The yellowing of plastic solar lights is a common problem caused by the accumulation of dirt and grime on the surface of the lights. Over time, this dirt and grime build up and cause the plastic to discolor, resulting in a yellowish hue.
This can affect the aesthetic appeal of the lights and their performance, as dirt and grime can act as a barrier between the light source and the surface of the plastic, reducing its effectiveness.
Cleaning these solar lights is essential to maintain their performance and aesthetic appeal. Regular cleaning can help remove dirt and grime and make the lights look as good as new.
Cleaning plastic solar lights can be time-consuming, and only some know how to do it. However, the right cleaning products and techniques can be done quickly and effectively.
This article will discuss the materials and methods for cleaning plastic solar lights and tips for keeping them clean and functioning well.
How To Clean Yellowed Plastic Solar Lights
Materials Needed to Clean off Oxidation On Solar Lights
Let’s discuss about the materials needed to clean the yellowed plastic on your solar lights. This cleaning method will work with various types of solar lights, such as pathways, spots, walls, and step lights.
These are the materials needed to clean yellowed plastic solar lights include a soft cloth, mild soap or detergent, water, and a bucket. The soft cloth can wipe away any dirt and dust from the solar lights. Mild soap or detergent can be used to help dissolve grease and other deposits.
Water will be needed to rinse the lights after cleaning and to mix with soap or detergent. A bucket can be used to mix the cleaning solution and to hold the solar lights while cleaning. All of these materials can be purchased from a local hardware store or online from retailers such as Amazon.
Step-By-Step Cleaning Process
- Gather the necessary items: soft cloth, cleaning solution (dish soap and warm water mixture, white vinegar, baking soda, and ammonia), and rubber gloves.
- Examine the yellowed plastic solar lights to determine how severe the discoloration is. If it is only a slight yellowing, then proceed to the next step; otherwise, skip to Step 4.
- Put on the rubber gloves and dampen the soft cloth with the dish soap and warm water mixture. Gently rub the cloth in a circular motion on the surface of the solar lights for about 10 minutes, being careful not to scratch the plastic.
- Rinse the lights with warm water and dry them with a clean cloth. If the yellowing is still present, proceed to the next step.
- Create a paste of baking soda and white vinegar. Rub the yellowed area in a circular motion using the soft cloth and the paste for about 10 minutes.
- Rinse the lights with warm water and dry them with a clean cloth. If the yellowing is still present, proceed to the next step.
- Dip a clean cloth in a mixture of one-part ammonia and one-part water. Rub the yellowed area in a circular motion for about 10 minutes.
- Rinse the lights with warm water and dry them with a clean cloth.
- Examine the plastic solar lights to ensure that the yellowing has been successfully removed.
Additional Tips And Tricks For Maintaining Solar Lights
• Place the solar lights in the sun for a few hours to undo any oxidation.
• Wash the lights with mild soap and warm water, then rinse with clean water.
• Use a soft cloth or sponge to scrub the plastic surface of the solar lights.
• Use a toothbrush to reach hard-to-clean areas.
• If the solar lights are dirty, try using white vinegar and mixed water in a 1:1 ratio.
• To protect the plastic, use a soft microfiber cloth to gently wipe the surface of the solar lights.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials on the plastic, as this could damage the surface.
• Avoid using a pressure washer or steam cleaner to clean the solar lights, as this could cause the plastic to melt or warp.
• After cleaning, make sure to let the solar lights dry completely before storing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to regularly clean plastic solar lights in order to maintain their proper functioning and aesthetic appeal. Cleaning yellowed plastic solar lights can be a time-consuming and tedious task, but the results are worth it.
You can restore your solar lights to their former glory with the right tools and techniques. We hope this article has encouraged readers to share their tips and experiences with cleaning yellowed plastic solar lights.