How to Clean Light Covers

Light covers come in a variety of sizes, shapes and designs.

Light covers are typically glass or hard plastic round or square shapes that cover ceiling lights. The cover helps diffuse the bright light and distribute it equally throughout the room. Light covers will become dirty and dingy over time, and require a thorough cleaning. Cleaning a light cover or a light switch cover can be accomplished with a few common household items.

Things You'll Need

• Liquid dish soap
• White vinegar
• 2 soft cloths
• Sponge
• Towels
• All-purpose cleaner
• 2 lint-free cloths

Instructions

Light Covers

1. Turn off the light and allow the light cover to cool.

2. Fill a kitchen sink with warm water. Add a few drops of liquid dish soap and 1/2 cup of white vinegar to the water. Mix the contents with your hand.

3. Remove the light cover from the fixture. Different types of light covers have different ways of removal. With some light covers, you have to remove the light bulb first. Other light covers have a few metal screws that hold them in place and must be loosened to slip off the cover.

4. Discard any dead bugs that may be present inside the light cover.

5. Submerge the light cover into the warm water. Allow the cover to soak for several minutes.

6. Dust the cooled light bulb gently with a dry cloth.

7. Wash the light cover in the soapy water solution. Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub the light cover. For tough, stuck-on dirt and grime, allow the light cover to soak longer in the warm water mixture.

8. Rinse the light cover in warm water, and wipe dry with a towel.

Light Switch Covers

1. Apply an all-purpose cleaner to a lint-free cloth. Do not spray the cleaner directly on the light switch cover.

2. Wipe the light switch cover with the cloth. Gently scrub to remove any stuck-on dirt or grime. Do not forget to clean the switch as well as the cover.

3. Rinse the light switch cover with a clean, damp cloth. Wipe dry with a towel.

Tips & Warnings

• Alternatively, wipe the light switch covers with a cleaning eraser dampened with cool water.

References

• Don Vanderhort's Home Tips: How to Clean a Lampshade
• Good Housekeeping: Shine a Light on Grime