The Correct Way To Clean A Lamp Shade

If you’ve noticed that your favourite lamp is looking a little bit dusty and worse for wear, then it’s cleaning time! We’ve got a foolproof method that will have it looking brand new in no time.

Something that you might miss during your normal cleaning routine is your lighting. Lamps can really add to the atmosphere and decor in your home, so it’s important to give them some love back by keeping them clean. Lamp shades in particular can often attract a lot of dust, so it’s best to make sure you’re cleaning them regularly to avoid that build-up. Luckily, it doesn’t take much time to get them sparkling clean again, and you likely already have everything you need to clean them around your home!

How To Clean Your Lamp Shade

You’ll need:

• Lint roller
• Microfibre cloth
• Warm water
• Water-tight container (like a bowl or bucket)
• Mild soap (like washing up liquid)
• Spray bottle (optional)
• Hairdryer (optional)

Before you get started, check what your lamp shade is made of. This method is suitable for both fabric lamp shades and tougher materials like rattan and plastic, but some lamp shades might be more delicate. If your lamp shade is made of paper or a similar material, avoid using water and be very gentle while cleaning.

Step 1. Prepare The Lamp Shade

To prepare for cleaning your lamp shade, make sure your lamp is unplugged from the wall and that the lamp shade isn’t hot to the touch. Depending on your lamp’s design and material, the shade may heat up after the lamp has been on for a while, so if it has been turned on then give it a few minutes after unplugging to make sure it’s safe. If possible, remove the shade from the lamp, since this will make it a lot easier to clean.

Step 2. Remove The Dust

Take your lint roller and run it across your lamp shade to get rid of all the dust that has built up on the surface, as well as any other light debris like hair. Remember that you may need to do this to the inside of the lamp shade as well as the outside!

If your lamp shade has any awkward corners that are difficult to get to with the lint roller, or you simply want to go over it again more thoroughly, you can use a dry microfibre cloth. Wipe all over the lamp shade, and make sure you get into the crevices, especially if it’s a woven lamp shade made of a material like rattan.

Step 3. Clean Light Marks

Mix your warm water with a little bit of washing up liquid, or a similar mild soap, and then dip your microfibre cloth into the solution. Make sure the cloth is only a little bit damp and then dab it against any light marks on the lamp shade. Try to just dab and not rub the lamp shade, especially if it’s made of fabric, since rubbing can sometimes make marks look worse instead of removing them.

Step 4. Focus On Stains

If your lamp shade has some more stubborn stains, you can fill a container with warm, soapy water and then carefully submerge the lamp shade in it. Before you commit to this step, double check how your lamp shade is put together. If it’s glued together, don’t go ahead with this method, as submerging it in water can affect the glue. 

If it’s stitched or otherwise put together without the help of an adhesive, then you’re fine to continue. Once it has soaked for several minutes, you can either rinse it off or submerge it in a container of clean water until there is no soap left on the lamp shade.

If you’ve got a glued together lamp shade, you can try putting the warm, soapy water into a spray bottle. Make sure you know where the glue is on the shade (for example, a common place is around the top and bottom) and spray the other parts of the lamp shade.

Step 5. Dry The Lamp Shade & Reassemble

Whether you’ve submerged your lamp shade or sprayed it, you’ll now need to dry it. You could leave it to air dry in the sun, but you can also use a hairdryer on a low or no heat setting. Once it’s completely dry, you can put your lamp shade back on your lap, plug it back in, and enjoy your newly cleaned lighting!

Let Your Lighting Shine!

Now that your lamp shade is clean once more, your lighting can go back to being the star of your home’s decor. It doesn’t have to be limited to your interiors, either - just check out our guide to some stylish outdoor lighting ideas. Alternatively, if you need a more subtle way to brighten up your home, then you might be interested in some of our modern mirrors for your hallway.