Cleaning Lampshades
Like
everything else, lampshades get dirty too and require
cleaning. Cleaning lampshades is necessary to remove dust, the common enemy of most lampshades. It
settles on the lampshade and absorbs moisture making it
impossible to clean by just vacuuming it. You probably paid
good money for your lampshades as many are linen lampshades or
silk lampshades. There is no need to discard them just because
they are dirty when you can clean them yourself. The DIY
suggestions below are commonly used to clean fabric and
plastic lampshades.
-
First
remove the shade from the fixture and vacuum.
-
Soak the
shade in warm water and a mild detergent. Swish it around in
the water by dipping it up and down. Lightly scrub soiled
spot using a soft brush. Change the water if it becomes too
dirty. When it appears clean rinse it in clean water. The
shade will stretch but will return to its original shape
when dried.
-
Air - dry
the shade by hanging over the sink or outdoors. If you have
removed the fabric from the frame, put it back on the frame
before the fabric is fully dry.
-
Reattach
the shade to the lamp and turn on the lamp to heat up the
shade to speed up the drying. Use a hair dryer to accelerate
the process but do not over heat the shade. Drying will
reshape the shade to its original shape. Some amount of
reshaping by hand may be necessary.
Cleaning lampshades that are plastic, laminated, or is
a little different than cleaning fabric shades. Avoid
getting them too wet. Excessive wetness may loosen the glue
holds the pieces together. Mix a water detergent
solution in a cleaning bowl. Using a sponge or dry soft
cloth and gently wash a small area at a time. Rinse any suds
using a clean sponge or soft cloth. Do not use an abrasive
cleaner as it will scratch the surface. Let air dry or use a
hair dryer to accelerate the drying process. Reinstall the
shade and enjoy a nearly new lamp shade.
More cleaning projects:
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