Have you ever owned a set of plastic solar lights and found that after a few months of use, they turn from a bright white to a dirty yellow? It’s not the prettiest sight, but don’t worry! We will tell you how to clean yellowed plastic solar lights so they can look new again.
To clean your cloudy or yellowed plastic solar lights, you’ll need a few household items. You can opt for two methods to make sure your solar lights will look shiny and new.
Keep reading for instructions.
Table of Contents
How Do Solar Lights Work? [What Are Their Components?]
Solar lights are outdoor lighting that runs on sunshine.
They usually contain a solar cell and a rechargeable battery, which store the energy produced by the sun until it is needed.
When the sun goes down and the solar panel no longer receives photons, the battery kicks in and provides light.
Solar lights are a fantastic method to save money since they do not rely on grid power.
They’re also simple to set up and require minimal upkeep.
The solar panel makes a solar light function.
The solar panel is typically made of thin silicon, a semiconductor.
When the sun’s rays touch silicon, it causes electrons to detach from their atoms.
These free-flowing electrons go through wires to the positive side of the solar panel, generating an electric current.
The protective glass cover on the panel keeps it safe from harm and keeps it clean.
The battery is an important part of a solar light.
It stores electrical energy collected from the solar panel to be used later.
Batteries are usually made up of nickel-cadmium or lead-acid, both types of rechargeable batteries.
The capacity of the battery has a significant impact on how long the light can be used after dark.
A modest battery, for example, may only last for two hours, but a larger battery might endure for eight hours or more.
Do Solar Lights Get Weaker Over Time?
Solar lights will get weaker over time, but how quickly depends on the quality of the solar lights and how well you care for them.
Even then, with the best care, it’s safe to say that solar lights get weaker over time as the batteries gradually lose their capacity to hold a charge.
If you notice your solar lights aren’t performing as well as they used to, it’s probably time to replace the batteries.
How to Clean Yellowed Plastic Solar Lights?
Over time, not only do they get weaker, but plastic solar lights can become yellowed and dull-looking.
While this doesn’t affect the function of the light, it can be unsightly.
Luckily, there are a few simple ways to clean your plastic solar lights and restore them to their original condition.
How to Clean Yellowed Plastic Solar Lights: Method 1
One way to clean yellowed plastic solar lights is to soak them in a solution of vinegar and water for a few hours.
After soaking, scrub the lights with a soft brush to remove any dirt or grime.
Rinse the lights thoroughly with clean water and allow them to air dry.
If your plastic solar lights are extremely dirty, you may need to use a stronger cleaning solution.
One option is to mix equal parts vinegar and baking soda to create a powerful cleaning paste.
Apply the paste to the lights with a soft cloth and scrub gently until the dirt comes off.
Rinse the lights well with clean water and allow them to air dry.
With just a little effort, you can easily clean yellowed plastic solar lights and make them look new again.
How to Clean Yellowed Plastic Solar Lights: Method 2
Another way to clean your solar lights is by following the next steps.
First, remove the batteries from the solar lights.
Next, mix a solution of one part bleach with ten parts water.
Carefully dip a soft cloth into the solution and use it to wipe down the surface of the plastic solar lights.
Be sure to avoid getting any of the solutions on the solar panel or batteries.
Once you have wiped down the lights, rinse them off with clean water and allow them to air dry.
How to Clean Cloudy Plastic Solar Lights?
One of the most frustrating things about solar lights is when they get cloudy and lose their shine.
Luckily, there are a few easy steps you can follow to clean your solar lights and make them look like new again.
First, remove the light from the ground and unscrew the cap.
Next, take a damp cloth and wipe down the lenses, being careful not to get the electrical components wet.
Once the lenses are clean, screw the cap back on and re-insert the light into the ground.
Finally, give the light a couple of days to charge up and enjoy your newly refreshed solar light!
Most outdoor solar lights will last for several years.
How Long Do Solar Lights Last?
However, the specific lifespan of a solar light depends on several factors, including the materials used, the quality of the batteries, and the amount of sunlight that the light receives.
However, you can expect an outdoor solar light to last for at least five years, and potentially much longer.
With proper care and maintenance, it is not uncommon for solar lights to last for ten years or more.
If you are looking for a long-lasting outdoor lighting solution, solar lights are an excellent option.
Final Thoughts
Over time, plastic solar lights can become yellowed and discolored. While this may not affect the performance of the light, it can be unsightly. If you want to clean your plastic solar lights, there are a few simple steps you can follow.
To start, gather up your dirty solar lights and use one of the two methods we have explained.
By using the first method, you’ll need some distilled white vinegar, a toothbrush, and a dry cloth.
If you opt for the second method, you’ll need to mix one part bleach with ten parts water.
In both cases, you’ll have to wipe the outside of the solar lights to remove any dirt or dust that has built up on the surface.
Next, dip the toothbrush in the solution and use it to scrub away grime or build-up on the surface of the solar lights.
Finally, you’ll use a dry cloth to wipe them and remove any residue.
By following these steps, your solar lights should look shiny and new.