How to Clean a Lampshade without Damaging It

How to clean a lampshade? Well, this question may bring several things to your mind. So to help you keep your lampshade in good shape and prevent mishaps, let’s tell you the best way to keep it clean!

It’s easy to forget to clean your lampshades, but it’s important to keep them dust-free and looking their best. Cleaning a lampshade without damaging it can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be.

With a few simple tips and tricks, you can quickly and easily make your lampshade look as good as new. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to clean a lampshade without damaging it, so you can keep them looking its best.

A HOW TO’s Guide For Your Lampshade Cleaning

How to Clean a Fabric: Silk/Linen/Cotton Lampshade?

Lampshade cleaning can be hectic and fragile. However, there are several methods by which you can make your fabric lampshade look more beautiful than it was. The best are stated below:

Method # 01: Dry Cloth/Vacuum Cleaner

For the lampshade to remain appealing for years to come, you should practice cleaning them regularly. This way, they look ever fresh and elegant. Anyway, if you can’t keep pace with that, dust them with a microfiber cloth.

Applying a vacuum cleaner or hairdryer with cool settings is also a good idea. Remember, the fabric you will apply hair dryer should be sturdy. We mean cotton or linen by that.

Method # 02: Wet Cloth/Sponge

If you want to deeply clean your lampshade, start cleaning with a wet cloth. Just wipe the lampshade with a wet cloth from inside and outside. You can also apply a paintbrush or makeup brush for areas the cloth can’t reach.

For better results, you can also opt for a sponge with a few drops of detergent or soap other than cloth. After that, wipe it with a clean towel or cloth piece.

Method # 03: Lint Roller

Not made specifically for this job, the lint roller does clean lampshades. This method is most appropriate for pet hairs that cannot easily be removed from the lampshade.

To clean with a lint roller, roll it over the lampshade to and fro in one direction. With that, we mean from left to right or top to bottom or vice versa. Remember to do it gently.

Method # 04: Soap and Detergent

If your lampshade is packed with dust, dirt, grime, handprints, or marks, soap, and detergent can pull them out. Follow these steps to do so:

• Detach the lampshade from the base
• Get a bathtub/bowl of lukewarm water for the usual lampshade and cold water for glued lampshade
• Pour some soap/detergent into the bowl
• Mix it well with the water
• Immerse your lampshade into the bowl with one hand holding the metal frame
• Gently rub the lampshade to remove dirt
• Use a soft brush to clean the stubborn stains
• Change the water and dip the shade again
• Wipe off the soap or detergent
• Hang it anywhere to dry

What Methods to Avoid? And Why?

Silk lamp shades are delicate and cannot survive harsh handling and methods. So, to avoid potential damage, it will be best to choose vacuum cleaning and lint rollers. Silk is also sensitive to oil drops, so better not to use an oil-based product on it. Otherwise, stains might be left.

How to Clean Glass Lampshades?

We all know how much careful treatment a glass lampshade needs. So, here are the safest methods to restore the luster of your glass lampshade.

Method # 01: Dry Cloth

A dry cloth is a safest yet easiest method you can go for. In this method, unplug the lamp, and detach the lampshade from the pole. Apply the dry cloth to and fro inside and outside to clean it. Forget not to pay attention to the edges.

Method # 02: Wet Cloth

Wet cloth lampshade cleaning can be a savior! If you are running out of time and guests are about to knock on the door, this is the best way. There is no hassle in it, and it saves from the spread of dirt and dust.

Simply put on the wet microfiber cloth and wipe the visible dirt and debris off the lampshade. A sponge can also be used in the case with a few drops of detergent in it.

Method # 03: Soap/ Detergent/White Vinegar

A glass lampshade is not very sensitive to cleaning agents. Cleaning it with soap and detergent is easy. All you need to do is add soap/detergent/white vinegar to a bowl full of water.

Mix them well, and wash your lampshade with the mixture. Rinse it afterward and dry it for a couple of hours. Put it back once dried.

Method # 04: Dishwasher

Alone glass lampshades are the right candidates to apply this method. To get it done, place the shade in the top rack of your dishwasher. Pour vinegar or detergent soap into it for good results.

What Methods to Avoid? And Why?

Not to mention, the lint roller and the vacuum cleaner won’t be effective for glass lampshades.

