How To Clean Solar Lights Panels | 10 Quick Steps
If you enjoy the beauty of solar lights in your yard like I do, you know how important it is to keep them clean. Over time, dirt can build up on the solar panels, making them less effective.
Today, I’ll share my opinion on how to clean solar lights so they shine bright again!
Why You Should Clean Solar Lights
Cleaning your solar lights is essential for a few reasons:
- Better Brightness: Clean panels soak up more sunlight, which means your lights will be brighter at night.
- Longer Life: Regular cleaning helps prevent damage from dirt and grime.
- Looks Great: Clean lights make your yard look more inviting and beautiful.
What You Need to Clean Solar Lights
Before we start learning how to clean solar lights, gather these simple supplies:
- Soft cloths or microfiber towels
- Mild dish soap
- Warm water
- A soft brush or sponge
- A toothbrush (for small areas)
- Vinegar (for tough stains)
- Baking soda (for battery cleaning)
- Clear nail polish or clear coat spray (optional for scratches)
- Toothpaste (to fix cloudy panels)
- WD-40 (for stubborn dirt)
- Bug spray (to remove insect residue)
- A bucket or bowl for mixing your cleaning solution
How to Clean Solar Lights | 10 Best Steps to Clean Your Solar Lights
Step 1: Turn Off Your Solar Lights
First, make sure your solar lights are turned off. This keeps you safe while you clean.
Step 2: Take Them Outside If Needed
If your solar light can be taken apart, do it! Remove the light from the stake and take off the solar panel if you can. This helps you clean everything better.
Step 3: Remove Loose Dirt From Solar Panels Lights
Use a soft brush or cloth to wipe away any loose dirt from the solar panels. This step is important to avoid scratching the surface later.
Step 4: Make Your Cleaning Solution For Solar Lights
Fill a bucket with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap. Mix it well until it’s bubbly. This gentle soap will help lift dirt without harming your lights.
Step 5: Clean the Solar Panels
Dip your cloth or sponge into the soapy water, wring it out so it’s not dripping, and wipe down the solar panels in circular motions.
If your panels are cloudy, you can use cleaning solar lights with toothpaste. Just put a little toothpaste on a damp cloth and gently rub it on the cloudy areas. For small spots, use a toothbrush dipped in soapy water.
Step 6: Wipe Down the Light Fixture
Don’t forget to clean the rest of the light! Use your soapy solution to wipe down any other parts of the solar light, including the cover and decorative parts.
Step 7: Rinse with Clean Water
After scrubbing, rinse everything with clean water. Be careful not to let water get into the battery compartment or any electrical parts.
Step 8: Dry Every Solar Lights Well
Use a soft cloth to dry all parts gently. Make sure everything is completely dry before putting it back together, moisture can cause damage.
Step 9: Check for any Damage to Solar Panel Lights
While cleaning, look for any signs of damage or corrosion in the battery compartment. If you see corrosion on battery terminals, mix some baking soda with water to make a paste and gently scrub it away with a toothbrush.
Step 10: Reassemble and Position Correctly
Once everything is clean and dry, put your solar lights back together. Place them where they will get plenty of sunlight during the day, this helps them charge properly!
Do’s
✔️ Use Mild Soap
✔️Rinse Thoroughly
✔️Dry Completely
✔️ Check Batteries
✔️Inspect Regularly
Don’t’s
❌ Avoid Abrasives
❌ Skip Harsh Chemicals
❌Neglect Corrosion
❌ Soak Components
❌ Forget Sunlight
Tips for Dealing with Tough Stains
Sometimes, you might find tough stains that are hard to remove. Here’s how to handle them when learning how to clean solar lights:
- Vinegar Solution: Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray it on tough stains and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it off.
- WD-40: For stubborn dirt that won’t come off with soap and water, try using WD-40. Just spray a little on a cloth and wipe down those areas.
- Bug Spray: If insects have left a sticky residue on your lights, cleaning solar lights with bug spray can help remove that mess.
Future Maintenance Tips for Solar Lights
To keep your solar lights shining bright all year long, here are some easy tips on how to clean solar lights:
- Regular Cleaning: Aim to clean your solar lights every few months or more often if they get dirty quickly.
- Gentle Cleaners Only: Stick to mild soaps; harsh chemicals can scratch surfaces.
- Protective Coating: After cleaning, consider applying a clear coat spray or car wax for extra protection against dirt.
- Seasonal Checks: Before winter or heavy rain seasons arrive, check that everything is working well.
Read also: How to Clean Your Dryer Vent | 10 Tested Steps
How to Avoid Future Dust on Solar Panels
Preventing dust buildup on your solar panels can save you time and effort in cleaning later on. Here are some tips:
- Choose Locations Wisely: When installing your solar lights, place them away from areas where dust tends to accumulate, like near unpaved paths or construction zones.
- Regular Inspections: Make it a habit to check your solar lights every few weeks for any signs of dirt buildup or debris blocking the panels.
- Use Protective Covers: Consider using protective covers when severe weather is expected. These can help shield your panels from dirt and debris during storms or windy conditions.
- Trim Nearby Vegetation: Keep plants and bushes trimmed back so they don’t drop leaves or pollen onto your solar panels.
- Install in Open Areas: If possible, place your solar lights in open areas where they are less likely to collect dust and debris from surrounding surfaces.
Restoring Cloudy Solar Light Panels
If your solar light panels have become cloudy over time, don’t worry! You can restore their clarity by using toothpaste or vinegar as mentioned earlier. Apply toothpaste directly onto the cloudy areas and scrub gently with a soft cloth or sponge in circular motions. Rinse thoroughly afterward.
Read also: 9 Quick Steps Of How Does a Greenhouse Work?
Conclusion
Cleaning your solar lights is simple and satisfying! By following these steps on how to clean solar lights, including using toothpaste for cloudy panels or vinegar for tough stains, you’ll help your lights shine brightly again. Regular maintenance keeps them looking great and working well in your garden.
So grab your cleaning supplies and get started! You’ll be amazed at how much brighter your solar lights shine after some care.
