How to Clean Yellowed Plastic Solar Lights

If you’ve ever owned solar lights, then you know the problem of yellow oxidation. This is when the plastic on the light starts to turn a yellowish-brown color, and it’s not attractive at all. The good news is that you can fix this problem using a homemade oxidation-removal solution.

If you follow these steps, your solar lights should look good as new!

Tools and Materials Needed

• Bucket or container large enough to submerge the light in
• Dishwashing soap
• White vinegar
• Water
• Scrub brush or toothbrush
• Soft cloths
• Qtips (optional)
• Sunshine (optional)

Step by Step Guide to Cleaning Yellowed Solar Lights

Step One: Fill Your Bucket

Fill your bucket or container with warm water and add a couple of drops of dishwashing soap. Swirl the solution around until it’s sudsy.

Step Two: Add White Vinegar to The Solution

Add white vinegar to the solution until it’s about halfway full. Again, swirl the mixture around until everything is combined.

Step Three: Wipe the Solar Light

Wipe the solar light with the soapy water/vinegar solution. The solution will eat away at the oxidation, breaking it down and allowing you to wipe most of it off. Take extra care to avoid getting water inside the lights.

Step Four: Use a Scrub Brush

Use a scrub brush or toothbrush to clean the light, making sure to get into all of the nooks and crannies. Be careful not to damage the light in any way.

Step Five: Dry

Pat the solar light dry with a soft cloth. If any stubborn areas still need cleaning, use a Q-tip dipped in a vinegar solution.

Step Six: Use as Normal!

Use your solar light as normal after cleaning it. It should look just like new again!

Solar Lights You Can Clean Using this Method

This cleaning technique may be used on a wide range of solar lights, including:

• Solar Deck Lights: Deck lights are exposed to the elements, and they can become dirty or stained as a result. If your deck lights have yellowed out, then cleaning them will bring their color right back.
• Solar Pathway Lights: Pathway lights are also exposed to the elements, which can cause them to yellow over time. Cleaning them with this method will restore their original luster.
• Solar Spot Lights: Spot lights are a great way to light up an area, and if they’ve become yellowed over time, you can clean them using this guide.
• Solar Pool Lights: Pool lights are completely submerged in water, so if they’ve become yellowed over time, cleaning them with this method will restore them to their original color.
• Solar Fence Lights: Fence lights are completely exposed, meaning they can easily become dirty or yellowed over time. Cleaning them with this guide will bring their color back to life.
• Solar Christmas Lights: Christmas lights are a great way to decorate your home, but if they’ve become stained or yellowed over time, you can clean them with this guide.
• Solar Disk Lights: Disk lights are a unique type of solar light that can be used in a variety of ways. If they’ve become yellowed over time, cleaning them with this guide will bring their color back to life.
• Solar Dock Lights: Dock lights are installed on docks to make them more visible. If your dock lights have become stained or yellowed, cleaning them with this method will bring their color right back.
• Solar Landscape Lights: Landscape lights are installed in yards to highlight certain areas or features, and if they have become yellowed over time, cleaning them with this guide will restore their color.
• Solar Porch Lights: Porch lights are a great way to light up your front porch, and if they’ve become yellowed over time, cleaning them with this guide will bring their color back to life.
• Solar Driveway Lights:  Driveway lights are installed alongside driveways to make them more visible, especially at night. If your driveway lights have become stained or yellowed over time, cleaning them with this method will restore their color.
• Solar Post Cap Lights:  Post cap lights are installed on top of posts to provide extra light. If your post cap lights have become stained or yellowed over time, cleaning them with this guide will restore their color.
• Solar Step Lights:  Step lights are installed on steps to provide extra light and safety. Cleaning your step lights with this technique will restore their color if they’ve deteriorated or gotten yellowed over time.

Case Study: Restoring the Clarity of Yellowed Plastic Solar Lights

Background

At Solar Panels Network USA, our mission is to help homeowners maintain the efficiency and aesthetics of their solar lighting systems. A common issue faced by many of our clients is the yellowing of plastic solar lights due to oxidation. This not only affects the appearance of the lights but can also impact their performance. This case study highlights our approach to resolving this issue effectively.

Project Overview

A residential client approached us with several yellowed solar lights that had lost their original clarity and brightness. These included various types such as deck lights, pathway lights, and spotlights. The primary objective was to restore the lights to their original condition using a safe and cost-effective cleaning method.

Implementation

Diagnosis and Preparation

Upon inspection, we confirmed that the yellowing was due to oxidation, a common problem caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight. We decided to use a homemade cleaning solution consisting of dishwashing soap, white vinegar, and water, which is known for its effectiveness in removing oxidation from plastic surfaces.

