How do I clean a fabric lamp shade?
by
Sue
+5
I bought a lamp that's in pretty good condition at a thrift store. I plan to paint the base. The shade is in really good condition but needs a little cleaning. I have no idea what to use. Sorry that I can not post a picture. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Related Discussions
Suggested Project Book
The best way to do this is to fill the sink with warm to cool water and use a little Dawn detergent. Sponge the water over the shade and wash it gently and pay special attention to any spots. Rinse with cool water and either dry in the sun or use a hair dryer. Good luck!
You don't tell us what the shade is made of. If it is fabric, and pleated. I would probably replace it. (The inner lining will crack if handled very much) If it is stretched fabric and silk, you must submerge all of it in mild soapy water.(Silk when wet will leave water marks unless the entire piece is treated the same) I would use woolite and cold water. Use something very soft (maybe a clean make-up brush) to clean it. Rinse thoroughly and set it in indirect sunlight to dry.
If you have access to a compressor it works well to blow off the dust, that is if the shade is totally fabric. If that doesn't work effectively, a good place to shop for shades is "At Home" Just north of Costco off of 183 and 1431.
I agree with all of the above. I am, for some reason, obsessed with lamps and lamp shades, so I've cleaned a few. (I have a closet full of them!) If you do not have a compressor to blow off dust, use a hair dryer. Use a clean (Dollar Store) paint brush to brush off the residual dust, or a lint brush. Wash it like the other commenters suggested, or shower with it! Seriously! When it is dry, depending on the original quality of the shade, you may have sort of "bleed through" of the shade where it attaches to the wire structure. Just go to the fabric store and find some trim you like that matches the shade/your decor and carefully hot glue it over the offending wire. Remember a little glue goes a long way, but it will look fabulous. p.s. if the shade fabric IS silk don't be surprised if it shreds when you wash it. It deteriorates from heat and light. In that case, I would go on line, especially Pinterest, and see how to replace the silk. I've done it with scrapbook paper and fabric trim. Good luck! I am sure it will be fabulous!