Solar powdered lights will be dim and not work properly if you do not clean their regularly (Image: Getty )
Solar-powered lights can make a garden look beautiful at night, and now in summer is the time to make the most out of them. However, they tend to become dim and not work properly, as most people do not check them regularly.
Paul Higgins, an expert from Electrical Faults Fixed, has shared that it is important to inspect your polar-powered lights as pollen and other typical garden debris can easily cover them up. He said, “Like any other outdoor fixture, solar garden lights are exposed to various elements such as dust, stubborn dirt, bird droppings, and harsh weather conditions that can affect their performance over time.”
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It is very easy for pollen and dust to cover solar lights in summer (Image: Getty)
It is highly recommended to check your solar-powered lights at least once a month, as this time of year is very dry, which encourages a lot of dust and pollen.
July is also when more people are spending time outdoors, and typical gardening jobs like mowing the lawn will also kick up debris, which can land on your lights.
Even just a thin coating will make solar lights ineffective, as it will completely block any sunlight reaching the battery, which is the most common reason they do not work.
If dirt is allowed to build up on solar lights, it can eventually cause cracking, which will allow water to reach the battery, which will completely break it.
However, it is very easy to clean solar-powered lights, and it should also take roughly five minutes, so your garden will be well lit in no time.
If you spend a few minutes checking your solar lights once a month they will last a lot longer (Image: Getty)
How to clean solar-powered lights to keep them working properly
To begin, make sure to turn off the lights to stay safe and avoid any electronic problems. Then, use a damp cloth to remove any visible dirt.
Be careful not to use a hard brush when cleaning your solar lights, as it is very easily for them to become scratched, so you need to be as gentile as possible.
Next, mix a little washing-up liquid and warm water in a bowl, then dip an old toothbrush in the soapy solution and use it to remove any excess dust.
Washing up liquid is gentle so will not damage the protective coating on the solar light, and is perfect to remove any sticky dust clinging to the surface.
Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners when cleaning your lights (Image: Getty)
Paul said, “Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners and instead only opt for mild detergents when cleaning your lights, especially the solar cells’ surface.”
Make sure to only use a few drops of washing-up liquid, as too much will create a film which will also block sunlight and make cleaning the garden light pointless.
If you have any stubborn debris that is not coming off, then mix one teaspoon of white vinegar into your soapy mixture. Vinegar is acidic, which can cut through tough stains, but is still gentle enough not to damage the solar light.
Do not worry if you do notice any small scratches on your solar lights, as you can use clear nail varnish to protect the light from water or dirt getting into the crack.
Paul said, “If there appear to be any surface scratches on the solar cells after cleaning, a clear nail polish can be used as a protective layer to prevent scratches from occurring. “
After cleaning, inspect the light to ensure the battery, metal areas, and plastic coverings are free of dust and are not damaged.
Your solar lights should now be completely clean and glowing, so you can enjoy your summer nights in the garden in comfort rather than struggling to see in the dark.