Can cloth lamp shades be cleaned?

Cloth lamp shades can absolutely be cleaned, but special care needs to be taken to avoid damaging or discoloring the fabric. With some simple cleaning tips and techniques, you can safely refresh and restore cloth lamp shades.

Why clean cloth lamp shades?

Cloth lamp shades can collect dust, dirt, oil and grease over time. Cleaning them regularly will not only keep them looking their best, but can also help improve lamp performance. Dust and dirt reduces light output from the bulb or lamp. Oils deposited on the fabric from cooking, smoking, or even from your hands can cause yellowish stains over time.

Here are some key reasons to clean cloth lamp shades:

• Restore brightness – Remove dust and dirt so light can shine through.
• Remove odors – Eliminate smoke, cooking grease smells.
• Refresh colors – Get rid of yellowing from oil and dirt buildup.
• Extend shade life – Reduce dirt and oil that can degrade fabric.
• Improve ambiance – Clean shades contribute to an inviting room.

Dirty lamp shades can make a room seem dingy and neglected. Keeping shades clean improves the atmosphere and appearance of any space.

How often to clean lamp shades

How frequently you need to clean a cloth lamp shade depends on your environment and how quickly dirt accumulates. As general guidelines:

• Clean every 1-2 months – For shades in kitchens, dining rooms or high traffic areas.
• Clean every 3-6 months – For shades in bedrooms, offices and living rooms.
• Clean 1-2 times per year – For shades in guest rooms, basements or other low use areas.

Check the condition of shades seasonally. More frequent cleaning may be needed if you observe a heavy buildup of dust and dirt. Always promptly clean any spots or stains as needed to prevent them setting.

What you need to clean cloth lamp shades

Cleaning cloth lamp shades doesn’t require fancy cleaners or equipment. You can clean most shades using products you probably already have at home. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Soft cloths – Cotton, microfiber or cheesecloth
• Mild laundry detergent or gentle hand soap
• Soft brush – Clothes brush, lint brush or toothbrush
• Spray bottle filled with clean water
• Rubbing alcohol (optional) – For more stubborn oil stains
• Cream of tartar (optional) – For extra brightening

Avoid harsh chemicals or cleaners containing bleach, which may damage fabric. Also avoid scrubbing pads, stiff brushes or anything abrasive that could snag threads. Work over a table or surface you don’t mind getting wet. Have a towel handy to lay out the shade to dry.

How to clean fabric lamp shades

Follow these steps to clean most types of cloth lamp shades:

1. Check label for care instructions – If there’s a tag, see if it lists any special washing methods or warnings. This is particularly important for antique or delicate lamp shades.
2. Remove the shade – Unplug the lamp and detach the shade so you can work on cleaning it surface. Handle carefully to avoid rips or tears.
3. Vacuum shade – Use the soft brush attachment to remove any loose dust and dirt. Don’t press too hard.
4. Wipe down with damp cloth – Dip a soft clean cloth in your detergent solution. Wring out thoroughly so it’s damp but not dripping. Gently wipe down all surfaces of the shade to remove built up dust and oils.
5. Mix stronger solution for stubborn stains – For greasy spots or yellowed areas, use a bit more detergent. Try rubbing alcohol or cream of tartar for extra cleaning power.
6. Rinse with clean damp cloth – Wipe all surfaces with a fresh cloth dipped in plain water to remove all soap residue.
7. Allow to fully air dry – Stand shade upright and allow to completely dry before putting back on lamp.

It’s best to let shades air dry naturally – avoid using a hair dryer or other heating methods that could damage the material.

Specialty shade fabrics and coatings

Specific cleaning methods may be needed for lamp shades made from delicate or specialty fabrics:

Silk or Velvet: Use extra care when dusting to avoid snagging delicate fibers. Spot clean stains gently using a barely damp cloth.

Parchment or Rice Paper: Avoid excess moisture as paper shades will warp. Use a dry soft brush to remove dust.

Pleated: Straighten and realign pleats while shade is removed. Use a toothbrush to gently clean in pleat crevices.

Fringed: Try to avoid getting the fringe wet. Dry dust only.

Beaded: Clean with a dry cloth. Avoid immersing in water as moisture can damage glued on beads.

