Lamp shades add soft, warm light to any room, but they can also collect dust and dirt if not cleaned often. We have some easy tips for cleaning different types of lamp shades, including paper, glass, pleated, and plastic.
How Often to Clean Lamp Shades
Clean your lamp shades when you deep clean the room they’re in, ideally once a month. Regular cleaning makes it easier to remove dust and prevents staining.
Materials Needed
When cleaning a lamp shade, make sure you have the following tools and materials:
- Sink or basin
- Lint roller
- Vacuum with a brush attachment
- Soft cloths
- Paint brush
- Dish soap
- Laundry detergent
- Water
How to Clean Fabric Lamp Shades
You can clean fabric lamp shades using water and fabric detergent. However, be sure to consider the specific type of fabric and its needs before cleaning. Always check the care instructions for guidance.
- Turn off the lamp and let the lightbulb cool down completely.
- Use a lint roller or vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dry dust from the shade.
- Fill a sink or basin with warm water and mix in a gentle fabric detergent.
- Submerge the lamp shade in the soapy water and let it soak for 15 minutes.
- Gently scrub any stains with a soft cloth.
- Empty the sink or basin, refill it with clean water, and let the shade soak again to rinse.
- Shake off excess water from the shade and let it air dry on a towel.
How to Clean Plastic and Glass Lamp Shades
Plastic and glass lamp shades can be cleaned with water and dish soap.
- Turn off the lamp and let the bulb cool down completely.
- Remove the shade from the lamp.
- In a bowl, mix mild dish soap with warm water.
- Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the soapy solution and gently wash the lamp shade.
- Rinse the shade with clean water.
- Dry the shade thoroughly with a cloth to avoid water spots or streaks.
How to Clean Paper Lamp Shades
Never wet paper lamp shades when cleaning, as this can damage or stain the shade. Instead, use a lint roller or soft brush to gently remove dust and debris.
How to Clean Lamp Shades With Pleats
Pleated lamp shades can trap a lot of dust and debris if not cleaned properly. Here’s how to clean them:
- Use a lint roller or soft brush to gently remove dust and debris from the surface.
- Use a paint brush to dislodge any dust trapped between the pleats.
- Follow the appropriate cleaning steps for the lamp shade’s material, as outlined above.
How to Spot Clean Lamp Shades
Removing stains from lamp shades requires care to avoid watermarks or damage. Here’s a gentle method:
- Mix a solution of mild dish soap and warm water in a bowl.
- Dip a soft cloth into the mixture and gently dab the stained area.
- Use a damp cloth to dab away any soap residue.
- Allow the lamp shade to dry completely. Before tackling the entire lampshade, do a small spot test in an inconspicuous area and let it dry to ensure there are no adverse effects.