The U.S. Department of Energy says dirty light bulbs provide 30% less light than clean ones, so regular cleaning is a great habit to get into.  It pays to keep a few tips and tricks in mind to save time, brighten your home, and stay safe while doing so.

Because LED light bulbs have longer life spans compared to the older incandescent and fluorescent bulbs, you don’t switch out the bulbs as often, and they end up collecting more dust without regular cleaning. A thorough wipe with a dry cloth is the best method to rid the dust and dirt. A damp cloth or spraying solution are not recommended as they can damage the bulb.

Be safe when cleaning light bulbs throughout your home:

– First and foremost, always make sure power to the bulb is turned off. Removing any plugs connected to the bulb is recommended. Or for extra precaution turn off your lights at the circuit breaker.

– Even after power is turned off, it’s essential to wait until the bulb has cooled before doing any cleaning.

– Trying to clean a light bulb while it’s still connected to its socket makes the job that much harder, as well as more dangerous. Pull the bulb out when cleaning it.

– Damp cloths and spray cleaning chemicals can seep into the bulb or the fixture it’s connected to, damaging both. Instead, opt for a dry, gentle cloth to wipe bulbs down and remove any dust, dirt, or grime.

Remember, LED (Light–emitting Diode) bulbs use 80 to 90 percent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. They are more durable, lasting 15 to 25 years or more, and they usually don’t burn out or fail abruptly, but instead slowly fade out as they age. Prices have gone down dramatically, and with their longevity and energy efficiency, LED bulbs are a smart purchase.