It is important to clean your lighting fixtures regularly. One aspect that is often overlooked is how to do this properly. What can you use and what should you avoid? Below you’ll find more information along with some essential do’s and don’ts!
General
At Psmlighting, we always produce our indoor and outdoor lighting using high-quality materials such as aluminium, brass, and stainless steel. In addition, almost all fixtures are available in a variety of powder-coated colours. With proper and regular cleaning, you will be able to enjoy your fixtures even longer.
DO
Switch off your lighting before you start cleaning.
Always use a soft, dry, or slightly damp cloth to avoid damaging the powder coating or varnish.
DON’T
Never use aggressive cleaning agents containing chemicals such as ammonia or alcohol. Such products permanently affect the surface and colour of the fixture and cause irreversible damage. If you still wish to use a cleaning product, choose one with a neutral pH value.
Do not use abrasive products, as they may scratch the fixtures.
Avoid excessive use of water.
Do not clean fixtures in direct sunlight or when they are warm.
Indoor lighting
Fixtures in your interior are rarely, if ever, exposed to heavy dirt. In most cases, it’s about dusting or removing a small stain.
To remove dust, it’s best to use a soft, dry cloth. You may also use a slightly damp cloth, but make sure it has only been moistened with clean water. Always dry your fixtures thoroughly after using water.
Stains are best removed with a slightly damp cloth. Do not rub the fixture too hard to avoid scratches. Always dry the fixture completely after cleaning. If it’s about insect marks, try not to remove them forcefully. Insect marks can bite into the varnish and cause permanent damage.
Glass
At Psmlighting, we offer many fixtures with hand-blown glass parts or elements, in both clear and coloured glass. Fixtures with glass are a popular trend and a true eye-catcher in your interior, but they also tend to collect a lot of dust.
DO
Always use a dry and soft cloth to avoid scratches.
DON’T
Do not use cleaning agents. These can leave permanent stains on the glass.
Be careful, do not rub the glass too hard.
Be extra careful with coated glass. It has a fragile outer layer that is very sensitive to scratches.
Brass
A material that requires extra care is brass, which is becoming increasingly popular thanks to its beautiful golden colour. Over the years, brass may change colour due to various factors such as humidity. For daily maintenance, we therefore recommend always using a soft, dry cloth.
For intensive cleaning, you can use clean water. Do not do this on a regular basis and only if the fixture has come into contact with dirt.
DON’T
Never use aggressive cleaning agents on brass fixtures. They will permanently damage the distinctive golden colour.
Outdoor lighting
Fixtures installed in the garden, on the terrace, on the façade, or on the driveway are regularly exposed to dirt and harsh weather conditions. Psmlighting’s outdoor fixtures are largely made of stainless steel or aluminium and are therefore resistant to corrosion and rust. That does not mean, however, that our outdoor fixtures do not require regular cleaning.
To preserve the lifespan of the powder coating, fixtures must also be cleaned. The lifespan of the powder coating is negatively affected by dirt, moisture, acids, salts, and other aggressive substances. Maintenance recommendations are largely determined by the location and placement of the fixtures.
In general, the same recommendations apply to outdoor fixtures as to indoor lighting.
Do not use abrasive products, as they may damage the material or the powder coating.
Avoid excessive use of water.
Clean surfaces with a dry or slightly damp cloth.
Do not use aggressive cleaning agents. These can cause staining of the coating and damage the paint layer.
In inland areas, we recommend cleaning outdoor lighting at least twice a year. To remove surface dirt, using a slightly damp cloth is sufficient. Do not rub too hard to avoid scratches.
If you do want to use a cleaning agent, choose one with a neutral pH value between 5 and 8. Specific stainless-steel cleaners are available on the market, and you can also obtain such a product from Psmlighting. After using a cleaning agent, it is important to rinse the fixture again with clean water and dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth.
Installation in coastal areas
Fixtures installed in coastal areas require special attention. Due to the presence of sand and salt in the air, materials can deteriorate more quickly. That’s why we recommend cleaning outdoor fixtures at the coast at least four times a year. The best way to do this is with a damp cloth to remove the sand and salt particles.
For coastal areas, Psmlighting offers the colour double-treated stainless steel (colour code: 5BB). We always recommend this for installations on the seawall or close to the beach itself. If you still prefer a lacquer finish on your fixture instead of stainless steel, we can provide an additional primer (at an extra cost) under the lacquer layer to better protect your fixture against dirt.
Fixtures close to the ground
Fixtures installed in flower beds, on terraces, or driveways are, in addition to normal dirt, also regularly exposed to cleaning agents such as bleach or sprays against weeds or pests. If that is the case, the fixture must be cleaned immediately with clean water after contact with the respective product. Prolonged exposure to such aggressive products can cause permanent damage to the coating or the material of the fixture, such as discolouration.
Do you still have questions about the maintenance and cleaning of lighting fixtures? Don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll be happy to help.