Cleaning Process

1. Preparation of Cleaning Solution We filled a large container with warm water and added a few drops of dishwashing soap, mixing until it became sudsy. Then, we added white vinegar to the solution until the container was about halfway full, ensuring thorough mixing.
2. Initial Cleaning Each solar light was carefully wiped with the soapy vinegar solution using a soft cloth. This step helped break down the oxidation layer, making it easier to remove.
3. Detailed Scrubbing Using a scrub brush and toothbrush, we meticulously cleaned each light, focusing on the nooks and crannies to ensure all areas were addressed. This step was crucial for removing stubborn oxidation and dirt.
4. Final Rinse and Drying After scrubbing, the lights were rinsed with clear water and patted dry with soft cloths. For any remaining stubborn areas, a Q-tip dipped in vinegar solution was used to clean the small crevices.

Preventive Measures

To prevent future yellowing, we advised the client to regularly clean the lights and ensure they are positioned in areas that receive balanced sunlight without excessive exposure. We also recommended occasional repositioning to avoid uneven wear and tear.

Results

The cleaning process was highly effective, restoring the solar lights to their near-original clarity and brightness. The client was extremely satisfied with the results, noting a significant improvement in both the appearance and functionality of the lights. This not only enhanced the aesthetics of their outdoor space but also ensured better performance of the solar panels.

Summary

This case study demonstrates the importance of regular maintenance and proper cleaning techniques for solar lights. By using a simple yet effective homemade cleaning solution, we were able to restore the client’s yellowed solar lights, improving both their look and efficiency. At Solar Panels Network USA, we are committed to providing practical solutions that help our customers maintain their solar systems in optimal condition.

Expert Insights From Our Solar Panel Installers About How to Clean Yellowed Plastic Solar Lights

Yellowing of solar lights is a common issue due to prolonged exposure to sunlight. Using a vinegar solution is a safe and effective way to restore the clarity of the plastic without causing damage.

Senior Solar Technician

Regular maintenance, including cleaning with a mild soap and vinegar solution, not only improves the appearance of solar lights but also enhances their performance by ensuring the panels are not obstructed by dirt.

Lead Solar Installer

While cleaning solar lights, it’s crucial to avoid getting water inside the fixture. This can be done by carefully wiping and drying the components, ensuring they are free from moisture before reassembling.

Solar Installation Specialist

Our Expertise in Solar Lights

At Solar Panels Network USA, we’re here to provide you with valuable information and support regarding solar lighting. With our experience and understanding of the solar lighting industry, our team of experts is prepared to assist you in finding the right lighting solution for your needs. Whether you’re interested in improving your outdoor spaces, conserving energy, or adopting a more sustainable approach, we’re well-equipped to help. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or inquiries.

Conclusion

And that’s how you clean yellowed plastic solar lights! They’ll be good as new in no time. Thanks for reading!

Yellowed Solar Light FAQ

Why do solar lights turn yellow?

Yellowing is caused by years of exposure to the sun. The plastic on solar lights can yellow anywhere from one year to three depending on how much time they spend in direct sunlight vs under a covered area etc.

It’s not harmful, but it certainly isn’t attractive!

What causes some types of solar light bulbs to turn more quickly than others?

Manufacturing quality – if there are any flaws or impurities during manufacturing, this could lead to early oxidation/yellowing. Some manufacturers will use different colors for lamps that oxidize faster (for example an orange lamp), so you don’t end up with all your lights looking bad after only a few months. This way you’ll know which ones need special attention and won’t be caught off guard.

Can I use a different cleaning solution?

If you don’t have white vinegar or dishwashing soap, you can try using a 50/50 mixture of bleach and water as an alternative. Be very careful when using this mixture – it’s highly corrosive! Wear goggles and a mask, if possible. If droplets of bleach enter your eyes, mouth, or nose, the lining of these regions may be irritated.

While hydrogen peroxide can be used as an alternative to white vinegar, it is not recommended. Hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent and can damage the plastic on solar lights. If you choose to use this solution, test it in an inconspicuous area first to make sure there is no adverse reaction before proceeding with full cleaning.

What is yellow oxidation?

Yellow oxidation is when the plastic on solar lights turns a yellowish-brown color. It’s unsightly and can make your solar light look old and dingy, but don’t worry because it’s easy to fix!

How long will the oxidation removal process take?

As long as it takes for the solution to break down and wipe off the oxidation! If you have a lot of lights, this could take 30-60 minutes or more.