Ever notice how eventually outdoor lights lose their sparkle? You cannot disregard permanent outside illumination indefinitely. Like everything on your house, a little maintenance keeps everything looking great. These easy EverLights tips are totally up your alley if you have ever let dust gather on a lampshade or neglected a burned-out porch bulb for weeks (guilty!).

First, every so often clean the fixtures using a soft cloth. How much dust and pollen settles on outdoor lighting would astound you. Every month or two a light cleaning allows the bulbs shine through free from build-up. Steer clear of abrasive cleaners and strong scrubbing; keep to the fundamentals; your lights will thank you.

Your connections should next be checked. Though most modern permanent systems claim weather resistance, this does not make them perfect. After a lot of rain, quickly walk around looking for any exposed or loose cables. Give everything a once-over, especially near walkways and driveways; kids’ soccer balls and lawn equipment occasionally go wayward.

Give your control system some thought. Usually these days, configurations call for an app. Try reseting the app or looking for software upgrades if you find a part not responding. Like your old laptop, only more beautiful—a fast reset fixes most issues.

Change your lighting motifs on a frequent basis. Experimenting with colors is not only enjoyable but also allows you to immediately find out whether a section is failing or a bulb is out. A sudden dark patch is unlike anything else to catch your eye; better still, find it Friday’s BBQ rather than right in the thick of December.

Check mounting hardware minimum once a season. Strong gusts and wild weather might free fasteners or brackets. One minute with a screwdriver will help to maintain everything secure and stop sagging lines.

One last advice: every now and then snap pictures of your lights at sunset. You will see minute changes over time—perhaps a portion is becoming dark or an odd angle slipped in. You also have fantastic pictures for your next backyard bragg session.

Treat your permanent outdoor lighting like your preferred houseplant—regular check-ins, a little maintenance, and the results are impossible to ignore. Your house remains brilliant night after night, only with a bit of work.