How to Clean Pendant Lights The Proper Way – And Other Housekeeping Tips and Tricks
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Pendant lights are incredibly versatile and can be installed in numerous spots throughout your home to add both function and charm. They look amazing above the kitchen island since they offer targeted lighting that is perfect for food prep and socializing.
Plus, pendant lights can become a stunning centerpiece above the table in the dining room or in high-use areas like workspaces or reading nooks. They’re concentrated light helps reduce eye strain during detailed tasks.
And yet, despite their impressive versatility and style, pendant lights can be tricky to keep clean. So, if you want to make the switch but don’t want to add another time-consuming to your housekeeping routine, check out our tips below.
As a bonus, we added a few tips and tricks that will make housekeeping a lot easier and quicker. So stay tuned until the end!
How to Clean Pendant Lights
Pendant lighting is available in various models, styles, and designs. However, the more intricate ones may be a bit of a hassle to clean. Intricate shapes and angles make the task even more challenging, and dirt and dust can accumulate in hard-to-reach spots (pendant lights are often suspended from high ceilings).
Plus, glass or crystal elements might attract fingerprints and smudges that are visible against the light. Still, if you have a good cleaning strategy, cleaning these lights becomes a breeze.
Start by gathering your supplies. You’ll need a step ladder, microfiber cloths, mild dish soap, and distilled water. Make sure to turn off the light so the cover and the lightbulb will be cool to the touch. Don’t use any cleaning solution or soapy water on a hot light cover or lightbulb – there’s the risk the glass will break and spread everywhere.
Next, climb safely onto your ladder and remove any dust from the fixture using a dry microfiber cloth. For those stubborn areas, dampen another cloth with a solution of soap and distilled water. Wipe gently – harsh scrubbing can damage delicate finishes.
Finally, dry the fixture with a clean cloth to avoid water spots, and you’re done! Now, you have a sparkling pendant light that enhances the beauty of your home.
Side note: if the lights are hanging over a furniture item (like your kitchen island or your dining table), ask for someone to help you with the ladder. You want first to make sure the ladder is secure and that you can easily reach your cleaning supplies. Also, your helper can hand them to you as needed.
3 Housekeeping Tricks to Keep in Mind
Housekeeping is a full-time job, and if you have kids and pets roaming around, the job never ends. However, for safety and hygiene reasons, you can’t just quit and look for another less time-consuming job.
The good news is that there are ways to keep things in check and reduce the time you spend scrubbing and wiping down surfaces. Here are a few ideas:
1. Invest in Multitasking Cleaning Tools
Cleaning tools are amazing, but some are downright magical. For instance, a high-quality microfiber cloth paired with a steam cleaner is the perfect duo for keeping surfaces clean and sanitized.
These versatile tools can be used on multiple surfaces and for various cleaning tasks. A high-quality microfiber cloth picks up more dirt in fewer passes, and the steam cleaner sanitizes and helps remove dirt without the need for harsh chemicals.
Also, the plain old squeegee is another amazing tool you can’t ignore. Beyond windows, a squeegee can swiftly collect pet hair from carpets and upholstery. Run it across the surface and watch the fur bundle up for easy removal. This trick often bests even some vacuum cleaners when it comes to pet hair.
2. Employ Passive Cleaning Techniques
Wouldn’t you like for things to get clean while you tend to other, more interesting activities? The good news is that you don’t need magic to do this - you just have to employ passive cleaning techniques.
These techniques are nothing fancy, but they can save you a lot of elbow grease and time, and the results are the same.
For instance, fill your sink with hot, soapy water before starting a meal prep or cooking session. As you’re done using kitchen tools and dishes, let them soak clean in the sink. At the end, give them a rinse, and voila! You’re done with the food and the dishes!
Similarly, dropping a denture tablet into your toilet bowl overnight can help remove stains with minimal effort – just give it a quick scrub in the morning. If you like these, here you can learn some more.
3. Use Your Dishwasher more Cleverly
Your dishwasher can do more than just dishes. You can clean a variety of household items like sponges, dish brushes, plastic toys, and even small metal fixtures or light covers (be sure they are dishwasher safe).
Since it can run hot water, the dishwasher is particularly effective for disinfecting items often overlooked in routine cleaning.
Wrap Up
In all fairness, these hacks and tricks don’t do the job by themselves, but they can save you time and energy. Still, if you feel the amount of work is overwhelming you, check if the other adults in the house are doing their share of the job. Also, it may be a good idea to hire professional cleaners for big jobs, like cleaning the windows and the garden.
