Care & maintenance
Material Care & Maintenance
Practical guidance to protect the character, finish, and performance of every Merge light fixture.
Find your material
Essential first steps
Before you begin
- 01Turn off power at the wall switch and circuit breaker before cleaning.
- 02Allow the fixture and light bulb to cool completely.
- 03Never spray liquid directly onto a fixture.
- 04Keep moisture away from electrical parts, joints, and adhesives.
- 05Contact a licensed electrician or qualified installer for hardwired, high, heavy, or fragile fixtures.
Care library
Find your material
Search by material, finish, or component. If you are unsure, dust with a clean, dry cloth only.
40 materials
Across every material
Begin gently. Stop early.
Do
- Start with a clean, soft, dry cloth or brush.
- Support removable parts before loosening any hardware.
- Apply any approved cleaner to the cloth, never directly to the fixture.
- Dry every surface fully before reconnecting power.
Avoid
- Abrasive pads, powders, and eraser-style cleaning sponges.
- Bleach, ammonia, acids, alcohol, and solvents.
- Metal polish unless Merge explicitly approves it.
- Steam, soaking and moisture near electrical parts.
Natural character
Designed to age beautifully
Handmade glass, natural stone, wood, leather, and uncoated metals naturally vary from piece to piece. Small bubbles, veining, wood grain, color variation, and patina make each fixture unique.
Expected variation
Subtle color changes, natural inclusions, patina, and small differences created by hand finishing.
Contact Merge
Contact us about new cracks, loose fittings, lifting coatings, corrosion, sharp chips, or any electrical problem.
Care questions
Good to know
For product-specific instructions, always follow the installation guide included with the fixture.
How often should I clean a light fixture?
Frequent light dusting is safer than occasional deep cleaning. Check exposed surfaces monthly, and clean only when you see dust or fingerprints.
Can I remove glass to clean it?
Remove glass only when the product guide explains how and you can support it safely. Have a qualified installer handle large, heavy, or overhead glass.
Can I clean a fabric shade with water?
Start with a dry brush or a vacuum on low suction. Water can affect the outer fabric, lining, trim, and adhesives differently, even when the fabric appears washable.
Should I clean the bulb?
Turn off power, allow the light bulb to cool, and follow the bulb manufacturer's instructions. Never apply liquid to a bulb while it is installed.
What if the fixture is difficult to reach?
Do not overreach or lean on the fixture. Contact a qualified professional for fixtures that are high, large, heavy, or difficult to access.
What if I cannot identify the finish?
Dust with a clean, dry cloth only. Send Merge the product name and a clear photo before using water, cleaner, or polish.
Before using an unfamiliar cleaner
Still unsure?
Share the product name, finish, order number, and a clear photo so we can confirm the correct care.