Updated at: 03-11-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

Every indoor garden is powered by the light energy emitted by a horticulture lighting system. It’s for this reason that indoor growers devote so much effort to ensuring their lights are working properly. High-performance indoor gardens benefit greatly from the reflectors offered by P.L. Light Systems. Light systems for horticultural purposes have been developed through many years of research and development. It is recommended that the horticulturist clean the reflector and bulb on a regular basis to ensure the best possible performance. Reflectors can lose as much as 15 percent of their light output due to the accumulation of dirt, dust, and other residues on them. Cleansing reflectors, even in clean environments like gardens, is important since dust and debris build up over time.

The horticulturist should first ensure that the fixture is unplugged (or the power is turned off) and the bulb has had time to cool down before cleaning the bulb and reflector. Once the bulb has been carefully removed, the gardener should use gloves or a towel to clean it. The horticulture can now follow P.L. Light System’s reflector cleaning recommendations with the bulb removed.

P.L. Light System’s Reflector Cleaning Instructions

Remove the reflector from the light fixture with care. Rinse the reflector with water to eliminate any residues or environmental pollution that may have built up over time. For this phase, spraying the reflector with a low-powered hose is ideal. The majority of the debris on the reflector will be removed in this first step.

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Two hundred percent vinegar and water in a large basin is the ideal solution for cleaning (1 part vinegar to 100 parts water). Clean the reflector by submerging it in water and using a gentle brush. A foliar spray, a pesticide, or condensation might leave residues on the surface of the soil. This process removes these contaminants.

Then, in a third large basin, add clean, cold water. Remove the cleaning solution by rinsing the reflector with clear water.

Finally, add distilled water to a third basin. Remove any hard water residue from the reflector by rinsing it in distilled water. Leaving hard water streaks on the reflector’s surface is possible if this step is skipped. Steps 1 to 4 should be repeated if there are any leftovers remaining.

The Fixture

As a result, dust and other outside effects can severely damage the fixture’s electronics. PL Light System’s fixtures include an unique membrane that prevents dust from entering while yet providing great ventilation. Additionally, the membrane serves as a barrier to keep the electronics dry. One of the reasons that P.L. Light System fixtures outperform and outlast other light systems on the market is because of the protective membrane.

Cleaning the HID Bulb

The horticulturist can clean or replace the HID bulb after reinstalling the reflector. A gardener can use isopropyl alcohol and a soft cloth to clean a HID bulb. Using your fingers after cleaning the bulb might generate a “hotspot” on the bulb, which can cause it to fail or even worse. Place the bulb back into the reflector with gloves or a cloth.

Mark the Calendar

Every year, the bulbs and reflectors should be cleaned and checked for damage. Many indoor horticulturists routinely maintain their bulbs and reflectors. After each gardening season, the horticulturist will carry out these duties. This ensures that the horticulturist will always be able to give his or her garden with the best possible light output.

How Do You Clean A Grow Light Reflector Correctly

There is no doubt that reflectors are essential for all interior lighting fixtures. The grow lights’ output can be reduced by up to 20% if the reflector is filthy or damaged. Therefore, the grow lights will be inefficient, and plants will not be able to perform photosynthesis as a result.

Step #1. Prepare materials

Prepare a microfiber cloth with a solution of 70 percent isopropyl alcohol and bottled water. Use of the same materials must be emphasized. Towels, for example, may scrape the reflector’s surface, even though they appear to be gentle.

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For the cleaning solution, you can’t use tap water, but you can use reverse osmosis water in its place. There are contaminants and minerals in tap water that can damage or leave a residue, depending on where you live.

Step #2. Wipe gently

Next, gently wipe the reflector of the grow lamp to remove any remaining residue. Using a new microfiber towel can help if you’re having trouble removing everything. Cleansing residue and grime can be removed with a tiny bit of water.

When cleaning the grow lamp reflector, don’t get frustrated if it takes longer or requires more towels. A layer of grime has formed, making cleanup more difficult. Even if the reflector doesn’t appear dirty to the human eye, even dust can reduce the reflector’s efficacy over time if you don’t clean it after each harvest.

Heavy soil

The mixture of alcohol and water should be able to remove heavy soil and even dirt and grease from the reflector. Using a cotton ball soaked in water to remove any remaining residue after wiping is a simple and effective solution. Stubborn residues and stains that have accrued over time should also be addressed using citrus cleaners.

The stains and deposits can be scraped off, but doing so will harm the reflectors. However, you should not think that you can substitute extremely acidic citrus cleansers or white spirit for methylated spirits. In addition to ultrasonic cleaners, other cleaning goods and systems with specialized labels will do more harm than good to your reflectors as well.

Light soil

By following the manufacturer’s directions for the cleaner, citrus cleaning can be used to remove light soiling. In addition to avoiding other cleaners such as vinegar, alkaline, and neutral products, dilute the substance first. Always use a new and clean cotton cloth while wiping the surface to avoid leaving behind fingerprints.

Dirt

Compressed air or a soft duster may easily remove dirt and dust from the reflector. No matter how easy it is to remove the materials, you should still use gentle wiping techniques. Also, make sure the duster you’re going to use is clean before you start using it.

How to clean a PL light system reflector?

What should you do if you need to clean the reflector of a PL light system? Remove it from its socket and flush it with water from the inside and outside. You may also prefer to use a low-pressure hose to remove most of the dust and grime from the surface.

Put 100 parts water in a basin and immerse it in a solution of 1 part vinegar to 100 parts water after cleaning. To remove pesticide, condensation, or foliar spray residue from the reflector, use a soft brush and warm water. The next step is to rinse the prior solution in a fresh basin of water.

Finally, fill a sink halfway with pure water and run it over the reflector. This will remove hard water residues and maintain the surface free of dirt and grime. All of the processes can be repeated if the reflector still has residue.

When To Replace A Grow Light Reflector?

Even routine maintenance might degrade the reflector over time, so it’s best to replace it after a year. This is a more cost-effective strategy than having to replace the entire fixture on a regular basis. Replacement of the reflector is influenced by your daily routine and the surrounding surroundings.

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Conclusion

To guarantee that the plants have the best possible conditions for growth, it is important to maintain the greenhouse. This includes being able to answer the question of how to properly clean a reflector on a grow light. A microfiber cloth and a mix of alcohol and water can be used to clean the grow light reflector.

Cotton, diluted citrus cleaning, or simply a duster can be used if the reflector is dirty or has a lot of residue. The efficiency of grow light reflectors might be greatly reduced if they are not properly maintained. As a result, they are linked to plant growth and productivity.