Keeping your home’s outdoor brass, copper, or decorative metal light fixtures clean is essential for maintaining reliable outdoor lighting and improving the overall look of your home. The cleaning method to use depends on the type of finish on the fixtures, like whether it’s lacquer-coated or brass. Keep reading for a step-by-step guide on learning how to clean each type of finish on your outdoor light fixtures.
Supplies for Cleaning Lacquer-Coated Fixtures
Before cleaning, you’ll need a few tools. Here’s what to get:
- Glass cleaner
- Hot water
- Liquid dish soap
- Old flat paintbrush
- Old towel
- Optional: Metal polish or non-abrasive wax
- Protective gloves (always wear these when cleaning light fixtures)
- Screwdriver
- Soft cleaning cloth
- Step ladder
- Two utility buckets
How To Clean Lacquer-Coated Fixtures
Here are the steps to follow for cleaning outdoor lighting fixtures:
- Turn off the circuit breaker and indoor switches for outdoor lighting for safety purposes.
- Set up a ladder on a flat surface near the fixture.
- Remove light bulbs for easier access.
- Use a paintbrush to remove the dust and webs from the fixture surfaces.
- Unscrew and remove decorative globes, grills, and shields. Set them aside on a towel.
- Fill two buckets with hot water. Mix dish soap in one of the buckets to create suds, testing the cleaners first on a small area
- Soak the removed decor pieces in the soapy water.
- Wet a cloth with suds and wipe down the fixture, avoiding electrical sockets. If the sockets are reachable, cover them temporarily before wiping them down, then rinse.
- Rinse the decor pieces in the second bucket and dry them with a towel.
- Apply metal polish or non-abrasive wax to the fixtures.
- Clean the glass panes or shades with glass cleaner.
- Wipe the bulbs you removed earlier and re-install them once the fixture is fully dry
- Finally, restore power.
What Not To Do When Cleaning Lacquered Fixtures
There are a few things you should refrain from doing when cleaning. Avoid using the following, as they can damage protective lacquer coatings on metal:
- Abrasive pads or cleaners
- Harsh all-purpose cleaners
- Products with ammonia or alcohol
How To Clean Uncoated Brass and Copper
Real brass or copper outdoor (unlacquered) lighting can tarnish or take on an unsightly patina over time. You can create your own safe, natural brass and copper cleaners from everyday kitchen ingredients. To clean brass or copper fixtures, follow steps one through five above, then see below for how to clean unlacquered brass or copper surfaces.
Rub lemon juice on small spots. For heavy tarnish, make a paste with lemon juice, salt, and cornstarch. Rinse with mild soap and water.
The powder lifts copper tarnish without scratching. Mix with lemon juice or sprinkle on lemon, then rinse well.
How To Maintain Outdoor Lighting Fixtures
Spray an organic spider repellent around fixtures after cleaning to deter cobwebs. For more tips, see this guide on exterior home cleaning tips.
So, Are Outdoor Lighting Fixtures Difficult To Clean?
Exterior lights are simple to clean; you just need the right supplies and to follow directions. I recommend that you clean your fixtures two to three times a year. For your safety, don’t forget to wear gloves and turn off the power before cleaning. For brass and copper tarnishes, you can use homemade cleaners that are non-abrasive. For light dirt, a sudsy soak will do the trick.
Once you’ve cleaned your fixtures, use metal polish and wax to enhance the shine. Remember, proper maintenance is essential to preserve outdoor lighting finishes. See this DIY lighting installation guide for further tips on enhancing your outdoor lighting.
FAQs About Cleaning Exterior Lights
How often should I clean outdoor fixtures?
Aim to clean outdoor fixtures two to three times per year, especially before winter.
Can fixtures be power washed?
No, don’t use high pressure on fixtures, as it may cause damage to delicate finishes.
What removes dried bugs from lights?
You can soak your globes and shields in hot, sudsy water to remove dried bugs. This process will loosen the bugs, making them easier to wipe away. Remember to rinse off the soap.
What polish works on outdoor fixtures?
For outdoor fixtures, use non-abrasive metal and chrome polish and avoid rubbing decorative details aggressively. You can also use car wax.
