Outdoor LED lights are among the most popular options for illuminating outdoor spaces and home exteriors. They are known for their long lifespans, durability, and brightness capabilities, with many lasting up to 15-20 years before needing to be replaced. Properly cleaning and maintaining outdoor LED lights is the best way to ensure that you enjoy their benefits for as long as possible.
Cleaning your LED lights is a relatively straightforward process and shouldn’t take too long, especially if you maintain a consistent cleaning schedule. We’ve assembled a step-by-step guide to help you clean your outdoor light fixtures safely and effectively, ensuring you enjoy the ambiance and beauty of well-maintained outdoor lighting for years to come.
How Do You Clean and Shine Outdoor Light Fixtures?
Installing LED lighting around the exterior of your home and its landscaped spaces can be a significant investment. You can preserve their appearance and condition, enhance their luminosity, and protect the value of your investment by following these simple steps:
- Safety Comes First: Before you do anything else, ensuring that your outdoor light fixtures are turned off and cool to the touch is essential to avoid the risk of an electrical shock or burn. Do not proceed to the next step until you are certain it is safe to continue.
- Remove Dust and Debris: Using a soft-bristled brush or cloth, such as an unused paintbrush or clean, dry microfiber cloth, gently remove dust, dirt, or debris from the surface of your light fixtures. It is recommended that you pay special attention to crevices, corners, and intricate details where dirt and dust may accumulate.
- Select Your Cleaning Solution: The best option is usually a mild cleaning solution made of warm water and a small amount of gentle detergent or dish soap in a bucket. Always avoid using harsh or abrasive cleaners or chemicals that can damage the finish or electrical components.
- Gently Clean the Fixtures: Dampen a soft, clean cloth or sponge in your cleaning solution and gently wipe the surface of the outdoor light fixtures. The most effective technique is to use gentle, circular motions to lift dirt and grime from the surface.
- Rinse: Once you are satisfied that the fixtures are clean, rinse them thoroughly with clean, warm water, ensuring that any lingering soap residue or cleaning solution is removed, which can cause spots of cloudiness on the glass or finish.
- Dry Completely: Using a clean, dry microfiber cloth, gently pat your outdoor LED light fixtures dry or leave them in the sun to air dry. Don’t leave any water droplets or moisture on the surface, as this can lead to the appearance of water spots or streaking once dry.
- Use Metal Polish: This step is optional and should only be followed if your outdoor light fixtures are made of metal and aren’t as shiny as they once were. Ensure you use a metal polish specifically formulated for outdoor use. Simply apply a small amount of the polish to a clean, soft cloth and buff in gentle circular motions onto the surface.
- Reassemble and Install: Finally, once your outdoor LED light fixtures are clean and completely dry, you can return any parts to their original location, taking care to ensure that all electrical connections are secure and that the fixtures are safely mounted.
How Do You Remove Sticky Residue From LED Lights?
In most cases, common household products can be used to remove sticky residue from LED lights. We recommend trying the following to eliminate stubborn or sticky debris on your lights:
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Hot, Soapy Water
- Distilled White Vinegar & Water Solution (Mix Equal Parts of Each)
- Commercial Adhesive Remover (Such as Goo-Gone)
- Gently Peeling, Rubbing, or Scraping the Residue
After removing the sticky residue, always wipe the exterior LED lights with a clean, damp cloth to remove any remaining cleaning solution or debris.
Our Expert Tips
Choose the Right Cleaning Solution – Always avoid using harsh or abrasive chemical cleaners on your outdoor LED lights, as they can cause damage to the surface or have negative effects on the performance of the fixture.
Spot Test—Before you use any cleaning solutions or polishes, test them on your fixture in a small, hard-to-see spot to ensure they won’t remove or damage the finish.
Avoid Fully Submerging Your Lights – Never submerge entire fixtures in water, as this can damage the electrical components, rendering them useless.
Cleaning Routine – Cleaning your outdoor LED light fixtures once or twice annually, depending on how dirty they become, is the most common recommendation.
Call the Experts: If cleaning and maintaining your outdoor LED light fixtures seems like a task you’d rather leave to the professionals, our team at Moon Glow Lightscapes would be happy to assist you. We’ll leave your outdoor lights gleaming and in optimal shape to illuminate your home’s exterior and outdoor space for years to come.
