How To Maintain Outdoor Lights
Too many of us will install outdoor lights and love the beauty that they bring to our garden and home – but after awhile we will forget about them. When that happens we forget to clean them and before we realize what has happened they will be covered in dirt, grime, and possibly even rust.
Anyone who uses outdoor lighting needs to know the proper way to keep them clean so that they will continue to look good and work properly. It is best to clean these fixtures at least twice a year. The process is simple and does not require a lot of equipment. One of the only things you have to be very careful of is keeping water from getting inside of the light sockets.
- Before you begin the cleaning process make sure that the power to each fixture has been turned off. Purchase or use a ladder and place it near the light fixtures that you cannot reach from the ground.
- Take off any shields, grills, or gloves using the right tool. Most will use the screwdriver to remove them. Now remove the light bulbs and set them both to the side.
- Pour hot water and dish soap into two large buckets. Place the items that you took off (except for the bulb) into one of the buckets. Wash them using a rag or sponge.
- Place a rag or sponge into the other bucket and use this to wipe down the part of the fixture that you cannot remove. Make sure that no water is getting into the socket.
- Rinse of the fixed pieces with water and remove the other parts that you took out from the bucket. Rinse them off and dry them using a clean towel. If they need it try to apply special polish or wax to the metal parts and use glass cleaner on the glass globes or shades.
- The light bulbs should be wiped off with a clean, damp rag. If they are burnt out then simply replace them. Do not put it back in if the bottom is wet. When you are done reassemble the fixture.