How do I clean light fittings?

Light fittings collect dust on horizontal surfaces and, because the bulb is warm, the dust bakes on. A dusty shade absorbs and scatters light, so cleaning them is one of the few cleaning jobs with an immediately visible functional result.

Safety

What you'll need

• Dry microfibre cloths
• Step ladder
• Soft brush (optional)
• Washing-up liquid (optional)

Step by step

1. Turn the light off at the switch and let the bulb cool completely.Ten minutes at least. Thermal shock cracks hot glass.
2. Dust the shade with a dry microfibre cloth or a soft brush first.Dry dust removed dry is far easier than dust turned to paste with water.
3. For fabric shades, use the vacuum's brush attachment on low suction.Wet cloths mark fabric shades permanently.
4. For glass or plastic shades, wipe with a barely damp cloth and a drop of washing-up liquid.If the shade unclips easily, washing it in the sink is easier and more thorough.
5. Wipe the bulb itself with a dry cloth.Never a damp one. A dusty bulb noticeably reduces light output.
6. Dry everything completely before refitting or switching on.Any moisture near a fitting is both an electrical risk and a source of marks.
7. Do the same for wall lights, lampshades and any recessed fittings.Downlights collect dust on the trim and the reflector.

Tips

• Do light fittings before dusting the rest of the room — everything you dislodge falls.
• A long-handled microfibre duster handles high pendants without a ladder for routine dusting.
• If a room feels dimmer than it used to, dusty shades and bulbs are the first thing to check, before assuming the bulbs are failing.

Common mistakes

• Wiping a hot bulb with a damp cloth — Thermal shock can shatter it.
• Using a wet cloth on a fabric shade — It leaves permanent water marks.
• Refitting anything damp — Moisture near electrical fittings is a genuine hazard.

Questions people ask