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Dirty glass light fixtures don’t just look bad, they also reduce the lamp’s brightness, and waste energy, so it’s a good idea to clean them annually. However, Cleaning glass lights, especially hanging glass pendant lamps, can be pretty challenging to regular homeowners like you and I.
It's easy to see why - glass hanging pendant lamps are often installed at heights that require a ladder or other equipment to reach. Intricate or complex designs with multiple glass panels or decorative elements may make it more difficult to access and clean all surfaces effectively.
The material itself - glass - is fragile and can be easily damaged if not handled carefully. Glass also tend to attract dust, and pendant lamps can accumulate grime over time. And when you start cleaning, it's easy to leave streaks and detergent residues on clear glass. Oh, the effort and time it takes to clean glass lights!
How to clean light fixtures?
Philippe Limes, the CEO of Helpling, an online platform connecting customers with independent domestic cleaners, details how different types of fixtures should be treated.
Switch off electricity and power
For any light fixture, first, turn off the power and allow the bulbs to cool down.
Remove dust with lint roller
For lampshades, remove loose dust with a lint roller, then wipe the interior and exterior with a dry micro fibre cloth. Then, fill a basin with lukewarm water and add a dash of laundry detergent. Remove the shade from the lamp and submerge it.
Rinse with warm water
Rinse with warm water. Repeat this dipping process until the water runs clear. Side note: if your lampshade is not glass but is instead made of fabric, don’t worry if the fabric shade starts to lose its elasticity; it will spring back to its original shape when dry. Place it in the sun to dry.
How to clean glass lights?
To clean glass pendants, remove the bulbs, then the glass shade. Soak the shade in a solution of water and dishwashing detergent. Remove and dry with a soft cloth. Finally, wipe the bulbs with a damp cloth and leave to dry.
For glass chandeliers, remove all bulbs. Make a solution using a squirt of dishwashing detergent, white vinegar, and water. Spritz the chandelier, and dry with a soft micro fibre cloth.
What is the best cleaner for glass light fixtures?
When cleaning glass light fixtures, it's important to choose a detergent or cleaning solution that effectively removes dirt and grime without leaving streaks or damaging the glass.
- Mild Dish Soap Solution
- White Vinegar Solution
- Rubbing Alcohol or Isopropyl Alcohol
- Commercial Glass Cleaner
- Ammonia-Free Glass Cleaner (for coated or tinted glass)
- DIY Lemon Juice Solution
- Microfiber Cloth or Chamois (to wipe glass)
Before you start cleaning your glass lights, always check the manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning and maintenance, as some light fixtures may have specific care instructions - such as coatings or special finishes that may require special detergents.