How To Wash Lamp Shades: A Detailed Tutorial

Are dust and smudges hiding the glam of your lampshades? This detailed tutorial on how to wash lamp shades will surely help you restore its original glory. Read on.

Things To Consider

Dirty shades dim the glory of your lamp. If you see some dirt, do not jump into cleaning mode. There are several things to consider in cleaning lamp shades.

• Seek services of a professional cleaner for antique and other valuable lampshades, especially those that are embroidered, silk, and heavily-beaded.
• Check for non-washable parts of your lampshade. Make sure that you remove them before washing the shade.
• Be mindful of lamp fittings, trims, beading, and other ornaments.
• Make sure that you wash the whole lampshade rather than spot-cleaning. The latter will cause water stains, and you don’t want those on your fixture.
• Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions or care tags on maintenance. Take note of any cleaning product that you should avoid.

How To Wash Lampshades

Washing is advised for lampshades with difficult stains and smudges. This method of how to clean lamp shades is time-consuming but is surely worth your effort.

Clean Off Light Stains

To remove light stains, follow these steps:

1. Unplug the lamp and remove lampshade from its base. Remove any non-washable parts.
   
2. Mix cool water and a delicate fabric detergent or dishwashing liquid in a bowl.
   
3. Churn the mixture with your hands to create soap suds.
   
4. Apply the soap suds onto the lampshade using a microfiber cloth.
   
5. Gently wipe each section of your lamp. Make sure you cover the whole lampshade.
   
6. Rinse off the soap suds with damp cloth.
   
7. Wipe the lampshade dry..

Washing Lampshades With Stubborn Stains

Follow this method to wash away stubborn stains or fingerprint smudges:

1. Unplug the lamp and remove lampshade from its base. Remove any non-washable parts.
   
2. Mix water and fabric detergent in a tub. Make sure that it is full enough so you can submerge the lampshade.
   
3. Fully submerge your lampshade into the cleaning mixture.
   
4. Soak the lampshade for a few minutes.
   
5. Gently scrub the lampshade with a sponge in an up and down movement. Use a soft brush on problem areas.
   
6. Submerge the lampshade again in a new cleaning mixture.
   
7. Repeat Steps 5 and 6 until water becomes clear.
   
8. When the stains are removed, and water is clear, empty the tub and refill it with clean water.
   
9. Rinse the lampshade carefully.
   
10. Tap the lampshade gently to shake off moisture.
    
11. Hang the lamp shade or air-dry it in a well-ventilated area.

Removing Dust And Dirt

To remove dust and loose dirt in and out of your lampshade, follow these steps:

1. Unplug your lamp. Remove the shade from the base.
   
2. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe your lampshade in sections.
   
3. For pleated lampshades, you can use a soft paintbrush. Remember to brush along the pleats to get rid of dust.
   
4. For lampshades with durable fabric, use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery brush attachment. Put a stocking over your vacuum attachment to protect your lampshade.

Conclusion

Don’t wait for your lampshades to attract attention with their dust and grime. Follow the steps on how to wash lamp shades, as shared here. When you see your lamp glow after proper cleaning, you’ll know that you did not waste precious time.