How to Easily Remove Yellow Tint from Glass Globes in Light Fixtures

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Hello to all the DIY enthusiasts and home décor lovers out there! We’ve probably all had them in our homes before – Light fixtures with yellow tinted glass globes. They were once super trendy and used throughout the homes. But today these can be a real eyesore, right? But don’t worry, there’s no need to rush out and buy new glass globes just yet. Today, we’re going to share some simple steps to help give your yellow globes a new life. I’m sharing How to Easily Remove Yellow Tint from Glass Globes in Light Fixtures. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s bid farewell to that pesky yellow tint together!

Angela of Grassfed Mama shares healthy tips for busy moms.

Updating Lights in our New Home

If you follow me on social media, you may have known that we moved into a new home last year. After living in our previous home for almost 7 years, it became clear that our family had changed and that home that we once loved wasn’t fitting our needs anymore. I’m sure if you are a special needs family or are close to one, you know all the different safety challenges that come with that life. With my son, we just needed a new home and environment to keep him safe – and honestly it was a great move for the whole family!

After looking at probably more than 100 homes in person and online, we finally found a home that fit our unique needs and we just fell in love instantly. One cosmetic issue was most of the light fixtures in our new home used yellow tinted frosted globes… you may love these – and that’s okay! But for me, the lights just added a yellow hue all over the house when I really wanted more white and bright lighting.

In our hallway, we decided to swap out the old flush-mounted light fixtures altogether. You know the ones – the “boob lights” that were all along our hallway and had turned a lovely shade of yellow! I couldn’t wait to switch them out, haha!

These new flush mount ceiling lights (check out the picture below) were a lifesaver for updating those outdated “boob lights.” They’ve been perfect in our hallway, and they didn’t break the bank! As for our other fixtures like pendant lights, chandeliers, and wall-mounted lights, I just wanted to change the globe color from yellow to white (or clear).

I priced out what it would be to just buy all new light fixtures. Even on sale, I was looking at $1,000 just in light upgrades (and this didn’t include the bathrooms!) After the costs of moving and buying a new home, I had other priorities of where to spend my money. Spending all that money on lights just didn’t really seem like the best place to start with upgrades.

Then, I priced out buying new globes. You can find several options at your local home store and online. They can be as inexpensive as $5 up to $15 per globe depending on what you are looking for. But if you are like me and have an itch for a little DIY, this may be a project you want to try! I figured if it didn’t turn out, I would just replace the globes and that didn’t seem much of a risk for me. Next, I’m going to share a few options you can try for removing the tint from glass globes.

Options for Removing Yellow Tint from Glass Globes

There are several effective methods to remove the yellow tint from glass globes in light fixtures. I searched and researched a few different options and decided to go with one that I felt was the best fit for us (I’ll tell you which one in a sec). Here are some common ways you can remove yellow tint from glass globes:

1. Acetone Solution:

Acetone, commonly found in nail polish remover, can be an effective cleaner for removing yellow stains from glass. Simply dampen a soft cloth with acetone and gently rub the surface of the glass globe in circular motions. Be sure to wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area. After cleaning, rinse the globe with water and dry it thoroughly to reveal a clearer shine.

2. Oven Cleaner:

For more stubborn yellow stains, oven cleaner can come to the rescue. Spray a small amount of oven cleaner onto the affected areas of the glass globe, taking care to avoid any metal or painted surfaces. Allow the cleaner to sit for a few minutes to loosen the stains, then wipe it off with a damp cloth. Rinse the globe thoroughly and dry it to see the difference.

3. Baking Soda and Vinegar Paste:

For a natural and gentle cleaning option, create a paste using baking soda and vinegar. Mix equal parts of baking soda and vinegar to form a thick paste, then apply it to the yellowed areas of the glass globe. Let the paste sit for at least 30 minutes to work its magic, then scrub the glass gently with a soft brush or cloth. Rinse the globe thoroughly with water and dry it to reveal a refreshed appearance.

Whichever method you choose, always test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the glass globe first to ensure compatibility and avoid damage. Additionally, take care when handling cleaning agents and wear protective gear as needed.

My husband and I decided to go with the acetone method because I knew it would be able to strip the yellow tint pretty easily. We weren’t 100% sure just baking soda and vinegar would do the trick (but you may want to start with that as a first step). I didn’t have any oven cleaner – but that was also mentioned that it worked pretty easily too. With all these different DIY solutions, you can bid farewell to the yellow tint on your glass globes and enjoy the bright, clear light they were designed to emit.

Using Acetone to Remove Yellow Tint From Glass Globes in Light Fixtures

If you’ve got a glass globe in a light fixture that’s looking a bit yellow and dull, don’t worry – we’ve got a solution for you. Acetone, commonly found in nail polish remover, can be a handy tool in your cleaning arsenal. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use it:

Step 1: Safety First:

Before you start, remember that acetone is a strong solvent. Make sure you’re in a well-ventilated area and wearing gloves to protect your skin.

Step 2: Remove the Globe:

Carefully remove the glass globe from the light fixture. It’s much easier (and safer) to clean when it’s not attached to the fixture.

Step 3: Clean the Globe:

Give the globe a quick clean with warm soapy water to remove any surface dirt or dust. Dry it thoroughly before moving on to the next step.

Step 4: Apply the Acetone:

Dampen a soft cloth with a small amount of acetone. Gently rub the cloth on the yellowed areas of the glass. You should start to see the yellow tint begin to disappear. Remember to work in a well ventilated area. My husband did all the work with acetone in the garage.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry:

Once you’ve treated all the yellowed areas, rinse the globe with warm water to remove any remaining acetone. Dry the globe thoroughly to prevent water spots.

Step 6: Reattach the Globe:

Once the globe is completely dry, carefully reattach it to the light fixture. And voila! Your glass globe should now be free of that pesky yellow tint and shining brightly once again. Remember, always handle acetone with care and keep it out of reach of children.

Just look at that before and after with using acetone!

Extra Tips for Using Acetone to Remove Yellow Tint from Glass Globes in Light Fixtures

The acetone does evaporate quickly, so using a damp cloth to wipe off the yellow tint will be better than trying to soak the globes. You may want a bucket with water next to the area where you are working to quickly clean off the residue of the yellow tint.

Final thoughts

I’m so glad we searched and did some research before spending a ton of money to replace all the globes in our home. We spent about $10 total on acetone for this project and I feel like the results are well worth it! The total project took about an hour total.

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