposable gloves if you wish. Popcorn, drywall dust and fixture debris can strike your eyes and contaminate hair without warning. Also globes surrounding incandescent lights can get quite hot.
Remove:
When removing light fittings, first turn off lights to ensure bulbs and fittings are cool to the touch – especially if you’re sporting ancient incandescents. Carefully remove light fittings and place them in a safe location. When you’re done, wipe bulbs with a dry, lint-free cloth. (If you use a damp cloth, water can invade crevices in the lamp and damage electronics.)
Scrub-a-dub:
Hand wash
Hand washing light fittings is recommended because they may shatter in the dishwasher, which can ruin both devices. To clean, simply fill a sink with warm soapy water, gently scrub with a soft cloth, and pat dry with a lint-free towel or cloth.
Replace.
Put your spring cleaning safety gear back on and securely fasten light fittings back over bulbs where they belong.
Does it look like it’s going to take a little more than spring cleaning to brighten up your home? From added circuits to new fixtures and bulb upgrades, Titan Electrical has you covered. Contact us today.
