How to Clean Lamp Shades the Right Way
Flicking on the lamp next to your sofa, you suddenly notice the layer of dust beginning to settle on the fabric lamp shade and reach for your phone to search for tips on how to clean lamp shades the right way.
It’s natural for dust, dirt, and animal hair to build up on your lamp shade over time, but knowing how to clean it without causing damage can be difficult – especially when different lamp shade materials require different cleaning methods.
Discover how to clean your lamp shades to keep your lamps and lights looking their best for years to come.
Why is it important to clean your lamp shades correctly?
Lamp shades can accumulate dust, cobwebs, and dirt, so they’re bound to need cleaning at some point. However, cleaning your lamp shade incorrectly could cause staining or other damage.
It’s important to take care when cleaning your lamp shades. Always handle the lamp shade by its fitting to avoid denting, marking, tearing, or creasing it, and make sure you use the right cleaning method for the material it’s made from.
We’ve outlined how to clean lamp shades made from a wide range of materials, including fabric, paper, and plastic, so you don’t have to worry about damaging them.
Warning: Never place your lamp shades in the dishwasher. The excessive heat and harshness of the dishwasher detergent is likely to damage the shade.
How to clean fabric lamp shades
You should take particular care when cleaning a fabric lamp shade because they can easily stain if not cleaned correctly.
Step 1: Remove dust
Turn off the light bulb and gently wipe a microfibre cloth over the outside and inside of the lamp shade. For a textured lamp shade, use a soft-bristled paintbrush to get into all the nooks and crannies and make sure no dust gets left behind.
Step 2: Prepare your cleaning solution
It may be necessary to wash your fabric lamp shade to remove more stubborn dirt or stains. Check if the shade has a care tag from the manufacturer and follow those guidelines if it does.
If the shade doesn’t have a care tag, you can handwash it in a large sink or bathtub. Fill the sink or tub with enough lukewarm water to cover the shade and add one or two teaspoons of a gentle detergent – whatever you would normally use to wash your delicate fabrics.
Step 3: Wash the lamp shade
Unplug the table or floor lamp and carefully remove the shade. Holding the lamp shade by its fitting, lower it into the cleaning solution and let it soak for around 10 minutes. If needed, rotate the shade so that every part has a chance to soak for the same amount of time.
Dip a microfibre cloth into the cleaning solution and gently wipe down the lamp shade. To remove stains from food or insects, use an extra drop of detergent on the cloth and gently rub the stained area.
Top tip: If your fabric lamp shade has yellow spots, create a cleaning solution of warm water and one tablespoon of baking soda. Use enough water to form a paste and apply it to the discoloured areas. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse it off with fresh water and allow the shade to dry.
Step 4: Rinse and dry
Drain the cleaning solution and refill the sink or tub with clean lukewarm water. Gently swish the lamp shade around in the water to remove the soapy residue, then set the shade on a thick towel to dry or use an adjustable clip to hang it from your clothesline.
How to clean paper lamp shades
Paper lamp shades are often used on ceiling lighting fixtures and can easily be soiled by the oils on our hands or cleaning products, so you should wear rubber gloves when handling them to prevent stains.
Never use cleaning methods that involve moisture on a paper lamp shade as this could cause permanent damage.
Step 1: Remove dust
Remove the paper lamp shade from the base and gently wipe it down with a clean, dry cloth. Make sure to wipe both the inside and outside of the shade.
Step 2: Remove stains
If your paper lamp shade has any stains or yellow patches, use an art gum eraser to gently rub them away. Use a light touch and support the shade with your other hand to prevent dents or tears.
How to clean plastic and glass lamp shades
Glass shades are particularly fragile, so you’ll need to take extra care when handling them.
Step 1: Remove the shade
Unplug the lamp or turn off light and remove the shade. Make sure the plastic or glass shade is completely cool before handling, especially if it’s frequently switched on (which may be the case if it’s part of your living room lighting scheme). This will prevent you from burning your fingers but also make sure no cracks are caused by the dramatic change in temperature when you wash the shade.
Step 3: Remove the dust
Use a dry microfibre cloth to wipe away any loose dust from the inside and outside of the lamp shade.
Step 3: Wash the lamp shade
Fill a large sink or bathtub with lukewarm water and add a few drops of washing up liquid. Gently wash the inside and outside of the lamp shade with a cloth or sponge.
Do not scrub the shade or use abrasive cleaners to avoid scratching the surface or damaging a printed design.
Step 4: Rinse and dry
Rinse the lamp shade in clean lukewarm water to remove the soap. Use a dry microfibre cloth to dry the shade, then reattach it to the lamp base.
Show us your how you’ve styled your lamp shades
Now that you know how to clean lamp shades the right way, we’d love to see how you’ve styled the lamp shades in your home to create beautiful interiors that show off your personality. Tag us on Instagram @dowsingandreynolds – we can’t wait to see what you’ve come up with!
