Lampshades are one of the many household items that are often overlooked during normal cleaning and are only noticed when they look particularly unclean. Luckily for us, umbrellas are easy to clean. It doesn't matter if you have a fabric, paper, parchment, glass or other type of shade - here's the advice you need to keep it looking as pristine as the first day. We'll tell you how to clean a lampshade!
How often should you clean the lampshades?
Location is very important when caring for lampshades. Bathroom screens that are exposed to moisture are prone to a buildup of dust that settles on the screens over time and should be cleaned about once a year. Kitchen umbrellas are loaded with grease, which means they are removed andshould be cleaned more regularly. Dusting surfaces weekly can go a long way in preventing dirt buildup, meaning a deep clean may not be necessary.
Cleaning lampshades – tips for fabric shades
Be sure to remove the lampshade before you start cleaning, no matter what type of shade it is! The surfaces of the lamps can be damaged by water and cleaning agents and there is always a risk of electric shock. Check whether the fabric is sewn or glued and inspect the places where the decorations are attached before cleaning the shade. If they are sewn everything should be fine, but washing lampshades with glue can damage them.
It is possible to thoroughly clean many types of fabric shades, but you must do so with great care. Below you will find some suggestions for lampshades made of textile, for example linen or silk. The first step is to remove dust and dirt with a feather duster, a microfiber cloth or a vacuum cleaner. Then add a teaspoon of very mild dish soap or laundry detergent to a tub or sink of clean water. Submerge the umbrella while holding it to the metal frame. Then scrub the umbrella with warm water and lay it on a flat surface to dry.
Clean yellowed lampshade
If there are still visible stains, you can spot clean them with a dry cleaning product. Aggressive cleaning chemicals such as bleach, glass cleaners and similar products should be avoided as they can cause streaks.
A cleaning solution made from a tablespoon of baking soda and a splash of warm water can help with a dirty, stained, or yellowed white lampshade. Leave the paste-like formula on for up to 15 minutes. Then rinse the umbrella with clean water and let it dry naturally. Be careful, if the umbrella contains glue or paper, you should not use this procedure.
How to keep paper and parchment lampshades clean
Paper or parchment lampshades should not be submerged in water, so you will need to use a different cleaning solution for them. First turn off the light and remove the shade as mentioned earlier. Then remove dirt and dust from the umbrella by wiping it with a dry microfiber cloth. It is also possible to vacuum the lampshade using the vacuum cleaner attachment to remove dirt and debris - but you must do this very carefully so that the shade does not tear.For cleaninga paper umbrella, you can also use an old-fashioned eraser to gently wipe away any stains.
Cleaning lampshades – tips for glass shades
You can clean your glass shades in the dishwasher. However, vinegar should be used for cleaning and not detergent, and the lampshades should be placed in the top shelf of the dishwasher.
Clean pleated lampshades
There are also pleated lampshades that should not be allowed to get wet - they should be dusted once a week to remove all the dirt and dust from the cracks. To remove the dust, you can use a can of compressed air or your hair dryer on the cold setting. Start by directing the airflow to the top of the umbrella, then work your way to the bottom of the umbrella. You can also use a brush to get deeper into the wrinkles. You can clean the inside and the parts that are not folded with a lint roller.
Get plastic umbrellas clean again
Because the material is not as delicate as fabric or paper, cleaning plastic umbrellas is much easier than cleaning umbrellas made from other materials. Here's how it's done:
- Turn off the socket and remove the shade.
- Dust can be removed with a dry microfiber cloth or a vacuum cleaner attachment.
- Mix some warm water and a few drops of mild dishwashing detergent.
- Use the soapy water to moisten a well-cleaned microfiber cloth.
- Wipe the shade with the damp cloth.
- Before replacing the shade, make sure it is completely dry and then use a dry microfiber cloth to remove any streaks that may have appeared.
