How To Clean A Light Bulb For Smoking

Spring is here again, and if you're like millions of others, you probably have the itch to declutter and deep clean your home before the warm weather sets it. When the spring cleaning bug bites you, make sure you don't miss your light bulbs! Dusty, grimy light bulbs can reduce light output up to 30 percent, so it's worth giving your bulbs a good scrub down of their own. Follow along for tips on how to clean your light bulbs without breaking them or causing unnecessary risk.

Of course, you'll want to start by switching off the power to each bulb you plan on cleaning! Let any hot bulbs cool completely before you begin handling them. Once you hone in on your dirtiest bulbs, decide whether it's easier to clean them in their light fixtures or remove them from the socket first. This will depend on where the fixture is and whether it's safe for you to clean it in the fixture. For example, removing a bulb from a ceiling can light is likely safer than standing atop a ladder for an extended time wiping it down.

To start cleaning your light bulbs, you'll need:

A soft, lint-free cloth or feather duster
Water
A ladder or step stool if cleaning hard-to-reach bulbs

Once you have your bulb in hand or in reach, you should decide what the best method of cleaning it is. If the bulb is just a bit dusty, a simple wipe down with a soft cloth or feather duster will do. But if your bulb is very old or lives in a high-traffic, often dirty area like a garage or workshop, you may need to wet your cloth before you begin cleaning your bulb. Just work your cloth over the bulb, gently picking up dirt and dust.

For any bulb, cleaning using a dry cloth or duster is the safest bet to avoid getting water in any electrical workings in the bulb's fixture. If you do use a wet cloth, ensure that the bulb is fully dry before putting it back into the fixture.

Remember to take extra care with CFL bulbs as they contain mercury which can be harmful to humans and pets if the bulb is broken. And never use any kind of cleaning spray or liquid to clean your bulbs—this could cause a fire or short circuit if it gets into the electrical aspects of the fixture.