Keeping Glass And Fabric Lamp Shades Spotless

Lamp shades have large surface areas which makes them prone to collecting dust. Moreover, fabric and glass often have electrostatic charge build-up which leads to increased attraction for dust particles. This means that one should periodically clean a lamp shade.

For glass shades, the cleaning process consists of using a soft cloth and wiping the surface to get the dust off. If possible, the glass should be removed from the lamp. Soapy water helps removes more dust than is possible with just a cloth.

Although the main shade is glass, the rest of the lamp is composed of bits of plastic, metal, and other materials used for the trim. Each of these have different tolerance for water exposure. Some metals corrode upon contact with water. Electrical contacts become rusted. Trim and beading fall off if scrubbed too vigorously. These caveats need to be observed.

Shades that are made from paper or fabric need to be wiped down with a soft, slightly damp cloth to remove dust. Unfortunately oils from human skin tend to soak into these materials making the removal very difficult. To help remove dust, a vacuum that is on its gentlest setting speeds things up.

The other possibility is to wash the fabric shade with water much as one would do with glass. The problem is that not all fabrics are robust to water, especially the shades that are held together by glues that break down in water. Some dyes used for decorating fabrics are not water safe, either losing intensity or changing in hue when submerged in water.

But if it is possible, then a good soaking in the a large container or a bathtub will help clean out the shade very well. Use a gentle detergent and a sponge to clean it off. For lamp shades that have not been washed in many years this is a good treatment.