When it comes to cleaning lamp shades, affordable house cleaning services know that it’s not just a one-size-fits-all approach. While it may seem like a straightforward task, the challenge lies in understanding the specific cleaning methods for different types of shades. From delicate fabric to delicate paper, each shade requires its own treatment to restore its brightness.
Here, you’ll learn to clean different types of lamp shades so they can shine bright again!
How to clean fabric lamp shades
You can easily remove stains on these shades by washing them like any other fabric (rags, clothes, towels). Grab a container (big enough to hold the lamp shade), fill it with warm water, and add a trickle of no-dye and no-fragrance mild laundry detergent.
Once the container is ready, soak every face of the lamp shade for only a couple of minutes, letting them absorb the soapy water. Then, wipe the lamp shade with a non-colored microfiber cloth (to avoid smudging color on the fabric) and use a soft toothbrush to remove stains.
To finish, rinse the lamp shade with clean water and let it air dry.
Pro tip: If the fabric is glued on, dampen a microfiber cloth with cold soapy water to wipe the fabric instead of soaking it in the container.
How to clean plastic lamp shades
Plastic shades are sturdier than the rest and can withstand rougher cleaning. Still, removing stains from them can be difficult if you don’t follow the right method.
Get the stains out by submerging your shade in a mixture of warm water and dish soap. As you soak it, wipe the surface with a clean cloth, and scrub the more stained areas with a toothbrush. After finishing, rinse the shade with clean water and remove any excess with another rag.
How to clean glass lamp shades
Much like other glass surfaces, cleaning your shades without leaving streaks is essential. To do so, spray a glass cleaner or an equal parts vinegar-alcohol-water mixture on a microfiber cloth to wipe and soften tough grime. Then you can use a soft toothbrush to remove those spots.
Once done, rinse the shade with a dampened clean cloth and let it air dry.
How to clean paper or parchment lamp shades
Getting rid of stains on these lamp shades is challenging, as they are extremely delicate. In this case, carefulness and picking the right tools are key.
Before you start, remember that water is off the table when cleaning these shades. Here, the best options to deal with stains are a white drawing eraser or an art gum eraser.
Now, put on some gloves (to avoid leaving oil traces) and gently rub the eraser over the stains to avoid damaging your shades.
Note: You might not be able to remove every stain on paper shades. Consider changing your lamp shade if you can’t clean it any further.
What if you have pleated lamp shades?
The complex design of a pleated lamp shade makes it hard to clean it thoroughly, as most tools can’t fit in the crevices. To clean these shades completely, you can blow air in the slits with a compressed air can (or a hair dryer in the cold setting) while brushing with a makeup brush.
Can you whiten non-paper yellowed lamp shades?
If your lamp shades have yellowed over time, here’s an easy trick to whiten them: dip your lamp shade in a mixture of warm water and a splash of laundry detergent with oxygen bleach. Then, let it soak for ten minutes. After time’s up, use a soft toothbrush to “polish” the shade.
Finally, rinse the yellowish grime with clean water and use a clean cloth to dry your lamp shade.
Keep learning amazing cleaning tips with CalMaids!
Hopefully, you found these methods very helpful. If you want to know more, not only does CalMaids deliver the best cleaning services in San Jose, but we also offer various tips and guidance on many cleaning-related topics. Check out our blog, and you’ll see why we are the best!
