Bringing ornate shape, designer flair, and cosy light filtration — few home accessories make a dramatic impact quite like lamp shades. Yet as vital as they are to the ambience of a space, lamp shades can quickly accumulate dust, stains, and grime that diminish their aesthetic appeal. But don’t fret, a simple spruce can be transformative.
Knowing how to clean a lamp shade will not only elevate the look of your lighting and overall décor. Proper cleaning increases longevity, ensuring that your shade stays working and looking its best for years into the future. In this interior guide, we’ll walk you through the essential techniques and best practices for keeping your lamp shade in pristine condition.
Before you begin cleaning your lamp shade, it’s essential to identify its material. Different fabrics and textures can require vastly different care methods. Choosing the right cleaning technique can be the difference between revitalising your lighting scheme and ending up with unwanted damage, staining or discolouration. Here are some of the most popular lamp shade materials, along with some tips for cleaning them in the most safe and effective way:
Fabric
Arguably the most common type you’ll come across, fabric light shades are typically made from cotton, linen, or silk. They need gentle cleaning to prevent damage, often only suitable for dry dusting and gentle wiping with a slightly dampened cloth. Our entire lamp shade collection is made from durable, premium fabric — whether cotton, linen, viscose or a blend of multiple materials. These designs are suitable for spot cleaning only.
Glass
Another popular choice in contemporary and traditionally-styled homes, glass lamp shades should be cleaned and handled carefully to avoid breakage. Use a dry microfibre cloth to wipe away loose dust, and a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water to remove more stubborn grime. Avoid using glass-cleaning chemicals, as these can leave behind unsightly streaks.
Before cleaning any lamp shade, consider whether it is too delicate for a DIY treatment. Antique or valuable shades often need professional care to preserve their quality. Paying attention to the material and construction allows you to choose the best cleaning method, ensuring your glass or fabric shade remains in flawless condition. And as always, ensure that your lighting fixture is safely unplugged before attempting any cleaning process.
To clean a lamp shade correctly and give your lighting the perfect refresh, you’ll need to gather some essential tools and materials. Having the right items to hand will simplify the process and help to protect more delicate shades. Here’s a quick list of everything you’ll need to restore any type of lamp shade to its original beauty:
All Lamp Shades:
Microfibre or lint-free cloths
Vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment (optional)
Soft-bristled brush
Fabric Lamp Shades:
Lamp shade cleaner, or a gentle solution of mild detergent and warm water
Bathtub or large sink for washing
Soft sponge for scrubbing stains
Lint roller (optional)
Glass Lamp Shades:
Microfibre cloths
Mild dish soap
Warm water
Large sink, bucket or basin
Soft-bristled brush
Microfibre cloths, a vacuum cleaner, or a standard duster can all be used to clean surface-level dirt from your lamp shade. Having more than one of these tools to hand ensures a thorough clean, while a small, soft brush helps to access smaller crevices.
Fabric lamp shades need regular, delicate care to maintain their appearance. Aside from the general build-up of dust and grime, fabric shades stain more easily than other materials, and can develop mould or discolouration without regular cleaning. From weekly dusting to tackling deeper stains, here’s our step-by-step method for keeping your fabric shade looking flawless.
Unplug and Dust
Safety first. When cleaning any lamp shade, always start by making sure it’s fully unplugged and removed from the fixture. This will prevent damage to your lamp, your home’s electrical circuit, and — most importantly — you.
Once safely unplugged, use a dry microfibre cloth, a soft brush, or a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to gently remove loose dust from your lamp shade. Work your way across the outside and inside of the shade, taking care not to miss any spots. If cleaning a pleated lamp shade, use a small brush to reach between the fabric’s folds.
Dab and Blot Stains
To clean deeper stains, you’ll need to create a solution of lukewarm water and a gentle detergent, such as a mild dish or hand soap. Start with a tablespoon of detergent per 500mls of water, making sure to test a drop of the solution on a hidden area of the fabric before cleaning.
Gently dab the solution onto stains using a microfibre cloth. Make sure the cloth is dry, and apply a small amount of solution to avoid saturating the fabric. Next, use a clean, damp cloth to blot and remove any soap residue. Repeat the process of dabbing with your cleaning solution and blotting away the soap until the stain is removed.
