I think I'd been keeping house for about three years before it ever occurred to me to clean a lampshade. I had less kids back then, so I had time to wander around the house with a vacuum looking for things to clean. I didn't even realize how dirty the lampshade was until I gave it one swipe with the vacuum...it was like those cleaning product commercials where there is one swipe of clean amidst a whole lot of ick. How had it not occurred to me to clean this?
To clean your lampshades, just vacuum from top to bottom with a brush attachment, giving the shade a slight turn after each swipe. If you haven't done it in a while it will be very obvious when you get back around to where you started.
Apparently you can bathe your lampshade if need be, assuming it is made of a cloth that can withstand a gentle washing. Place the shade in your bathtub with some water and some mild laundry detergent. Wipe the shade from top to bottom with gentle strokes until you've gone all the way around. Blot with a towel or air dry. You can use stain removers too, if necessary. I don't know how exactly one would get stains on their lampshades, but maybe I just have reasonably tame children who aren't flinging spaghetti around the living room.
This is my favorite part: once your shade is clean (and dry), wipe the outside down with a scented dryer sheet. The heat from the lamp will send that clean fresh smell wafting through your home!
What are you waiting for? ..Go make your lampshades the clean little living room jewels they deserve to be!
I think I have never cleaned my lampshades.:O I though I was a cleaning freak...guess not...you in the other hand! lol Great tip, thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteI have used a lint roller on mine. Works PERFECT ;) Love your site!!!
ReplyDeleteI have used a wet rag after vaccumming(sp) the shade.
ReplyDeleteI have done the vacuum method, and the lint roller. :D
ReplyDeleteI also love the lint roller option. It works well, if you don't have the vaccum brush attachment.
ReplyDeleteVacuums can damage older shades. A better option is to purchase a good paintbrush and use the same technique mentioned above sweeping from top to bottom. It's best to do this outside so the dust doesn't settle on other things around the house. Be careful not to touch the bristles of the brush to avoid getting oils from your hand on them which can damage the shade. Store the brush in a safe place and only use it for lamp shade dusting. :-)
ReplyDeleteI've been using the vacuuming method for years and have never damaged my shades and I press down rather firmly. This method works great.
ReplyDeleteIt still depends on the material used for your lampshade. A lot of lampshades at home are plastic or glass, so it's easier to wipe rather that clothe which needs laundry for cleaning.
ReplyDelete