How to Clean Lampshades
/If your lampshade is collecting dust or getting dirty, learn how to clean it without ruining it. Plus, get actionable steps to make it look new.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash.
If lampshades aren't a part of your cleaning routine, add them to your next session. Your lampshades collect dust, pet hair and can get stained. So, cleaning them ensures they look new and last many years.
Clean lampshades also add a positive visual benefit to the room. Learn everything you need to know about cleaning and maintaining your lampshades.
Things to consider
Before you start cleaning your lampshade, there are several factors to protect and successfully clean it.
First, consider the material. One cleaning method won't work for all materials. So, make sure you understand how to care for your lampshades material.
Second, be gentle. Lampshades are delicate, which means they require care.
When you're preparing, cleaning, and putting it back, handle it gently. The last thing you'd want is to damage, bend, or crease your precious lampshade.
Another factor to consider is whether the fabric is stitched or glued. If the fabric is glued, it requires extra care because the adhesive can corrode.
Now that you know what to consider, you're ready to clean your lampshade.
How to clean a lamp shade
The following are the steps to clean your lampshades based on the material.
Fabric Lamp Shades
Due to the nature of fabric lampshades, it's more time-consuming than others. However, take your time and be gentle because the results are well worth it.
Before you start, it's important to check the care tag or manufacturer because there may be product-specific things to use or avoid. Then, unplug the lamp, remove the shade, and you’re ready to clean it.
Take the following steps to clean your fabric lampshade:
Use a dry microfiber cloth, lint roller, or vacuum to remove dust and debris.
Fill a tub with enough warm water to cover half of the lampshade.
Add two drops of gentle detergent or dish soap.
Place the bottom half of the lampshade in the water and let it soak for 10 minutes.
Occasionally rotate the lampshade.
Dip a clean cloth in the water and lightly scrub the lampshade.
Drain the water, refill the tub with only warm water, and rinse out the soap.
Remove the lampshade, place it on a dry towel, and use a hairdryer on the lowest heat setting or let it air dry.
Once it’s completely dry, attach it to the base.
This process works best for lampshades with fabric that's sewn on. If the fabric is glued on, don't submerge it. Instead, use a damp and clean cloth to spot clean.
Silk Lamp Shades
Silk lampshades are luxurious and delicate. When cleaning them, you must avoid water and oil, as it can lead to stains.
Instead, use a feather duster to remove dirt and debris. If there's a stain or discoloration, take it to a dry cleaner.
Paper Lamp Shades
Paper or parchment lampshades are delicate and require more attention because they can't get wet.
Before you start, wear clean gloves to protect the lampshade from stains and oils from your fingers. Next, unplug and remove the shade. Lastly, use a dry microfiber cloth or vacuum to remove dust and debris.
Cleaning paper lampshades is one of the fastest. However, it requires a lot of care and gentleness.
Plastic and Glass Lamp Shades
Plastic and glass lampshades are quick and easy to clean. They're durable and not as delicate. First, unplug and remove the shade. Then, take the following steps to clean plastic and glass lampshades:
Use a vacuum or dry microfiber cloth to remove dust and debris.
Dampen a clean microfiber cloth with a drop of mild dish soap.
Gently wipe the plastic or glass shade.
Allow it to dry completely and attach it back to the base.
With glass lampshades, you can also place them on the top rack of a dishwasher. Out of all the materials, glass is the only one that can be cleaned in the dishwasher. Opt for a gentle dishwasher detergent or vinegar.
Lampshade maintenance
Between deep cleans, maintain your lampshade properly by using a feather duster, lint roller, or give it a quick wipe down with a microfiber cloth.
Regular maintenance also allows for more time between deep cleans. However, it's best to go through the deep cleaning steps once per season. So, every three months. It leads to better-looking lampshades.
If your lampshade is damaged or you're not able to clean it, we're here to help. At Seattle Lamp Shades, we specialize in repairing and recovering lamp shades. To learn more and get a quote, contact us.