Your outdoor lights add charm, safety, and functionality to your garden spaces, whether it’s illuminating a pathway, highlighting landscaping, or providing security around your home. However, to ensure your outdoor lighting stays effective and looks its best year-round, regular maintenance is essential. Below are some tips from us here at Best Pro Lighting, designed to help you keep your outdoor lights shining bright.
Inspect your outdoor lighting regularly
Make it a habit to inspect your outdoor lights periodically. You can do this by checking for any signs of damage, such as crack casings, loose wires, or water intrusion. By addressing these issues promptly you can prevent further damage and ensure the safety of your outdoor lighting system.
Clean your fixtures regularly
Over time, outdoor lights can accumulate dirt, dust, and debris, which can diminish their brightness and affect their overall performance. By cleaning your fixtures regularly using mild detergent, water solution, and a soft sponge, you can prolong their life. We also recommend avoiding harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that could damage the beautiful finish.
Trim surrounding vegetation
Ensure that the area around your outdoor lights is clear of overgrown vegetation. Branches, leaves, and other foliage can obstruct the light output and create shadows. So, be sure to trim back these plants or shrubs to prevent them from encroaching on your outdoor lighting spotlight and to maintain optimal visibility.
Check and test your bulbs
Regularly check the bulbs in your outdoor lights to ensure they are functioning properly. If you have some burnt bulbs, you can promptly replace them to maintain consistent illumination. We also recommend upgrading your current bulbs to some more energy-efficient LED bulbs, which have a longer lifespan than traditional incandescent bulbs.
Protect your lighting from the weather
Outdoor lights are exposed to the elements year-round, so it’s important to protect them from harsh weather conditions. By investing in weatherproof fixtures, you can ensure they are installed securely to withstand wind, rain, and snow. Since all of our fixtures sold are built to withstand harsh weather conditions, you can just buy them and install them. But if you purchase other fixtures, consider using a sealant or weatherproofing spray to add an extra layer of protection.
Adjust the positioning of your lighting fixtures seasonally
Over time, outdoor lights tend to shift or become misaligned, affecting their effectiveness. We always recommend checking the positioning of your outdoor lighting spotlights at the start of each season. This keeps you on an accountable schedule, rather than periodically checking your lights to ensure optimal coverage.
Inspect your wires
Exposed wiring is a safety hazard that may also result in lighting malfunctions. This is one of the reasons that you need to regularly inspect the wiring of your outdoor lighting system and if needed, replace any damaged or frayed wires. If you’re experiencing ongoing issues, consider hiring a professional electrician to conduct a more thorough inspection of your wiring.
While there are many ways that you can work to maintain the integrity of your outdoor lighting systems, the above suggestions are a great starting point for keeping your lights bright, functional, and aesthetically pleasing for years to come. Regular upkeep not only preserves the beauty of your lights but also enhances it. So, take the time to care for your fixtures and they will continue to illuminate your outdoor spaces with that warm glow!
What other hacks do you know for maintaining an outdoor lighting spotlight or other type of lighting fixture? Drop a comment below to share your thoughts with our readers.