Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500116
06/24/03

Cleaning Light Fixtures


1. Turn off the switches.

2. Then take off all shades, shields, globes, and metal
grills. Also take out the light bulbs and tubes. Be
careful not to drop or break fluorescent tubes.

3. Put hot water in a tub or deep sink. Also, put hot
water in a pail. Put soap or detergent in both the sink
and the pail. Swish up thick suds.

4. Put shades, globes and other parts removed from the
fixture in the tub or sink. Rinse these pieces with
warm water.

5. To wash wall and ceiling fixtures, squeeze a sponge or
cloth out of the sudsy water in the pail. Use this to
wipe off all parts of the fixture. Stand on a safe step
stool or ladder to reach high-up fixtures. Rinse the same
way, using a clean damp sponge or cloth. Wipe all the
parts dry. DON'T LET WATER RUN INTO OPEN SOCKETS. If
there are any metal parts, you can use polish or wax on
them after they are dry.

6. Sponge off, wipe dry and replace the bulbs and tubes.
Do not get end of bulbs that screws into socket wet.

This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus.

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