Maintaining outdoor lights

Safety first

Switch off at the light switch and at the circuit breaker before you clean or open a fitting, and let the globes cool. If you find damaged wiring, water inside a fitting, or a light that trips the power, stop and call a registered electrician.

Clean gently, and never pressure wash

• What to use: Mild, soapy water and a soft cloth. Rinse lightly, then dry the fitting completely.
• What to avoid: Pressure washers, which can force water past the seals and into the fitting. Steel wool, harsh chemicals and scouring pads aren't kind to finishes either.

Clean on a schedule

• Inland: About every six months is plenty.
• Near the coast: Every one to three months, with a rinse in fresh water to wash off the salt, especially after storms and strong onshore winds.

Protect metal finishes

To clean and protect stainless steel, we recommend a light rub of baby oil. Especially in coastal conditions, we also recommend applying a small dab of Vaseline over any exposed screws. Treat small rust spots early, before they have a chance to grow.

Check seals and connections

• Seals: Look for cracked or perished seals and gaskets, and replace them before water finds its way in.
• Cables: Check where cables enter the fitting, and make sure connectors are waterproof.
• Fixings: Tighten loose screws and brackets, so fittings stay sealed, secure and straight.

Trim back the garden

Cut back plants that grow over your lights, so the light isn't blocked. As shrubs and trees grow, re-aim your garden spotlights so they still light what you want them to.

Test lights, timers and sensors

Once everything is dry, switch the power back on and check every light. Then check that day/night sensor switches, timers and motion sensors still work, and reset any timers after a power cut.

Look after solar lights

• Clean the panel: A dirty panel won't fully charge the battery, which shortens its life. Every two months, or more often in dusty areas or near the coast, wipe it with warm, soapy water and a soft microfibre cloth, then dry it off. Never use harsh chemicals or a rough cloth, and if you're cleaning a few panels, rinse or swap your cloth between them, so grit picked up from one panel doesn't scratch the next.
• Replace the battery: Rechargeable solar batteries usually last about two to three years. If the light gives up much sooner than it used to, even after a sunny day, swap the battery for the same type, if the model allows it.

Upgrade to LED

Still using halogen or older globes outdoors? A low-wattage LED globe gives the same light as a much higher-wattage halogen one, using a fraction of the power. LEDs also last far longer and reach full brightness instantly, even in the cold, so you climb the ladder less often.