A Complete Guide To Cleaning Your Houston Outdoor Lighting Fixtures

Posted by Robert Huff on

Cleaning Outdoor Lighting Fixtures In Houston: Tips & Tricks

The reason why many invest in outdoor lighting is that it illuminates the entryway as well as the driveway and walkway. Furthermore, they also help improve security. Another reason as to why exterior lighting is considered to be a good investment is because they also enhance the appearance of a house and adds character at the same time. However, when these outdoor lightings start to get old, they begin to oxidize and lose their beauty. When this happens, you can choose to get rid of the oxidation instead of replacing all the exterior lightings.

Cleaning your homes exterior copper or decorative metal or brass lighting fixtures can improve your outdoor lighting as well as the curbside appeal of your home. Moreover, different fixtures are cleaned using different cleaning methods. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean some of these outdoor lighting fixtures.

Cleaning Copper, Lacquer-coated Brass Or Metal Lighting Fixtures

Here are the things you need for cleaning copper, lacquer-coated brass or metal lighting fixtures:

  • Protective Gloves
  • Step Ladder
  • Hot Water
  • Flat Paintbrush (for removing dust)
  • Old Towel
  • Screwdriver
  • Two Utility Buckets
  • A Soft Piece Of Clothing For Cleaning
  • Glass Cleaner
  • Liquid Dishwashing Soap
  • Liquid Wax (optional for added protection)

Step # 1

Before you start cleaning your outdoor lighting fixtures, the first thing that you need do is make sure that they are turned off. Check all the switches before proceeding on. After that use a noncontact voltage sensor to test whether the outdoor lighting fixtures are turned off correctly. Place the noncontract voltage sensor against the electrical box and hold a dusk-to-down photocell. If the outdoor lighting fixtures are turned off correctly, then the lights will automatically turn off and on.

Step # 2

On a flat surface, carefully place the ladder close the o the outdoor light fixture.

Step # 3

Make sure you have your protective gloves on.

Step # 4

Carefully remove the bulbs so that it can be easy for you to clean both the outside and the inside of the light fixtures. Try to untwist the top or the bottom of the fixture so that it can be easy for you to reach the bulb.

Step # 5

Get rid of all spider webs, dust and bug debris using an old household paintbrush.

Step # 6

Besides removing the bulbs, you also have to remove other decorative items such as globes, shields and even grills. Us a screwdriver to remove these items without damaging them and store them on a soft surface.

Step # 7

Use the two utility buckets to create suds by mixing dishwashing soap and hot water. After that, it is advisable that you test the cleaner on s small section before you can proceed on to cleaning all the lighting fixtures.

Step # 8

Soak the miscellaneous parts that have been removed and the shied in a bucket filled will clean soapy water.

Step # 9

Use a soft piece of clothing or a sponge to clean the remaining parts of the fixtures that cannot be removed. However, make sure that you do not wet the electrical sockets when cleaning. If the accidentally reaches the sockets, then use a dry piece of clothing to rinse the soapy water.

Step # 10

After that make sure that you remove other parts of the fixtures from the water including the shield and the globe. Use clean water to rinse these items and dry them using a clean towel.

Step # 11

Use paste wax of nonabrasive liquid polish to make your metal surface shine again. You can also use car wax to do this if you do not have paste wax or nonabrasive liquid polish. However, make sure that the surface is dry before you start on the outside part.

Step # 12

To shine and clean the glass panes as well as the surface and shades, use a commercial glass cleaner. Also, remember to clean the exterior of the light glass using paper towels or a glass cleaner.

Step # 13

Clean the light bulbs using a damp piece of clothing. After that, you need to reinsert each bulb carefully and then reassemble the fixture. Do not switch on the circuit breaker until the fixtures have completely dried off.

Here are the things you should not do when cleaning outdoor lighting fixtures:

  • Avoid doing the following things so that you do not end up damaging the protective lacquer coating
  • Avoid using chemical-based cleaners.
  • Avoid using a piece of clothing that is not soft.
  • Avoid using products that contain alcohol or ammonia.

Cleaning True Brass, Copper, & Artisan Outdoor Lighting

Cleaning cooper or real brass lighting can be done using various kitchen ingredients such as salt and lemon. Furthermore, the ingredients are easy to find and very effective at clearing copper and brass fixtures. Here is a step by step guide on how to clean copper and brass suing kitchen ingredients.

Salt & Lemon

Gently remove any small spots of tarnish from the copper or brass by slowly rubbing the lemon onto the surface. To get good results, make sure that you mix both the salt and the lemon juice using equal measure. Use a soft piece of clothing to rub the paste on the surface so that it can be easy to remove the dirt. Fill a bucket with warm water and use it to rinse the surface before drying it at the end.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is considered to be an eco-friendly alternative for cleaning outdoor lighting fixtures. All you have to do is mix baking soda with lemon juice to create a unique paste. The paste is then applied on a soft piece of clothing which is used to clean the surface of the fixtures. If you come across tough stains, use baking soda alone to get rid of the stain. Using the same procedure, apply baking soda on a soft cloth and rub on the surface. After removing all the dirt, remove the paste by washing it off using water and a mixture of vegetable-based soap.

Our Legacy

Robert Huff Landscape Illumination has been working in this industry for more than 30 years. Our company is licensed by the State and insured. We deliver services to clients who are located in Houston, TX. We also cover other areas such as Austin, TX. Our services are open to both commercial and residential clients. Our team of trained and experienced staff will make sure that your lights are in good condition and working properly. Furthermore, we offer quality services at an affordable cost.

If you would like to discover more tips and tricks from Robert Huff Illuminations; visit our blog. Call or contact us today for more information!