How to Clean Paper Lampshades?

Paper lampshades readily tear off. Not every cleaning method can be applied to it. Only a few very delicate ones get the job done. So, let’s look at them:

Method # 01: Dry Cloth/Vacuum Cleaner

Since paper lampshades are sensitive to water, dry cloth is the best to use. Remove the lampshade from its base for deep cleaning. A vacuum cleaner on the lowest settings can also be used for cleaning.

Method # 02: White Breading

Yes, you read it right! It’s white bread. You can also clean your paper lampshade with the white bread rubbing against its body. Once done, you’ll see the white bread has left its whiteness and glow on the lampshade.

What Methods to Avoid? And Why?

Any wet stuff can make the paper lampshade fall apart. Or it might also disintegrate the color of the shade. Know that wearing gloves while processing with paper lampshade cleaning is also beneficial. It will protect the shade from your fingerprints.

HOW TO’s: According to Lampshade’s State

How to Clean Old Yellowed Lampshade?

Lampshades turn pale or yellowish when not bathed or cleaned deeply for a long time. To clean these types of lampshades, take a bowl or bathtub.

Add some detergent/soap to that bathtub. Dip the entire lampshade into the tub and gently scrub it with a soft brush. After that, rinse it with clean water and wait till it is dry to plug it back.

Applicable For

• Linen lampshade
• Cotton lampshade
• Canvas lampshade
• Glass lampshade
• Metal lampshade
• Plastic lampshade

How to Clean a Pleated lampshade?

Safe to say that pleated lampshades bring chic to your room. Cleaning them is that’s why pretty much important. You can use a paintbrush, makeup brush, or dry cloth to clean them. Move the brush on the entire shade vertically or horizontally gently. This will remove the hidden dirt.

A vacuum cleaner can also be a handy option for cleaning. Make sure you use it from a safe distance to avoid any damage to the shade. Another option can be a lint roller. You can roll it around the lampshade to capture all the dust, dirt, and pet hairs it has.

For deep cleaning the pleated lampshade, use a bathtub with cold water if your lamp is glued. Otherwise, warm water is the best option. Add some detergent, immerse your shade, rub and scrub it, and finally, rinse it. Keep it for 2-3 hours for complete drying.

Applicable For

• Cotton lampshade
• Linen lampshade
• Glass lampshade

How to Clean Water-Stained Lampshade?

Watermarks turn out your lamp ugly, and that’s for sure. So, you must use handy methods to clean water stains from the lampshade.

To do this, you’ll need a bowl with water and detergent in it. A sponge is also a crucial requirement for this. Now, dip the sponge into the mixture in the bowl so that the sponge can absorb some of it. Afterward, blob this sponge on the area where water is stained. Repeating it for a few minutes will make all the marks fade.

One method is also to saturate the shade with detergent and warm water. Take note, the entire shade should be dumped into the water. After the lamp is submerged, gently sponge on stained areas. Rinse it afterward and see dirt, dust, and stain-free lampshade.

You can just wet and scrub a microfiber cloth for such marks on the glass lampshade. If it’s still not cleaning properly, take some detergent in the cloth. Scrub it then, and wipe the detergent off with a clean cloth. It’ll get you a charming lampshade.

Applicable For

• Satin lampshade
• Cotton lampshade
• Linen lampshade
• Glass lampshade
• Plastic lampshade
• Metal lampshade

How to Clean Lampshades with Vinegar?

There are a few lampshades you can apply vinegar on. Plastic and fiberglass lampshades belong to that category. To restore the look of these lampshades, take them to the sink.

Apply a mixture of soap and water and scrub it with a sponge. Add vinegar to this solution to clean your lampshade to the core. Lastly, rinse it off and give it a few hours to dry.

Applicable for

• Fiberglass lampshade
• Plastic lampshade

Wrapping Up…

Cleaning lampshade silk is a straightforward process that can be done with minimal effort. While it may be tempting to use harsh cleaning products on this delicate fabric, it is important to be careful and use only gentle cleaning solutions. With a bit of patience and the right cleaning supplies, you can easily take care of your lampshade silk and keep it looking great for years to come.

By taking the time to care for your lampshade silk regularly, you can ensure that it will look beautiful and last for many years. Whether using it in your living room, bedroom, or office, your lampshade will be a beautiful addition to your space.