Easily Refresh Your Grimy Light Fixtures With One Affordable Household Cleaner

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One affordable household cleaner can get your grimy light fixtures shining in no time, and you might already have it in your cabinets: Windex. Yes, there's yet another surprising way to use Windex around the home. When your light fixtures are caked with dust, fingerprints, and who-knows-what-else, you can use that familiar blue liquid to get most of them sparkling clean — specifically, by using the Windex Ammonia-Free Glass Cleaner, which is safe for use on metal and glass surfaces. All you need is a soft, lint-free cloth (such as microfiber) and some time.

You may have grown up with your grandparents using the original Windex to clean your windows and various glass throughout the house, but times have changed. Today, there are new formulations that don't include ammonia, which is crucial, because the liquid can damage and corrode metal surfaces. By choosing the Windex Ammonia-Free version, you have a way to clean metal lighting housing made of stainless steel or brass in your home. Do note, if you have any wood accents on your lighting fixture, avoid letting them come in contact with any type of Windex, as it may affect the finish.

Before proceeding, there are a few considerations you should follow. This hack can work on a variety of lighting fixtures, but you should always test it in a small space before moving forward with the whole piece. Cleaning your light fixtures with Windex may require a step stool or ladder, depending on the height, so ensure you're stable before reaching up. You don't want an electric shock, so turn off the light fixture or unplug it before cleaning. If you have vintage light fixtures, it's best you skip the Windex, and stick with a mild dish soap and water to remove any dust or gunk from the glass. 

Once the fixture cools, you can spray a little Windex directly on the glass or metal housing and let it sit for a few minutes. Avoid spraying into the electrical sockets or wiring, however. Dust particles are stubborn, especially on kitchen lighting fixtures, so letting the cleaner sit gives it time to break down the grime. Once you're ready, wipe carefully with the clean cloth, and enjoy that sparkling shine. You can even clean the light bulbs if they're cool to the touch and turned off. Removing dust helps your light fixtures shine brighter and clearer, while also reducing energy use since you won't need to switch on additional lights. Most lighting fixtures only need a cleaning every three to six months; however, those in the kitchen can get dirtier more quickly, so consider cleaning them monthly or bi-monthly, if possible.