When it comes to flush mount lights, we have to admire their practical functions and beautiful appearance. Still, if you want to keep them bright and beautiful, you have to do some maintenance from time to time. With frequent use, dust, oil, and other small traces will inevitably accumulate on the lamp.
Don't worry, regular cleaning can restore their brightness. And cleaning lamps is not as complicated as you think. As long as you master some simple techniques, you can easily get it done! Next, we will share with you some simple and effective tips to help you easily clean flush mount ceiling lights.
Background Information
Flush mount ceiling lights are positioned flush against the ceiling. They are known to have an uncomplicated look and take up little vertical space on the ceiling. These are used in kitchens, sitting, bed, study, and bathrooms, among others. However, due to its space-saving design, most users forget to clean it frequently which leads to several undesirable situations such as the very much unwanted buildup of dust on the lamp surface and eventually a white lampshade turning yellow.
Points to Know
Knowing the specific background information can help you do your work faster when cleaning and maintaining it.
- Material Types. Most lampshades are crafted from glass, plastic, or acrylic materials, while the lamp frame may be selected from metal or wood materials.
- Installation Method. Some lampshades are fixed with rotating buckles, while others require screws to be removed.
- Function Impact. The dirt on the lampshade will affect the brightness of the light and may also cause the bulb to overheat and affect its performance.
Cleaning Frequency and Periodicity
The frequency of cleaning is subject to environmental influences.
Kitchen. Every 2-3 months (Due to grease).
Living room or bedroom. Every 4-6 months.
Bathroom. Every 3-4 months (Due to humidity).
Preparation
Safety and preparation are essential before you start cleaning. First of all, be sure to turn off the power to guarantee safety. Secondly, prepare all the cleaning supplies and tools you need to use to complete the cleaning more efficiently and easily.
- Turn off the power. Double-check that the switch or power supply corresponding to the lamp is turned off to prevent the risk of electric shock.
- Cool the lamp. Freshly used light bulbs can be very hot, so don't be in a hurry to clean them. Take a break for a cup of tea and wait for it to cool down completely.
- Protect the floor. You can put a waterproof cloth or old towel under the lamp to prevent cleaning fluid or stains from getting on the floor.
- Check the structure. Understand and check how the lampshade is installed in advance to confirm whether you need to use tools to remove it.
- Tool preparation. Keep all cleaning tools close to you and ensure that they are within reach for easy cleaning.
Required Tools
The following are tools and materials that may be exploited during the cleaning process.
- Stable ladder. Select a reliable ladder to help you reach the fixture safely.
- Screwdriver. Used to remove and secure the lampshade (if the lamp needs to be disassembled).
- Cleaning cloth. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to avoid scratches or leaving fiber residues on the surface of the fixture.
- Warm water and mild detergent. This gentle and non-irritating combination is an ideal choice for effectively removing stubborn stains.
- Glass cleaner. Specially designed for cleaning glass lampshades.
- Soft brush. Tailored for cleaning metal frames or decorative details.
- Gloves. Furnish extra grip and protect the lampshade from fingerprints.
Methods
The cleaning process is explained in detail below.
Step 1 Remove the lampshade
- Position the ladder securely under the lamp and note how the lampshade is attached.
- Those adjustable lampshades can usually be removed with one turn, just try it clockwise or counterclockwise.
- As for the style fixed with screws, just find a suitable screwdriver and loosen it slowly, but remember to put the screws away, don't lose them.
- Handle the disassembly carefully, guaranteeing the lamp is protected from any bumps or damage.
- Gently place the lampshade on a blanket, towel, or other soft surface, to prevent any damage.
Step 2 Clean the lampshade and bulb
Lampshade Scrubbing
- Preparing a basin of warm water with a few drops of mild detergent is enough, and do not put too much detergent, or it will easily leave marks.
- Take a clean soft cloth dipped in a little cleaning solution, remember to wring it half dry, and gently wipe the surface of the lampshade.
- If it is a glass lampshade, it is recommended to buy a special glass cleaner to clean it with less effort and more effectively.
- The final step is crucial: rinse off any residual cleaner with water and let it dry naturally in a cool, airy place. Don't be in a hurry to bake it with a hair dryer or put it in the sun, just wait for it to dry slowly so that it won't hurt the lampshade.
Bulb Cleaning
- Because bulbs are fragile, be careful to gently wipe their surface with a dry, soft fabric cloth.
- Do not directly touch the bulb with your hands, cause oils and fingerprints will leave traces on its surface.
Step 3 Reassemble and test
- Make certain that the lampshade and bulb are completely dry before restoring them one by one in the order of disassembly.
- Swivel lampshades should be aligned with the bayonet slot and carefully rotated until securely fastened.
- Screw-in lampshades are tightened using a screwdriver without excessive force.
- After all the lamp parts are assembled, turn on the power to check whether the fixture is working properly.
- Clean up the dust and stains on the ground or drop them on the towel, organize and clean the site.
FAQs
Is it required to replace the bulbs when cleaning the fixtures?
Actually, changing the bulbs while cleaning is not essential, but now is a wise time to check the bulbs and replace them if necessary. If the present bulb is working well and isn't too old, there is no reason to replace it at the time of cleaning. If the bulb is dim or not working efficiently, it is suggested to replace it after cleaning.
What precautions should you take when cleaning plastic lampshades?
Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, they can cloud or scratch the plastic, and please skip paper towels or rough cloths that might leave tiny scratches.
How to clean a lampshade that cannot be removed?
In the face of hard-to-reach corners, it is advisable to buy a retractable cleaning tool, such as a long-handled duster or vacuum cleaner soft bristle brush head to gently remove the floating dust, which is both safe and labor-saving.
Conclusion
Honestly, the first time you clean the flush mount ceiling light, you may feel overwhelmed, and that's normal. But don't worry too much, you'll immediately get the tips and tricks. Do remember to take more photos during the cleaning process, especially the dismantling steps, for easy reference when installing them later. If you have a large volume of flush mount lights in your home, you may want to clean them in batches by room so that you won't feel overwhelmed.
Just trust me, the effort will definitely be worth it when you see the ceiling lights that are new and bright as ever. This is especially true at night when the comforting feeling of warm lights flooding the room is truly refreshing. Alright, prepare your tools, roll up your sleeves, and let's maintain the lights in your house together! Spend a full and meaningful weekend at home!
