How to Clean Solar Lights

Method 1 – Cleaning the Panels and Bulbs

• Use a damp microfiber cloth to gently wipe away any loose debris from the face of the solar light or panel.
• You may add a tiny amount of dish soap if there is caked-on grime from years of missed cleanings.
• Go back over the solar lights with a dry microfiber cloth to wipe away any dampness.
• Repeat this process every two to three months to ensure you get the best quality energy usage out of your solar lights.

Method 2 – Restoring Cloudy Panels

The second method is to restore cloudy panels. It is usually a result of dust, dirt, and other debris accumulating on the solar panel. If you have a soft cloth or sponge available, use it to wipe away any foreign matter from the solar panel. If you need more heavy-duty cleaning, we recommend using distilled water with a soft cloth or sponge to remove stubborn dirt and grime from your solar lights’ surface.

Avoid abrasive cleaners that could potentially scratch your lights’ glass panels because they could hinder their performance over time. You should also avoid using chemicals such as bleach because they can damage certain parts of your solar light system.

A quick solution would be:

• Use painter’s tape to protect the area around the cloudy panel.
• Gently clear off debris with a damp cloth.
• Use an approved lacquer on the cloudy panel to make it shine.
• Let it dry, and you should be good to go.

Method 3 – Removing Battery Corrosion

Battery corrosion occurs over time if there is a loose connection, moisture gets into the battery compartment, or a leak in the battery escapes its encapsulation. This is not a sign your solar lights are not working, but it may mean you need to take extra care for how to clean solar panels.

Before you begin, be sure to put on safety goggles and protective gloves. Battery corrosion can be dangerous if it gets into any scratches on your fingers or your eye area. Try these simple steps first:

• Remove the battery from the solar light and see if there is any battery corrosion. You’ll likely see it around the terminals.
• Don’t throw the batteries away. They may still work after cleaning.
• Put a drop of vinegar into the corroded area to neutralize the corrosion, then use a toothbrush to scrub away any buildup.
• Apply fine-grit sandpaper if the battery corrosion doesn’t come off.
• Replace your batteries if they are dead with more beneficial rechargeable solar batteries.

If you are worried you may use too much vinegar, try using a drop of vinegar on a paper towel instead.

FAQs You May Be Concerned About Solar Light Cleaning

Do solar lights need to be cleaned?
Yes, solar lights need to be cleaned regularly. How often you clean them depends on how dirty they get.

How often should solar be cleaned?
The frequency of how to clean solar lights will vary based on the environment in which they are used. In general, if you live in an area where dust is common or if it is humid (e.g., Florida), you may need to clean your solar lights more often than someone who lives in a dry climate (e.g., Arizona). In addition, if you have pets or children who play near your solar lights regularly, there will be increased dirt that gets onto them, and thus they will need cleaning more frequently.

How do I know when to clean my solar panels?
The first step to cleaning your solar lights is knowing when they need them. If the solar panel is extremely dirty, chances are good that you should remove and clean them. You should also go ahead and remove and clean your solar panels if they aren't working as well as they used to or if they're not as bright as they used to be.

Conclusion

Solar lights are a great addition to your home décor, but you need to conduct solar light cleaning occasionally whenever they are losing their brightness or effectiveness. When you want to clean solar lights, you can use the methods that we’ve provided in this article.

We hope this blog post will help answer any questions or concerns you may have about cleaning solar lights. If you are looking for premium quality solar lights, we recommend the many options of LED Solar Lights available in our store at LEDVANCE. Shop today and transform your living space!