Solar lights need regular cleaning for optimal brightness and battery life. If you don't do it, they will become dull. Secondly, they might not last the whole night as they used to do when they were new.
Let's see how to clean a solar light to restore brightness. We will share the step-by-step process to clean the lens, solar panel, and remove the cloudy/yellow tint.
Part 1. Why Cleaning Solar Lights Is Important
Solar lights have a solar panel attached, which is responsible for converting solar energy into electrical energy to charge the battery. If the solar panel has a layer of dust or grime, it will reduce the solar panel's efficiency by 10-15%. It simply means the solar panel will generate less electricity, and it might not fully charge the battery.
Secondly, a solar light has a transparent cover to emit light. If the cover is dirty, the output is reduced. The light scatters and appears dim, even if the battery is fully charged. Therefore, it's better to clean it regularly so that light can pass through the cover and deliver the rated lumens.
Part 2. How Often Should You Clean Solar Lights?
The frequency of cleaning solar lights depends on the dust and pollution in the region or area you live in. In clean suburban areas, you need to clean solar lights less frequently, while in dry, dusty, and coastal regions, you have to be more careful. It varies according to the situation. However, the goal is to keep the solar panel and transparent cover clean. There shouldn't be a layer of dust or grime to affect the performance.
Inspect solar lights every month. If there is any dirt, you should clean it. In suburban areas, it takes 2-3 months to have a significant layer of direct. In a dry, dusty, and coastal region, you must clean the solar light every month.
But if there was a storm, you should clean up after that. In the case of pollen season, you may need to clean early.
Part 3. What You'll Need to Clean Your Solar Lights
You need a few things to clean your solar lights properly.
- Soft microfiber cloth
- Mild dish soap
- Soft-bristle brush
- Vinegar
- Cotton swab
You must avoid abrasive items and harsh chemicals.
Part 4. How to Clean Solar Lights? Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Take a dry and soft cloth and get rid of the loose debris from the solar panel, light housing, etc. Be gentle and remove as much as you can. Use a soft brush to clean the corners, bezel, and seams.
Step 2: Take a bucket of water, preferably warm, and add a few drops of mild dish soap. Mix it well. Dip a microfiber cloth in the bucket. Wring it out to remove excess water. The cloth should be wet but not dripping.
Step 3: Wipe the solar light. Do it in circular motion and cover every space. If there is any stubborn stain or bird dropping, do not apply force or scrub the area. Instead, make it wet by leaving the wet cloth for 30-40 seconds. Then, gently wipe the area.
Step 4: Use a new microfiber cloth and damp it with plain water. Wipe the solar light again to get rid of the soapy residue.
Step 5: It's time to dry out the surface. Use a dry microfiber cloth and gently buff on the area.
Step 6: Finally, check the battery compartment. If there is any white or green powder on the terminals, you should clean it. Remove the battery, and use a cotton swab dipped in vinegar. Gently clean the terminals and then use a dry cotton swab. Once the terminals are dry, insert the batteries again.
Part 5. How to Restore Cloudy or Yellowed Solar Light Panels
The solar panel and the plastic lens turn yellow or cloudy after long-term UV exposure. It's extremely common, and it indicates that the plastic has been oxidized.
If the plastic on the solar panel is oxidized, it will scatter light before it reaches the solar cells. Thus, the performance of the panel is affected. Secondly, the oxidized lens will make the bright light dull. Thus, it is necessary to restore it.
After deep cleaning the solar lights, you can restore the cloudy surface. For this, you need a non-whitening toothpaste. Put a pea-sized amount on the solar panel and lens. Use a dry, soft cloth and rub the toothpaste over the surface firmly. Rub in circular motion for about 2 minutes. Finally, wipe clean with a damp cloth.
You can also find plastic restorers online. These are specifically for car headlights. They can break down the oxidized layer and make it cleaner.
After cleaning, apply a layer of UV clear coat. It re-seals the plastic and prevents it from turning yellow or cloudy again.
Part 6. Pro Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Solar Lights Bright
- Inspect solar lights every two weeks. If it's dirty, you can wipe the surface for quick cleaning. And do regular deep cleaning every 1-2 months, depending on the area you live in.
- Always apply a solar shield to protect the light from harmful UV rays. It reduces the life of the solar light. After cleaning, apply a thin coat of plastic UV-protectant.
- Check the battery every month. If the terminals are oxidized, clean them. If the battery is leaking, replace it. Go with a high-quality battery recommended by the manufacturer. NiMH batteries are excellent.
- For better performance, check if there is any shadow on the solar panel during the day. It could be due to a tree or a neighbor's house. If there is any shadow, it's better to change the position.
Part 7. When to Replace Outdoor Solar Lights Instead of Cleaning
Solar lights have a limited life. If you see the following issues and signs, it's better to replace the light instead of cleaning.
Replace if:
- The solar panel is severely damaged. The microcracks and cloudy surface won't let it generate enough electricity.
- The light lens is extremely yellow, reducing the brightness. In normal cases, you can clean it to some extent, but if it's too yellow, replace it.
- There are issues with the wiring, batteries, and terminals. Replace the light as the repairs will cost more.
- When you see the signs of water damage, replace the light.
For optimal performance, you can go with the Govee Outdoor Solar String Lights. With the RGBICW technology and LuminBlend™, you can enjoy 16 million colors to set the desired ambiance and mood. It's equipped with a 6W high-power solar panel and a high-capacity battery to offer 13 hours of performance from dawn to dusk. It's built for harsh outdoor conditions and is also IP67 waterproof. Enjoy 100+ preset scenes, music sync, and smart controls.
FAQs about Solar Light Cleaning
Can you use WD-40 to clean solar lights?
No, do not use WD-40 to clean solar lights. It's not a cleaner; it's a lubricant. It will attract more dust and debris and create a thick layer of grime in no time. It can also damage low-quality plastics.
How to remove the haze on solar lights?
The haze on the solar lights is due to UV oxidation. After deep cleaning, use a small amount of non-whitening toothpaste and rub it with a microfiber cloth for 2 minutes. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
How to bring solar lights back to life?
First, you should deep-clean the light. After that, check the battery compartment. Clean the terminals and replace the battery. If the panel and lens are cloudy, use toothpaste to clean them. Then, check if the light is working or not. If it is still not working, replacement is a better option.
Do you take the clear film off solar lights?
Yes, it is necessary to remove the clear film on new solar lights. Otherwise, it will reflect a portion of light and reduce efficiency. Secondly, it will stick to the solar pane and lens due to heat, so it will be a bit difficult to remove it later.
What is the best thing to clean solar lights?
A mild dish soap is excellent for cleaning solar lights. It does not damage the solar panel or the light lens.
Is Dawn dish soap good for cleaning solar panels?
Yes, you can use Dawn dish soap for cleaning solar panels. It's non-abrasive, gentle, and an excellent degreaser. It effectively cleans the solar panel and lens.
Conclusion
Cleaning can restore the brightness and performance of solar lights. However, you must do it the right way. Otherwise, you might end up damaging the delicate solar panel and light lens. We have explained the step-by-step process that you can easily follow to improve the light's performance. But if the light is in pretty bad condition, it's better to buy a new one instead of cleaning it.
