How Do I Get My Vinyl Porch Lights White When They Have Turned Yellow?
- 1). Remove the vinyl light fixture cover. Some styles will simply lift off a base; for others you may need to remove screws or the light bulb.
- 2). Remove any loose surface dust by wiping the fixture with a cloth dipped in a soapy solution of warm water and dish detergent. Take care to remove dust from both the inside and outside surfaces.
- 3). Fill a bowl with hydrogen peroxide, and dip your plastic scrubbing pad into it. Rub the pad liberally over the surface of the fixture. If your fixture is not too large, you can also soak it in a sink or bathtub, and add enough peroxide to cover it. Use the pad to scrub the fixture's surface as it soaks. If you are able to soak the fixture, leave it for several hours to maximize the whitening effects of the peroxide and minimize the need for scrubbing.
- 4). Rinse the light fixture with water to remove any loosened dirt from the peroxide bath, as well as any leftover peroxide solution. If your fixture still appears yellow, dampen a melamine foam eraser, and move it over any remaining yellow or stained areas. Apply pressure as you move the eraser over the fixture, and use a scrubbing motion on particularly yellow areas.
- 5). Wipe off any remaining residue with a damp cloth, then dry thoroughly. If your light fixture still appears yellow, it is likely due to damage caused by chemical breakdowns rather than dirt. Restoring it means removing the top layer of damaged vinyl. You can attempt to sand it away with a very fine grit sandpaper, however, this will leave your fixture very scratched. It may be time to consider replacing the fixture.
- 6). Reattach your light fixture to your porch light.
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