How to Clean Lamp Shades

A small chore often overlooked is cleaning the lamp shades.

There are different types of lamp shades which include: paper, fabric and glass. Before you start to clean your lampshades please turn off the lamp and unplug from the power point.

Paper shades should not be cleaned with water. The best way to clean a paper lamp shade is to use a soft bristled brush and dust gently. Do not use a vacuum as the vacuum’s suction may tear the paper. – I use a paint brush to dust but a shaving brush is also a great dusting tool.

Fabric shades can be vacuumed with the brush nozzle attachment. They can also be dusted with a brush, however for a deeper spring clean, fabric shades should be damp washed with a soapy solution. Before washing the lamp shades remove it from the base. Wash with a sponge dipped in washing up liquid and water. Wipe evenly from top to bottom of the lamp shade and then rinse with a cloth dipped in water again rubbing gently and evenly. Leave to dry away from direct sun light. When the lamp shade is off, damp wipe the lamp base and dry wipe the light bulb.

Glass shades can be cleaned with a soapy rag, simply wipe the glass shade and then rinse with a clean rag dipped in water. Dry off with a cotton rag to remove any streaks. If you prefer you could use a mirror or glass cleaner to clean the glass lamp shade.