Leave to Air Dry
Once you’re happy that the stain has disappeared, allow your lamp shade to air dry fully. Place it on a flat surface over a clean towel, avoiding direct exposure to heat or sunlight — this can cause shades to lose their shape and colour.
When fully dry, reattach your lamp shade to its base or fixture. Continue with weekly dusting to keep your fabric shade in pristine condition, and treat stains or spills as quickly as possible. If heavily soiled, it’s always best to take your fabric lamp shade to a professional cleaner.
Plastic or glass light shades might seem more durable, but they need similar levels of care when cleaning. As with all shades, weekly dusting with a microfibre cloth or feather duster will keep glass and plastic fixtures looking their best. When they need a deeper clean, here’s what you should do:
Glass Shades
Start by switching off and unplugging your lamp, making sure you give the glass shade enough time to cool down. Carefully remove the shade, using a dry microfibre cloth to dust and buff away smudges. If your glass shade has any ornate detailing that’s tricky to clean, a compressed air canister or hairdryer will do the trick.
Fill a bathtub, sink, or large basin with soapy water, and carefully submerge the glass shade for deeper cleaning. Gently wash it with a soft cloth or sponge, using a soft-bristled brush to remove stubborn grime. Rinse the shade thoroughly to get rid of any soap residue, then carefully dry it with a lint-free cloth.
Plastic Shades
The process for cleaning plastic light shades is similar to glass, but requires a slightly gentler approach. Unplug and remove the shade from its base, then softly dust it with a microfibre cloth or vacuum.
Dampen a clean cloth in a mixture of warm water and mild detergent, then gently wipe the inside and outside of the shade, using a soft-bristled brush for deeper stains. Rinse the shade with a clean, damp cloth, then dry it thoroughly with a lint-free cloth.
While every type of lamp shade should be cleaned with care, silk and other delicate fabrics require an extra level of attention. Stick to using a soft feather duster or microfibre cloth for weekly maintenance. Avoid vacuum cleaning completely, as it will likely be too harsh. For delicate pleats and other fabric details, a clean makeup brush or paint brush can access narrow crevices.
For small stains, use a clean, white cloth that’s slightly dampened with lukewarm water. Blot the stained area very gently — never rub — and allow it to air dry. Professional dry cleaning from a trained specialist is always best when dealing with delicate fabric shades. However, if you choose to clean yours at home, a gentle approach is key. Avoid cleaning chemicals, use minimal moisture, and wear cotton gloves to prevent oil transfer.
More intensive cleaning methods might be needed if your fabric lamp shade is heavily stained or starting to yellow. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with a splash of warm water, then apply the paste to the stained or yellowed areas of your lamp shade. Allow it to soak for 15 minutes, then rinse with a damp cloth before leaving your shade to air dry.
Do not use this cleaning method if your light shade contains any paper or glue adhesive. If you’re unsure, always seek help from a professional cleaner with experience in handling delicate shades. For paper and parchment lamp shades, a gum eraser — the kind you might have used in art class — is the best option for effective cleaning without risking damage.
Knowing how to treat stains on your lamp shade is important, but a lot of time and effort can be saved by preventing them in the first place. When it comes to keeping your lamp shade pristine and functional in the long-term, regular maintenance is key.
Weekly Surface Cleaning
Start a weekly dusting routine, using a microfibre cloth or feather duster to remove loose dirt from the inside and outside of your shade. Use a small brush to clean between fabric pleats, and gently lint-roll to pick up finer residue without creating dents.
Address Spills Promptly
Tackling stains quickly helps to prevent them from settling in. For fabric light shades, use a damp cloth with mild detergent, always dabbing rather than rubbing. Use a dry cloth, sponge, or a gum eraser for paper or parchment shades, making sure to wear cotton cloves while cleaning.
General Protection
Cleaning your lamp shade isn’t the only way of extending its lifespan. Use low-wattage bulbs and keep your shade away from direct sunlight where possible to prevent fading — or rotate it every few months to keep any discolouration even. Plan for deep-cleaning every 6-12 months, always taking your lamp shade to a professional cleaner if in doubt.
Keeping your lamp shades clean extends the lifespan of your lighting, while contributing to a brighter, more inviting home. Always assess the exact material you are working with, and consult a professional cleaning service to abate any worries of causing damage.
With regular dusting, prompt removal of stains, and a thoughtful approach to maintenance — your lamp shades will continue to cast a warm, welcoming glow for years to come.
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