How To Clean Lamp Shades: A Quick Guide

Lamps have a lot of sensitive and fragile parts, which means they can be difficult to clean. Add some shine to your favorite decorative lighting devices as we teach you how to clean lamp shades in a few simple steps.

A Quick Guide To Cleaning Lamp Shades

Lampshades can be beautiful ornamental pieces for the home, but when they start gathering dirt or dust, they can turn into an eyesore. Before it gets there, these are some easy ways on how to clean lamp shades.

How To Clean A Fabric Lamp Shade

Fabric lamp shades come in different types, and although they are beautiful lighting centerpieces for a plain space, they need a little touching up now and then: 

1. Use a masking tape
   -softly place the tape on the fabric's surface
   -remove gently to avoid damage
2. Use a microfiber cloth or soft cloth
   -use gentle sweeping motions
   -brush it gently in a vertical motion
   -use small brushes for pleated fabric lamps
3. Use a hairdryer
   -with a cool setting, use the dryer to blow the dust off the fabric
   -put the dryer 10 inches away to avoid any damage

These are some steps on how to clean lamp shades with stains.

Things you need:

1. delicate fabric detergent
2. microfiber cloth

Step 1 - Detach the shade from the lamp.
Step 2 - Make a mixture of cool water with delicate fabric detergent.
Step 3 - Stir the mixture to produce soap suds.
Step 4 - Use a microfiber cloth to apply the suds to the fabric shade while ensuring full coverage.
Step 5 - Rinse off the lampshade and wipe dry.

Tip: Avoid spot cleaning lampshades, so the fabric looks equally clean with an even finish.

For heavier stains, make a mixture of water and gentle fabric detergent.

• Put the mixture in a basin or bathtub to clean the whole lampshade, making sure it is fully submerged.
• Soak for a few minutes and change the water if needed.
• Rinse in clean water.

Note: Do not rub the fabric of your lampshade to avoid any color runs. Dab problematic spots with a soft cloth dipped in your mixture of water and detergent.

How To Clean Lamp Shades Made Of Other Materials

Lampshades come in different materials other than fabric. Let's look at some materials and cleaning tips:

• Beaded material - Hairdryer in cool setting blowing dust 10 inches away. Clean it occasionally with a damp microfiber cloth.
• Glass material - Use a dishwashing solution to wash it.
• Plastic material - Use a dishwashing solution.
• Metal material - Use a clean, damp microfiber cloth.

Note: Some lampshades are made of valuable and sensitive material like silk and antique embroidery. We recommend you take these materials to a specialist for professional cleaning.

Conclusion

Our decorative lampshades deserve the same careful care like any other item in the house. Now that you know how to clean lamp shades, you're sure to have your lighting centerpieces ready and glowing for a guest's next visit.