What to Do when Light Bulbs Get Dirty
Friday 12 March 2010 @ 8:42 am

Everyone knows that light bulbs get dusty and dirty, but they are often overlooked when cleaning the home. What happens over time is that people believe the bulbs to be dimming and losing power, when in fact they are just dirty. So before changing that energy efficient light bulb, clean it properly and see the difference. In fact, cleaning your light bulbs will increase the amount of light by 20 percent, while using the same amount of energy.

It’s interesting to note that although light bulbs have been around for a long time, it’s recently that there have been major advancements in the efficiency of light bulbs. As many homeowners and businesses make the shift to using energy efficient alternatives, it’s important to know how to maintain them in order to maximize their usage. After all, a few extra minutes of time leads to brighter and more favorable lighting conditions without increasing your energy bill.

Cleaning Lampshades and Light Fixtures

To maximize your lights’ intensity, be sure to clean the fixtures as well. Lampshades are best cleaned by vacuuming them with a small hose attachment. This will remove the dirt and debris, without ruining the surface of the lampshade. If your bulbs are in a light fixture or sconce, clean the fixture before putting the light bulb back in the socket. It’s best to read the manufacturer’s directions on what types of cleaning products can be used on the fixtures, but generally using a cloth with warm water is sufficient. Clean the fixture by wiping out dust and buildup, as well as any old bugs that may have collected in ceiling fixtures.

Maintaining Energy Efficient Light Bulbs

Once the light bulbs have been cleaned properly, maintain them on a regular basis by wiping them down twice a month using a micro-fiber cloth. For the best results, unscrew the bulb from its socket and wipe it down with the cloth. Once cleaned, secure the base of the bulb into the light socket and turn on the power.

If you don’t have time to unscrew all the bulbs from their sockets, turn off the power and gently wipe them down using a lint-free cloth. While you will not be able to reach in between all the grooves, this will help upkeep them in between cleanings. Remember, this additional minute of cleaning adds up to 20 percent more light in your home.

What if an Energy Efficient Light Bulb Breaks?

Any time you handle an energy efficient light bulb, you must know how to properly dispose of one in case it breaks. These light bulbs are delicate and fragile and can be easily broken if not handled properly. Energy efficient light bulbs are different than incandescent light bulbs in that they contain a small amount of mercury. While this amount does not pose a threat when inside the light bulb, if broken, the mercury can leak out and become a hazard.

Comments Off - Posted in Living With Tools, Shopping Portal, Technology Center 




Be Mindful when Utilising Step Ladders
Friday 23 October 2009 @ 7:47 pm

Ladders are very useful instruments utilised in houses, libraries, workshops and storage warehouses. Plainly, they allow us to function on heights or floors that we cannot get hold of. Some instances of these jobs are piling in cupboards, cleansing windowpanes and even clipping trees.


There are many kinds of ladders we can pick out from. One of them is named Step Ladders. Its pattern alone makes it stick out from other ladder types. When you use it, it would take the form of an reversed V. Step Ladders are truly pertinent for many jobs particularly those in low levels. Flexibility is a characteristic that makes it very popular to work with. Depending on the angles, distance and reach, you can simply conform them to array them on the surface you’ll be working on.


You can discover that Step Ladders are constructed from different materials like timber, aluminium and fiberglass.


When choosing a step ladder, base your conclusion on a number of components. Let’s talk about quality first. Naturally, we would need ladders that are good to work on. We should fend off falls because they can lead to accidental injuries. A step ladder that is vigorous, demands minimal maintenance and safe is a superb decision. Dont hurriedly go for the most affordable ones as they might be below the standard. It is better to buy ladders that are trustworthy and provide guarantee. Recall that your protection should likewise be regarded.


Second is fixing the length. It would be unserviceable if it’s too short. Assure you know what the properlength is. For levels under 20 feet, Step Ladders are commonly utilised. As a standard rule, select a step ladder that is 4 feet shorter than the maximum peak. So for instance, if youll be working 14 feet from the ground, then you should choose a step ladder that measures 10 feet. Extension ladders are most relevant when working on tiptops 20 feet or more.


Finally, see also the burden that the step ladder can carry. When subjected to weights more than its capacity, they will become breakable and unsound for use over time. Make positive you know the total load capacity of a particular step ladder. To check the total burden capacity, you merely need to add your weight unitedly with the tools you be bringing with you. Step ladders can likewise be grouped corresponding to maximum load capacity with Type 1 ladders sustaining loads up to 250 lbs.. They are relevant for house jobs like painting the ceiling. It is appropriate to use Type 1A for loads weighing 300 lbs.. Building sustainment and other heavy jobs are what they are mostly utilised for. Type 1AA step ladders are commonly utilised for extra big duty tasks. They can carry up to 375 lbs..

Comments Off - Posted in Living With Tools, Shopping Portal