Cleaniong Lampshades

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 that 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.

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