Cleaning lampshades: avoid making mistakes when carrying out this chore
Lamps and light fittings help us make our homes look more beautiful, but how often do we remember to clean them? Specifically, lampshades are exposed to airborne pollutants. But cleaning lampshades need not be a headache.
But before you get going with this cleaning, make sure you have unplugged the lamp and the bulb is cool.
Fabric lampshades
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Many lampshades are made from fabric. Over time, dust settles on this fabric, dulling the colors and dimming the light.
The key thing is to identify the type of fabric correctly which will determine the most suitable detergent to use on them. If you don't know, you can be pretty sure that Marseille soap will not cause damage. But always test on a hidden piece of the fabric first to be absolutely sure.
In addition to the right detergent, you will need a vacuum cleaner or an adhesive roller (of the kind used to remove hair from garments). You will also need a large basin, a soft cloth, and a dry towel.
Here's how to proceed:
- Remove the bulk of the dust with a vacuum cleaner or the adhesive roller;
- Fill the basin with warm water and mix in a little of the detergent;
- Immerse the lampshade in this mixture and leave it to soak for 15-20 minutes;
- Rub with the cloth on any stubborn dirt marks/stains;
- Rinse off thoroughly;
- Leave to dry, sitting on a clean towel.
Metal lampshades
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Metal lampshades are most often found in bathrooms and kitchens because metal resists humidity (and other vapors). As a result, you may find these lampshades are also covered in a greasy film (in addition to dust).
Use a vacuum cleaner or wet wipes to remove the bulk of the dust and grime on the lampshade.
To remove a greasy film:
- Add some dishwashing liquid to water, or;
- Make a cleaner with equal parts water and vinegar.
Whichever you use, pour the mixture onto a cloth, wring out and wipe over the lampshade. Have a second damp cloth ready (water only) for wiping clean and a third, dry cloth for drying the lampshade.
Paper lampshades
Obviously, paper lampshades cannot be washed with soap and water. Usually, however, these types of lampshades only need to be dusted.
To do this, use a vacuum cleaner or an adhesive roller.
Glass lampshades
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Glass lampshades can be cleaned just like metal ones (described above). That said, if they can be easily dismantled, you can wash them in the sink like you would regular dishes.
Always make sure to rinse and dry off immediately, so as to avoid any water stains forming!
Ready to make all the lampshades in your home look like new again?
