Just like any other type of furniture in your home, lampshades also need to be cleaned. The dust can settle on them and make them look ragged, old, and dingy. Lampshades are made from all types of different fabrics and materials. Here’s a way to clean just about any type of lampshade.
Fabric Covered and Stitched Lampshades
The easiest way to clean these types of lampshades is in the bathtub; this way you will have enough room to move the lampshade around without splashing. You will need to put enough cool water in the bathtub to allow you to roll the lampshade on its side. Next add in any type of detergent or mild soap, and swirl the lampshade gently around in the bathtub. After swirling the lampshade for about a minute or two in the water/soap combination, just enough to loosen the dirt, you will drain the soapy water from the bathtub and rinse the shade, using the same method. Make sure the water is cool when rinsing. Shake the lampshade gently to remove any excess water and let the lampshade dry in a upright position. You can speed up the drying process by using a blow dryer set on low heat.
Paper Lampshades and Lampshades with Glue
Since these types of lampshades shouldn’t get wet, you can clean them with the duster brush on your vacuum. You can also us a soot and dirt removal sponge that you can purchase at most hardware stores or home centers. This sponge is basically a block eraser that you use dry to remove and erase dirt. It works great, just as long as you don’t allow the lampshade to become too heavily soiled. You can also use a microfiber cloth to clean lampshades and these cloths work well. You use this cloth by dampening it slightly and then wipe down the lampshade. It will not only remove dirt, it will also remove hair without harming the lampshade.
Plastic Lampshades
You can clean these types of lampshades in warm water and using a mild soap. Make sure to dry them well, and then you can restore their shine by using spray furniture polish. They will come out looking radiant.
Scorch Marks on Lampshades
Scorch marks on lampshades cannot be removed, because the material is weakened by the heat and the damage will be permanent. Keep in mind the scorch marks are generally caused by light bulbs that are too big for the lampshade, so choose the light bulb wisely.
Parchment Lampshades
The best way to clean these types of lampshades is to vacuum or dust the lampshade regularly. A great way to clean this lampshade is to use a slice of white bread with the crust removed. Rub the bread over the lampshade, preferably on the outside, and you will be amazed how the dirt will fall away with the crumbs leaving the lampshade radiantly clean.
Resources: How the Queen Cleans Everything
