The Right Way to Clean a Lamp Shade, From Paper to Glass

Madeline Buiano
·3 min read

Lamp shades can harbor dust and debris if not cleaned regularly.

<p>REBECCA MCALPIN / DESIGN: MICHELLE GAGE INTERIOR DESIGN</p>

REBECCA MCALPIN / DESIGN: MICHELLE GAGE INTERIOR DESIGN

Lamp shades are decorative pieces that fill rooms with soft, ambient light. The only downside is that these fixtures can become a hub for dust and debris if they're not cleaned regularly. To keep yours looking their best, we're sharing our tips for how to clean lamp shades, from paper and glass to pleated and plastic.



Meet Our Expert

  • Sarah McAllister, founder and CEO of GoCleanCo

  • Kathy Cohoon, director of franchise operations of Two Maids



Related: The Right Way to Dust Your Home

How Often to Clean Lamp Shades

Aim to clean your lamp shades whenever you deep clean the room they are in. As a general rule, lamp shades should be cleaned about once a month. "Cleaning them regularly will ensure that the dust is easy to remove and won’t sit and stain," says Sarah McAllister, founder and CEO of GoCleanCo.

Materials Needed

Make sure you have these tools and materials on hand when cleaning a lamp shade.

  • Sink or basin

  • Lint roller

  • Vacuum with a brush attachment

  • Soft cloth(s)

  • Paint brush

  • Dish soap

  • Laundry detergent

  • Water

How to Clean Fabric Lamp Shades

You can clean fabric lamp shades with water and fabric detergent, but be mindful of the shade's fabric and its specific needs before cleaning, says Kathy Cohoon, the director of franchise operations of Two Maids. Check the care instructions for guidance.

  1. Let the lightbulb cool down completely.

  2. Go over the lamp shade with a lint roller or vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dry dust.

  3. In a sink or basin, mix warm water and a gentle fabric detergent.

  4. Submerge the lamp shade in the water and let it soak for 15 minutes.

  5. Scrub any stains with a soft cloth.

  6. Drain the sink or basin and fill it with clean water. Let the shade soak again.

  7. Shake the shade to remove excess water, then let it air dry on a towel.

How to Clean Plastic and Glass Lamp Shades

Plastic and glass lamp shades can be cleaned using water and dish soap.

  1. Let the bulb cool down completely.

  2. Remove the shade from the lamp.

  3. In a bowl, mix a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.

  4. Dip a soft cloth or sponge in the solution and wash the lamp shade.

  5. Rinse the shade with clean water and dry thoroughly to prevent water spots or streaks.

  6. Dry with a cloth.

How to Clean Paper Lamp Shades

Never wet paper lamp shades when cleaning them as this can disintegrate or stain the shade, says McAllister. Instead, use a lint roller or soft brush to gently remove dust and debris.

How to Clean Lamp Shades With Pleats

The pleats of shades can harbor a lot of dust and debris if not cleaned properly.

  1. Use a lint roller or soft brush to gently remove dust and debris.

  2. Remove trapped dust between the pleats with a paint brush.

  3. Clean the rest of the lamp shade following the steps above based on its material.

How to Spot Clean Lamp Shades

Tackling stains on lamp shades can be tricky as some fabrics will leave a watermark after you’ve cleaned them. "Do a small spot test first in an inconspicuous area and let it fully dry before you tackle the entire lampshade," says McAllister. When treating stains, avoid scrubbing vigorously, which can damage the shade, says Cohoon.

  1. In a bowl, mix a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.

  2. Dip a soft cloth in the mixture and gently dab the stained area.

  3. With a damp cloth, dab the area to remove any soap residue.

  4. Let the lamp shade dry completely.

Read the original article on Martha Stewart.