Author: Wattson All-Lights
When people assess lighting performance, they usually look at wattage, lumen output, or colour temperature. What’s rarely considered is something far more basic: ongoing maintenance.
Light fittings that aren’t cleaned regularly don’t just look tired. They can lose a noticeable amount of usable light, run hotter than intended, and age far more quickly than they should. In New Zealand, this issue is amplified by our environment. As an island nation, in fact, two islands - surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, salt is a constant presence, even in areas where the sea isn’t visible.
Routine cleaning is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to maintain lighting performance and protect the lifespan of both interior and exterior fittings.
How Build-Up Reduces Light Output
Light doesn’t stop working - it gets obstructed.
Over time, airborne dust, grease, moisture, insects, and general environmental fallout settle on light fittings. This layer acts like a filter, blocking and scattering light before it ever reaches the space it’s meant to illuminate.
In practical terms:
- Light surface soiling can reduce output by 10–20%
- Exterior fittings with heavy build-up can lose 30% or more of their effective brightness
- Accumulated dirt can trap heat, placing additional stress on LED components
It’s common for people to assume a fitting has “aged” or the LED has degraded, when in many cases the fitting simply needs to be cleaned.
Think of it like a car. No one would expect it to look or perform well without regular washing and servicing. Lighting is no different.
Why Exterior Lighting Requires More Frequent Attention
Exterior fittings in New Zealand operate in particularly demanding conditions.
The NZ environment factor
Because New Zealand is surrounded by ocean, salt particles are carried inland by wind and weather systems. This means coastal corrosion isn’t limited to beachfront properties — it affects urban, rural, and inland locations as well.
Salt exposure accelerates:
- Corrosion of metal components
- Breakdown of protective coatings
- Surface staining and pitting
- Deterioration of seals and gaskets over time
When combined with:
- UV radiation
- Rain and humidity
- Dust, pollen, and pollution
- Insects and spider webs (attracted to warmth and light)
…even high-quality, IP-rated exterior fittings can deteriorate faster than expected if they’re left unmaintained.
Interior Fittings Need Maintenance Too
Interior lighting often escapes attention because it doesn’t appear dirty at first glance. However, inside homes and commercial spaces, fittings are regularly exposed to:
- Fine dust
- Cooking vapours and airborne oils
- Smoke residue
- Moisture in bathrooms, laundries, and kitchens
Over time, this invisible film dulls diffusers, discolours surfaces, and reduces light transmission. In task areas like kitchens and bathrooms, the drop in performance can be more noticeable than people realise.
How to Clean Light Fittings Safely and Correctly
Cleaning lighting doesn’t need to be complicated — but it should always be done with care.
Recommended method
- Switch off power and allow fittings to cool completely.
- Use a soft, damp cloth (microfibre is ideal).
- Clean with a neutral, pH-balanced cleaning agent that is non-abrasive.
- Gently wipe diffusers, housings, and exposed surfaces.
- Dry with a clean cloth if required.
What to avoid
- Harsh chemicals or solvents
- Abrasive pads or scouring products
- High-pressure water cleaning
- Spraying liquids directly into fittings
- Acidic or alkaline cleaners (particularly outdoors)
These can damage finishes, compromise seals, and reduce corrosion resistance.
How Often Should Lighting Be Cleaned?
As a general guideline:
Interior fittings
- Every 6–12 months
- More frequently in kitchens, bathrooms, and high-use areas
Exterior fittings
- Every 3–6 months, depending on exposure
- Coastal, rural, and high-wind locations may require more regular cleaning
Light, routine maintenance is far more effective than infrequent deep cleaning after years of neglect.
The Benefits of Regular Maintenance
Consistent cleaning delivers measurable advantages:
- Improved brightness and visual comfort
- Lower operating temperatures
- Longer LED lifespan
- Better resistance to corrosion
- Preserved appearance and finish
- Fewer early failures and replacements
It’s one of the easiest ways to protect your lighting investment, with minimal time and cost involved.
Final Thoughts
Lighting is often installed and forgotten, but like any building component, it performs best when it’s looked after.
In New Zealand’s corrosive, salt-laden environment, regular cleaning isn’t a “nice to have”, it’s essential. Clean fittings produce more light, last longer, and maintain their appearance over time.
A small amount of maintenance, done a couple of times a year, can make a visible difference every single night.
