There are certain things you learn actually require cleaning when you become a grownup (or at least get older). For instance, your washer and dryer, or your toaster. One of the hardest of things to clean without proper knowledge is a lampshade. Something when we were younger we assumed never even required cleaning! Click through the jump to learn the tricks to cleaning all the different types of lampshades in your home.
How To: Clean Your Lampshades
Fabric covered or stitched lampshades are easiest cleaned in the bathtub. If you don't have a tub and your sink is large enough to use, go right ahead. Otherwise this might be best done in a bucket or at a friends house.
You simply put enough cool water in the tub to allow the shade to roll on it's side. Add some mild soap and swirl the share in the sudsy water to remove the grime. Drain the water and refill the tub with clean water to rinse the shade in.
Shake as much water as possible off and stand on end to dry. A blow dryer can expedite the process and works very well on thick or corded areas that might dry more slowly.
Paper shades or those with glue, present other challenges. Since you are unable to wet these shades (without adverse consequences), your best option is to vacuum them frequently. The dusting/upholstery attachment for your vacuum works very well for this. If your shade has anything dangling from it, a piece of hosiery slipped over the end of the vacuum works wonders. This allow the dirt to be removed without pulling on the seams/glue of the attachments to the lamp. This method only works when used with frequency. If your stains are more troublesome you may purchase a soot and dirt removal sponge from your local hardware store. This is not a magic eraser. You would use it like you would a regular eraser and simply wipe the dirt away. They may also be used on washable shades as well. (*note: make sure the sponge is DRY before using.)
Parchment shades may be dusted or vacuumed with ease. You may also use the dirt removal sponge on them, or a piece of white bread (you simply rub it over the entire shade.... crust removed.... and watch the dirt fall off with the bread crumbs!).
Plastic Shades are able to be washed in warm water and mild soap. Dry them well and then shine them back up with a little bit of spray furniture polish on a dry cloth.
Microfiber clothes are also a great tool when it comes to occasional dusting of your lampshades. Do you have any other tricks you have learned over the years for cleaning such an awkward item?
Photo by: Credenza via Flickr.
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..I'd like to know where those nice shades shown in the picture are sold.....
view c16621's profile
I used a sticky-tape lint roller on my fabric and glue lampshades. It worked pretty well at getting the dust off.
view inger's profile
I'd try here: http://www.lushlampshades.co.uk/index.php?page=1
view suziegoombs's profile
Re: Fabric Shades - Make sure that you aren't putting silk shades in the water or you'll get permanent water stains.
Better to just use a vacuum these occassionally too before the dirt builds up.
view bepsf's profile
i just fell in love w/ those shades, but boo! the lush website says that the lampshades are not suitable for us light fittings and only small items can be shipped to the us.
view gretchenalexis's profile
what about the chair? does anyone recognize it?
view goldlamp's profile
can these vintage drum shades be cleaned? they are about 40 years old and have been water damaged. the outer material is fabric with a paper lining inside.
http://bp1.blogger.com/_pMnWcqpUHdc/SJdiAKJ8RJI/AAAAAAAAAFM/PRwdz8DSpr0/s1600-h/HPIM0827_150 copy.JPG
view lalonde44's profile
i'm with you goldlamp-- i LOVE that chair!!
view karenwog's profile
i want that chair.
view teeze's profile
Who knew? I just dust my shades. Also, I didn't know you're supposed to clean the washer and dryer. My upbringing was sadly neglected.
view jooly's profile
lalonde44...
I have the same exact shades that had the same exact stains.
I threw all discretion to the wind and figured I'd experiment because they were in sad shape and if I messed them up it wouldn't be too great of a loss cause I wouldn't use them anyhow...
SO I did the tub thing with some soap just to get the dirt off...then i used an old toothbrush and sprayed commercial tilex cleaner with mildew remover on them and scrubbed...believe it or not they look pretty much brand new...with my new found technique I quickly unscrewed all my old shades and went to town!
I would only suggest doing this on the old white lineny shades as I'm sure there is some sort of bleach in the Tilex that makes it so effective but could possibly lighten colored shades...
I did have trim on my shades including different colors and they were fine, I just scrubbed around them.
It seriously works and I know people will probably start bitching about the whole Tilex cleaner but it worked and we all know just how annoying and tedious the search for a perfect shade is and they are definitely not cheap!
Hope that helps!
view each drop of blood a geometry's profile
Similar shades are available via Lampsplus.com
view bepsf's profile
I really need to know where that chair is from!
view juliunruly's profile