Beautiful lamp shades (or "abajours") add decorative touches to home decor, while also reducing the harsh glare of light. Lamp shades can significantly impact the appearance of a light fixture and help create the right lighting ambiance in a room. However, over time, lamp shades, especially those that are white or light-colored, tend to yellow and accumulate dust, requiring careful cleaning. Since many lamp shades can be expensive, it's important to clean them gently and properly.
Fortunately, you can clean various types of lamp shades, whether they're made of fabric, paper, plastic, or glass, with a few basic cleaning supplies. Below is a guide on how to clean your lamp shades, step by step.
How Often Should You Clean Lamp Shades?
Regardless of the material, it’s important to dust your lamp shades weekly as part of your regular house cleaning routine. This will help remove cobwebs and prevent dust buildup. Dust, along with airborne grease, cigarette smoke, and other pollutants, can cause lamp shades to require a more thorough cleaning over time.
How to Clean Fabric, Plastic, and Glass Lamp Shades
The cleaning process for fabric, plastic, and glass lamp shades is quite similar. Follow these steps:
Dusting:
Turn off the lamp and let the shade cool down.
Gently wipe the lamp shade using a microfiber cloth, paying attention to both the outer and inner surfaces.
You can also use a dusting brush, a lint roller, or the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner for light dusting. For pleated lamp shades, use a soft paintbrush to remove dust from the folds.
Washing with Water:
For a deeper clean, you can wash fabric, plastic, or glass lamp shades by hand.
Fill a large basin or sink with lukewarm water, enough to cover half the height of the lamp shade. Add two teaspoons of a gentle detergent (like dishwashing liquid) and mix it with your hands to distribute the soap.
Avoid using abrasive cleaners as they may scratch or damage the design.
Submerge the lamp shade in the water and let it soak for about 10 minutes. Afterward, flip it over and soak it for another 10 minutes.
After soaking, rinse the lamp shade by filling the basin with clean lukewarm water and gently moving the shade around to rinse out the soap.
If you see too many suds, change the water and repeat the rinsing process until all soap is gone.
Removing Yellow Stains (for Fabric Shades):
Fabric shades with yellow stains can be cleaned using a homemade cleaning solution. Mix warm water with one tablespoon of baking soda to form a paste. Apply this paste to the stained areas and let it sit for 15 minutes.
Afterward, rinse the shade with clean water and leave it to dry.
Drying:
Lay the lamp shade flat on a thick towel to dry, or hang it on an adjustable clothesline or shower rod to air dry.
Ensure the lamp shade is completely dry before reattaching it to the lamp base.
How to Clean Paper Lamp Shades
Paper lamp shades tend to get dirty more easily, so they need extra care when cleaning. Here's how to clean paper shades:
Dusting:
Wear cotton or rubber gloves to avoid transferring oils from your hands to the paper.
Gently remove dust by wiping from top to bottom using a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Be careful not to press too hard, as paper shades can tear easily.
Removing Yellow Stains:
If the paper lamp shade has yellowed, avoid using wet cleaning methods. Instead, a gentle eraser can help remove surface stains. Lightly rub the eraser over the yellowed spots to reduce discoloration.
General Tips for All Lamp Shades
Handle with Care: Always handle your lamp shades carefully to avoid bending or damaging the material.
Regular Maintenance: Regularly dust your lamp shades to prevent buildup that requires more intensive cleaning.
Use Non-Abrasive Cleaners: Avoid harsh cleaning agents, which can damage the shade’s surface or design.
Avoid Water Damage (for Paper Shades): For paper or delicate shades, never use water-based cleaning methods. Stick to dry cleaning or gentle erasing techniques.
Storage: If you're storing lamp shades for a period of time, keep them in a safe, dust-free environment to maintain their cleanliness.
By following these simple steps, you can keep your lamp shades clean and in good condition, ensuring they continue to enhance your home decor while providing the right lighting ambiance.
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