Are your solar lights losing their shine and efficiency? Before you consider replacing them, here’s a surprising solution: toothpaste! Yes, that’s right! The same toothpaste you use to keep your smile bright can also work wonders on cleaning and revitalizing your solar lights. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the process of cleaning solar lights with toothpaste or vinegar.
Cleaning Solar Lights with Toothpaste or Vinegar
Solar lights are great alternatives to regular lights as they brighten your outside space while also keeping your electricity bill in check. However, these lights aren’t invincible, they tend to collect dust and debris over time, reducing their efficiency.
If you feel that your solar lights aren’t working as usual and are dirty, then it’s time to clean them. Cleaning them with toothpaste or vinegar is simple and cost-effective. Let’s learn how to from the points below.
How to Clean Solar Lights with Toothpaste
To clean solar lights with toothpaste, you should first gather the required materials.
Material List
| Material | Description |
|---|---|
| Water | After cleaning, it’s crucial to rinse off the toothpaste from the solar light using a hose or water bucket. |
| Microfiber Cloth | For optimal solar light cleaning, microfiber towels are gentle on the lamp’s surface and effectively capture dirt and debris. |
| Toothpaste | It is recommended to use non-gel toothpaste, which serves as a gentle abrasive for effectively cleaning dirt and grime from the solar light. |
| Soft Bristle Brush | To clean the solar light effectively, gently scrub toothpaste into its surface using a soft-bristled brush to avoid scratching the light’s exterior. |
After procuring all the above-mentioned materials, follow the steps below for cleaning solar lights with toothpaste.
Step 1: Remove the Solar Light from Its Fixture
To start cleaning solar lights with toothpaste, remove them from their storage container or mounting brackets and relocate them elsewhere. To avoid damaging these fixtures or their wiring, remove them carefully. To remove the solar lights, you’ll need to
- To safely work on the solar light, begin by turning off the power to the fixture to avoid accidents.
- Next, use a screwdriver to remove any screws or bolts securing the solar light in the fence or wall.
- Finally, carefully pull the solar light out of its fixture.
Step 2: Remove Loose Dirt and Debris from the Solar Light
Use a brush to remove any loose dirt and debris from the solar light. It is important to complete this step before proceeding. Follow these steps to thoroughly clean the solar light and eliminate loose dirt and debris:
- Clean the surface of the solar light using a gentle brush or microfiber cloth, being careful and methodical. Moving the brush in a circular motion is recommended for best results.
- Take precautions to avoid scratching the lamp’s components and surface.
- By ensuring that lamp components remain undamaged, you can effectively prevent risks such as lamp breakage.
Step 3: Moisten Tour Toothpaste
After detaching the lights, wet the toothpaste by adding a small amount of water. This will create a paste-like consistency that effectively adheres to the surface of the lights, simplifying the removal of grime and debris.
Step 4: Apply Toothpaste to the Solar Light
After ensuring that the solar light is free of loose dirt and debris, proceed to apply toothpaste. The toothpaste acts as a gentle abrasive, effectively removing grime and debris from the surface of the solar light.
Apply some pressure to your toothbrush with toothpaste and begin scrubbing the light’s surface. Utilize circular motions to work the toothpaste into the light’s surface. It is crucial to use a brush with gentle bristles to avoid scratching the light’s surface. Follow these steps to apply toothpaste to the solar light:
- Squeeze a small amount of toothpaste onto a soft-bristled brush.
- Rub the surface of the solar light in a circular motion, paying attention to stubborn grime and debris.
- Be cautious to avoid getting toothpaste on the electrical components of the solar light.
Also Read: Does Cleaning Solar Panels Make a Difference?
Step 5: Rub the Solar Light with Toothpaste for a Few Minutes
To effectively clean the exterior of the solar light and eliminate dirt and grime, follow these steps:
- Spread toothpaste evenly over the solar light’s surface.
- Scrub the light using toothpaste, ensuring thorough coverage.
- If necessary, apply additional toothpaste for greater coverage. Repeat until the light no longer appears dirty.
- Wipe the lamp with toothpaste, paying attention to particularly dirty areas.
- Remember, the longer you scrub, the more thorough the cleaning of your solar lights. Always keep this in mind.
Step 6: Rinse the Solar Light with Water
After scrubbing with toothpaste, thoroughly rinse the solar light with water. Pay particular attention to cleaning the panels to prevent them from becoming cloudy. Also, avoid skipping this crucial step to maintain the cleanliness and effectiveness of the solar light.