Fabric/Coating	Cleaning Method
Silk	Spot clean stains with barely damp soft cloth
Velvet	Spot clean stains with barely damp soft cloth
Parchment	Dry dust only with soft brush
Rice Paper	Dry dust only with soft brush
Pleated	Dry dust pleats with toothbrush
Fringed	Dry dust only
Beaded	Clean with dry cloth only

Spot cleaning methods for common stains

For more stubborn stains on cloth shades, use these techniques:

Grease stains: Rub gently with a cloth dipped in diluted dish soap. Or try rubbing alcohol or lemon juice. Rinse and blot dry.

Wax stains: Freeze wax drips with ice cube wrapped in plastic. Then gently scrape off.

Paint stains: Dab gently with rubbing alcohol and rinse.

Rust stains: Make a paste with cream of tartar and water. Gently rub paste on stain, rinse.

Mildew stains: Wipe with cloth dipped in diluted bleach. Rinse thoroughly. Allow to fully dry.

Remember to always spot test cleaners on an inconspicuous area first. Harsh chemicals can damage the fabric permenantly.

How to clean specific lamp shade materials

Popular cloth shade materials require slightly different cleaning methods:

Cotton – Machine or hand wash in warm water with mild detergent. Line or flat dry. Iron while still slightly damp if needed.

Linen – Hand wash only with mild soap, line dry. Iron on low while slightly damp.

Silk – Spot clean only by dabbing gently with barely damp cloth. Air dry.

Velvet – Use velvet brush or cloth to brush away dust. Spot treat stains. Allow to fully air dry.

Rayon – Hand wash in mild detergent. Dry flat away from direct sunlight. Iron on low if needed.

Polyester – Hand wash or sponge clean with warm water. Air dry. Low iron if needed.

Cotton blends – Check tag, but usually hand washable. Lay flat or line dry.

A shade’s fabric content determines the cleaning method that will be safest and most effective. Refer to the manufacturer’s care label for specifics. When in doubt, test clean a small hidden area first.

How to wash removable cloth shades

Some high quality cloth shades have a removable cover that can be taken off the frame and washed. Follow these steps:

1. Unclip cover from frame – Remove cover carefully without tearing seams.
2. Close zippers/fasteners – Zip or button closed any openings.
3. Hand or machine wash delicately – Use cool water and mild detergent. For machine washing, place cover in a mesh wash bag first.
4. Line dry or flat dry – Lay flat or hang to dry thoroughly. Out of direct sunlight is best to avoid fading.
5. Iron on low – Once fully dry, iron on low heat if needed to smooth wrinkles or creases.
6. Re-attach – Carefully slip shade cover back onto frame when fully dry. Refasten closure.

Check the manufacturer’s instructions, as some covers may be dry clean only. Washing the removable cover occasionally restores the “like-new” appearance.

Common mistakes when cleaning shades

To keep your cloth shades looking their best, avoid these common cleaning pitfalls:

• Using harsh chemicals that can discolor or damage delicate fabrics.
• Over-wetting the shade which can cause stains to spread and fabrics to shrink.
• Leaving wet shades in direct sunlight which can fade colors.
• Using heat from blow dryers, irons or other sources that could scorch fabric.
• Putting shades back on lamp before completely dry which can cause mildew.

By using mild cleaners and handling shades carefully, you can clean effectively without damage. Spot test cleaners first and check care labels.

When to consider replacing a shade

With periodic cleaning, most cloth lamp shades can be maintained almost indefinitely. However, it may be time to replace a shade if:

• Fabric has become excessively faded, torn or worn.
• Wires or frame are damaged.
• Stains have set and can’t be removed.
• You want to update the room’s decor.

Replacement lamp shades come in a wide selection of styles, sizes, materials and prices to fit any lamp and budget.

Conclusion

Cloth lamp shades can be kept clean with simple regular care. The key steps are:

• Vacuum gently to remove dust.
• Wipe down with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
• Rinse off any soap residue.
• Allow to fully air dry before relamping.

Check labels for fabric-specific cleaning methods. Spot treat any stains promptly. With proper cleaning techniques, cloth shades can be restored to look like new again. Keeping your lamp shades clean improves lighting, removes odors and makes for an inviting living space.