I tell my customers just to buy a new one, it's only $300. It's not a big purchase, plus why risk an electrical fire, plus the new ones are clean.

That's not 100% dirt - the fiberglass/polymer is permanently discolored due to age and UV sunlight. Even the originals in the museum collections are discolored.

I'm afraid there's not much that can be done.

if it makes you feel any better: I like the way yours looks. truly vintage.

I like it as is!

you cant get it new again. but I have cleaned mine. first unplug the lamp them proceed outdoors and use a mild bleach and water mixture and wash the lamp. the polymer gets soft when wet so be careful not to damage it. airdry in the sun.

the polymer skin will return to it's harder state when dry

The owner might have been a smoker too by the looks of it.

I would consider talking to an antique appraiser in your area. All states have some (used to work for one) they are usually the better ones in town - especially in small towns/states - because they appraise personal property/deposit boxes. They should be able to at least point to in the right direction to someone they use for lighting or furnishings. An Interior Design firm might be able to point you in a good direction as well. Good luck. Keep us updated on how it turns out.

P.S. - Here's the official cleaning word (no more than you've seen already): http://pomelohome.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/bubble-lamp-care.pdf

gregory - if a mild cleaning solution doesn't produce good-enough results, maybe you could paint it and make something completely unique?

"I tell my customers just to buy a new one, it's only $300. It's not a big purchase, plus why risk an electrical fire, plus the new ones are clean."

Damn. I wish I had $300 to drop on something I NEED, let alone a lamp!

While you are right that it's not worth an electrical fire, that's a lot of money to just spend on something when they have something they want to try to fix first!

There is no way to fix this. As an interior designer, this is one thing to by new, or in mint condition.

we have these at work (the floor models have been there for 15 years) and we recently tried the magic erasure. it just rubbed the dirt in worse...it's best to buy these new and take preventative measure such as dusting them often and not cooking or smoking near them. sorry...

I like how it looks now. If it were my lamp I would keep it as is.

Oy. It looks like a reverse anti-smoking ad aimed at the decorati.

Thanks to everyone for all of your suggestions. I'm thinking maybe I will paint it. Can anyone recommend the type of paint that should be used?

Try the Mr. Clean magic eraser. In an inconspicuous spot at first of course. 300 dollars for a new one, gimme a break, if she works at the store she obviously can't afford one.

wow. so do they all turn to this color as it ages? I was about to buy a new one but if that's the case, I may have to reconsider...

The old ones might look "dirty" but when you turn on the light, it's got a great soft tone that looks fantastic.

Just learn to live with it or buy a new one... or experiment.

Maybe with peroxyde, try on a small discreet spot before.

Entenza: you can send me only $300. And I'll take your old disgusting lamps.
Limited time offer.

Do NOT paint it. It will screw up the light coming through it.

it looks beyond disgusting as is, but i second patrick: painting it will screw up the light. it will make the shade opaque. if you can't get it clean with a good scrubbing with hydrogen peroxide, followed by a good baking in the sun, then you have to get rid of it. it's too ugly to put up with as is just for the sake of having a bubble lamp.

Your lamp looks like it was either in a kitchen, or from a smokers home. I have bought a few vintage bubble lamps, and have had luck getting them like your "want this" photo by using a little bit of phosphate-free TSP and a Magic Eraser. This will clean it really, really well. I just pour a capful at a time directly onto the lamp, and gently scrub with the Magic Eraser (wear rubber gloves) It's easiest to do this in the shower. Then, spray grime away with slightly warm water, never hot. Warm water also helps remove dents on the lamp, also. Just make sure to remove all of the electrical equipment before cleaning! Here is a photo of an in-progress cleaning:

Ooops.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3292/3149802286_5c5b988355_o.jpg

yummybarfaroni - How fast do you have to work before spraying off the TSP? I just bought a Bubble Saucer, medium size, and it's in pretty good shape except for a dust layer on top. After getting it into my house, I think it's giving me allergies! I want to clean it, but am a novice. How long does it take to clean and then dry? and where should I let it dry? Thanks!
ps- nice photo, it really looks clean!

Thank you soooooooo much yummybarfaroni!!

This worked great. I would reccomend finding the spray bottle version of phosphate free TSP. Spray from top to bottom, wiping away with the magic eraser as you go. The key is keeping the magic eraser clean, otherwise your just spreading dirt around. And be careful to keep the water warm but not hot. I just gave each lamp a little spritz around with water at the end to remove any residual chemicals, but didn't spray water on the shades while cleaning.

Hope this helps the next person!

Thanks so much for all the tips, especially this last one. I just scored an original George Nelson Bubble wall sconce for $3 at an estate sale, but it needs a good cleaning. It'd been in the home for over 35 years.

If you can score a vintage piece for the price of a latte, you would never buy an expensive replacement shade.

I want to bring it back to life, so thank you!

The TSP and Magic eraser worked. I have an electrician coming today to hang my large bubble lamp above my dining table. THANKS