To ensure proper cleaning and soaking for the solar light, follow these steps in order:
- Thoroughly clean the solar lamp using either a hose or a bucket. Both methods will effectively clean the lamp.
- Inspect the lamp’s surface for any particles, including toothpaste and grease.
- Take measures to protect the electrical components of the solar light from moisture.
Step 7: Wipe Off the Light with a Paper Towel or a Cloth
After rinsing the solar light with the cleaning water, use a clean towel or cloth to wipe away any remaining toothpaste residue. It is important to remove all this residue to maintain the efficiency of the panels. If necessary, have multiple towel options on hand to ensure thorough cleaning of the light fixture.
Step 8: Dry the Solar Light
To complete the second-to-last step, dry the solar light thoroughly. This will prevent water spots and prepare the light for reinstallation. Follow these steps to dry the solar light:
- Use a microfiber cloth to wipe the surface of the solar light, ensuring it is as clean as possible.
- Make sure to remove all water spots from the surface.
- Allow the solar light to air dry completely before reinstalling it.
Step 9: Reassemble Everything
At the last step of cleaning solar lights with toothpaste, you need to reassemble everything. Once the light has thoroughly dried, proceed to reattach it to its fixture or box and enjoy the light it emits. Regularly cleaning your solar lights with toothpaste will help ensure their long-lasting performance and maintain their optimal appearance over the years. After learning this toothpaste hack, let’s also see how to clean solar lights with vinegar.
Also See: 8 Benefits of Cleaning Solar Panels
How to Clean Solar Lights with Vinegar
Cleaning solar lights with toothpaste isn’t the only way to get sparkling solar lights, you can also use vinegar for the same. It is a natural cleaning agent and works wonders in lifting off grime and grease because of its acidity. It can even dissolve mineral scale and hard water buildup. To use it, you’ll need to mix it with water and a little bit of dish soap.
To clean solar lights with vinegar, follow these steps-
Step 1: Prepare Solution
To create the cleaning solution, blend 1/4 cup of vinegar with 2 cups of water and add 1/2 teaspoon of dish detergent. Thoroughly mix the solution and transfer it into a spray bottle for convenient application. If a spray bottle is unavailable, mix the solution in a bucket or large bowl and soak a washcloth in the mixture to use for cleaning.
Step 2: Wash the Panel
Apply the solution by spraying it onto the panel and use a washcloth to gently scrub away any debris. If you opt for the bucket and washcloth method, make sure to wring out the cloth to prevent excessive wetness while cleaning the panel. The solution will effectively lift any stubborn debris, restoring the panels on your solar lights to their peak efficiency. Now, let’s see how to clean plastic solar lights.
Also Read: Do Solar Lights Attract Bugs?
How to Clean Yellowed Plastic Solar Lights
To clean yellowed plastic solar lights, follow these steps-
Step 1: Prepare the Solution
In a bucket or container, fill it with warm water and add a few drops of dishwashing soap. Mix the solution until it becomes sudsy.
Step 2: Incorporate White Vinegar
Add white vinegar to the solution until the container is half full. Mix the solution thoroughly.
Step 3: Clean the Solar Light
Dip a cloth into the soapy water and vinegar solution, then wipe the surface of the solar light. The solution will break down oxidation, making it easier to remove. Take care to avoid getting water inside the lights.
Also See: Do Solar Lights Charge When Turned Off?
Step 4: Scrub with a Brush
Using a scrub brush or toothbrush, gently scrub the solar light, paying attention to hard-to-reach areas. Be cautious not to cause any damage to the light.
Step 5: Dry the Solar Light
Pat the solar light dry using a soft cloth. If there are stubborn spots that require further cleaning, use a Q-tip dipped in a vinegar solution.
Step 6: Resume Normal Use
Once the solar light is cleaned and dry, it is ready to be used again. You will notice a renewed and refreshed appearance. This is how to clean yellowed plastic solar lights. After this, let’s finally see if cleaning the solar panel with toothpaste helps.
Also Read: Can You Charge Solar Lights Inside?
Did Cleaning the Solar Panel with Toothpaste help?
After learning all the ways to clean plastic solar lights, you might be wondering if cleaning solar panels with toothpaste helps. Yes, this method is very effective. Toothpaste contains gentle abrasives that efficiently eliminate dirt and grime from the solar panels without causing any damage.
To conclude, cleaning solar lights with toothpaste is a simple and cost-effective hack. It can bring back your panel’s shine and maximize its performance. For more such amazing solar hacks, keep coming back to our website.
Recommended: Florida Solar Incentives 2023
