Lamps and lampshades have a habit of sitting in the corner totally ignored accept when they are being used. Over time though the lampshade in particular will start to accumulate dirt and dust, and before you know it, it will be grabbing the eye as an eyesore. Lampshades though are relatively easy to clean, and takes very little time if the cleaning of lampshades is done regularly.

Fabric lampshades can be easily cleaned with a vacuum cleaner to remove accumulated dust. Most vacuum cleaners now come with a fabric or upholstery attachment, something which is perfect for the lampshade. Most new vacuum cleaners also have a gauge which will allow the suction of the vacuum to be adjusted, so when cleaning a lampshade it is best to use the gentlest suction setting possible.

A vacuum cleaner may be able to remove dust but can do little for stains and so further cleaning may be required. Care though has to be taken during this undertaken as some lampshades are prone to having their glue become unstuck or watermarks appear within the fabric. In essence though, the lampshade can be cleaned with warm, soapy water applied with a clean cloth with a gentle rubbing motion. Some lampshades can also be immersed in the warm, soapy water but again this could damage the lampshade.

Many people get concerned when they see a lampshade getting wet and it starts to distort. Fabric though stretches when wet, but will normally revert to its original size and shape as it dries. Care though also needs to be taken in the drying process, and it is best to just allow a lampshade to dry naturally in the air.

As well as fabric lampshades there are also plastic and laminated lampshades, which will also need cleaning at some point. Whilst these lampshades are not as fragile as fabric ones, some care is still needed. Less water should be used on a plastic lampshade than on a fabric one, and the cleaning process is almost a dry one rather than a wet one. The warm, soapy water is applied to a dry sponge or cloth and then cleaning is done by dabbing the sponge onto the lampshade, before the lampshade is wiped dry.

Whilst cleaning the lampshade it is worth taking the time to clean the rest of the lamp as well, dusting is a must, but also the lamp bulb should be cleaned with non-abrasive cleaning products as part of a regular routine. As a safety precaution though it is best to unplug the lamp before cleaning commences.

A clean lampshade is easy to achieve and can make a great deal of difference to the look of the lamp when it is turned off, but can also make the emitted light appear a lot brighter as well.

Learn more about this author, Tim Harry.
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