How to Clean a Dirty Lampshade
Precautionary Statement
Many lampshades require special care and cleaning methods. Contact the manufacturer for cleaning instructions whenever possible. Since lampshades don’t have inconspicuous areas that can be tested before cleaning, use common sense, and when in doubt, hire a professional cleaner rather than attempt to clean something that could become damaged by water.
Easy Ways to Remove Pet Hair and Dust on Fabric
Dusting can be an arduous chore, but if you own an air compressor, removing dirt, dust, and pet hair from the surface of a lampshade is as easy as blowing it off. Those who don’t have access to pressurized air can easily use box tape or a lint roller to clean away stubborn dust and pet hair. I use a lint roller on my fabric lampshade, and it was well worth the dollar I spent. The sheets of sticky paper have perforated edges, and when it becomes dirty I simply rip it away to expose a fresh sheet. I’ve also used the soft bristle brush attachment on my upright vacuum to clean my fabric lampshade.
Dirty Fabric Lampshades
My fabric lampshade ended up with a dirty fingerprint, and I wondered how I would remove the unsightly stain that stood out like a sore thumb. I keep baby wipes on hand for a number of cleaning jobs around the house, and since I knew it was gentle enough for a baby, I decided to give it a try on my dirty shade. A few simple wipes was all it took to remove the dirty smudge. Depending on how dirty the lampshade is, this easy cleaning solution might also work for you.
A fabric lampshade that’s dirty all over can be a little more difficult to clean, but it can be saved. Don’t attempt this cleaning method if you’re not sure the fabric won’t be damaged in the process. However, if the lampshade is otherwise unusable, give this method a try.
Fill a deep sink or bathtub with lukewarm water and soap for delicate fabrics. Add enough soap to create bubbles, and use the bubbles and a soft brush to gently scrub the dirty fabric. Dunk the lampshade up and down several times, and change the soapy water as necessary. Rinse the shade under gentle running water, pat it dry with an absorbent towel, and allow it to completely air dry in a warm location. The fabric might sag at first, but as it dries it should become taut once again.
Dirty Paper Lampshade? Create a New Cover!
A paper shade that’s dirty is a little more challenging to clean. As cheap as paper lampshades typically are, they’re usually not worth saving, but if you want to make a designer shade to match your home dÃ?©cor, consider creating a new paper cover with wallpaper.
If your lampshade has dark marks that will show through the wallpaper you choose, prime the shade first with a coat of latex primer. Allow the primer to dry completely before continuing.
Next, create a stencil of your shade using a paper bag, and trace the stencil onto the sheet of wallpaper you’ve chosen for your designer shade. Cut out the shade cover, and attach it by gluing the edges with clear drying craft glue. Glue spread over the entire surface could show through when the light is on. Allow the glue to dry completely before handling further.
Once the shade is equipped with a new designer cover, you can finish it with edging of your choice. Choose narrow cording, rickrack, ribbon, leather, or any other material that matches the paper. Attach the edging with hot glue, and in a matter of minutes your new shade will be ready for use.
Plastic Lampshades
Shades made of plastic are easy to clean, but if they’re discolored chances are the damage is permanent. You can try a weak solution of bleach and water on a soft rag. This will clean away the dirt and grime, but discoloration could be throughout, and it may not solve the problem. Avoid getting fabric or paper edging wet, and rinse and dry the shade thoroughly before replacing.
