How to Clean Light Fixtures Safely and Thoroughly

Sometimes you want to clean the house from top to bottom. And when we say top, we mean starting at the tippy top of each room: the light fixtures!

Cleaning light fixtures is a unique challenge since many of them seem to require a step ladder or even a full ladder to reach (but there’s a trick!).

Here’s how to thoroughly clean light fixtures of all kinds while staying safe …

How to Clean Glass Light Fixtures

If you regularly keep your glass lights free of dust, you probably just need to give them a wipe with a paper towel and your favorite window cleaner.

However, if you are like most, your light fixtures may get overlooked enough that they will need a thorough clean.

To get rid of sticky dust or more prominent dirty spots:

Carefully remove the glass light cover, if possible, to clean it on the ground.
Wipe away excess dust with a cloth or soak the glass in a bowl of warm water and dish soap to remove stubborn spots.
Wash the glass thoroughly with clean soapy water and a clean cloth. Use only a few drops of dish soap, to avoid streaking.
Dry the glass with a clean microfiber cloth.
Before re-hanging the shade, carefully wipe the (cooled) bulb and any metal parts of the fixture with a clean, dry cloth. If the metal is particularly dirty, wipe it with a damp, soapy cloth, but be careful not to get water in the socket where the bulb attaches.
Re-hang the glass shade.

How to Clean Lamp Shades

Lamp shades for floor and table lamps are some of the easiest and safest things to clean since most of them can be removed. However, some shade materials can be finicky. Here’s how to clean different types of lamp shades:

Fabric. Clean dust from pleated or tasseled shades with a can of compressed air or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment. A new, clean paintbrush can help you work out stubborn dust. Fully wash by submerging in a tub of lukewarm water and gentle laundry detergent or dish soap or spot clean with a dry cleaning stick.
Paper. Use an old-fashioned gum eraser to gently rub away spots, streaks, and marks of all kinds.
Wicker. Wipe with a dry microfiber cloth. If dirt or dust persists, mix mild soap and water and scrub gently with a soft brush. Don’t soak the wicker.
Metal. Skip any vinegar-based DIY cleaners, which can discolor metal finishes. Instead, use the same dish soap-and-water mixture to wipe away grease and grime.
Plastic. Like glass, you can wipe down plastic lamp shades with warm water and mild dish soap. Dry thoroughly to prevent streaks.

With all lamp shades, take a moment to carefully wipe the light bulb – while it’s off and cooled – with a clean microfiber cloth.

How to Clean a Light Bulb Socket

Sometimes, the socket of a lamp or fixture can get dirty or corroded, interfering with the light’s function. Before cleaning a socket, unplug the light fixture and ensure that the power to the fixture is off (turn the circuit breaker off at the electric panel) to avoid electrocution risk.

If the socket is lightly grimy, wipe it out with a dry paper towel or microfiber cloth until clean.
It’s best to replace the lamp or fixture completely in the case of heavier corrosion or burnout. However, if you find your lamp not working right due to grime, Dampen a cotton swab or lint-free cloth with isopropyl alcohol. Ensure it's not dripping wet. Gently clean the interior of the socket, focusing on the metal contacts. Be careful not to bend or damage these contacts. Use a fresh cotton swab or a clean part of the cloth for each area to avoid spreading dirt.
Allow the socket to air dry for at least 10-15 minutes. If needed, use a clean, dry cotton swab or lint-free cloth to absorb any remaining moisture.
Once you’ve rubbed the grime off and allowed the socket to dry and use tweezers to lightly pry the tab up, so it’s not flush with the bottom. This allows the bulb to make full contact and complete a steady circuit.

Going High: Cleaning Inset Lights, Vaulted Ceiling Lights, and Ceiling Fans

When it comes to high-up lights, dusters with telescoping handles (some extend as much as 20 feet!) are your best friend. If you're justifiably spooked by ladders, use a duster extension sprayed with a mixture of water and mild dish soap.

Here are some other safety tips for overhead light cleaning:

Specially made ceiling fan cleaners help you clean the blades of a fan as well as the nooks and crannies of the lights.
If you need a ladder, choose a more stable step ladder over an extendable ladder whenever possible.
Don’t use ladders or step stools on loose rugs. Make sure all four feet of the ladder are on solid, even ground, without any loose knickknacks around that you could step on getting on or off.
Don’t stand on the very top rung of a step ladder and use a ladder long enough that you’re not stretching to reach.
Take your time! It’s better to move slowly and cautiously than to rush and slip.
If you have any reservations about cleaning a ceiling light, call for professional assistance. Professional cleaners know how to safely clean up high, so you can avoid any fall risk. Falls become more and more dangerous the older you are, so consider passing risky cleaning tasks to the pros as you age.

Once you’ve got your light or fan in reach, follow the directions above for cleaning your light, based on the material.

We’ll “Light up” Your Whole House with a Thorough, Professional Clean

Tired of keeping track of those hard-to-remember places that never get clean? Get the deep clean you need and leave it to us! We’ll handle everything from overhead lights to the floor underfoot. Schedule routine cleaning with our professionals, so you never have to worry about whether your lights are clean enough.

When you’re ready to pass cleaning on to the pros, call (888) 658-0659 or request a free estimate online.