Cleaning Paper Lamp Shades
Make sure that the shade is completely dry before putting it back on the lamp.
Cleaning paper lamp shades. Remove any appliques or detachable pieces from the lamp shade s fabric. Add white vinegar to the water if the shade is greasy. Clean away surface dust and dirt with a vacuum cleaner s upholstery attachment a duster or a dry microfiber cloth. I assume your lamp shades were originally white and now look beige.
You may be able to get away with some light spot cleaning that involves moisture but if fully saturated the glue that holds them together may dissolve. Fill one bowl with plain water. A pleated lampshade can add a touch of beauty and elegance to even the most ordinary lamp. If the weather is clear place the shade outside to speed up the drying process.
Steps to clean the shade. Fill a second bowl with water and mix in small amount of mild detergent. Finally dry the shade with a towel and place it outside or in front of a fan to finish drying. Prepare a bathtub or wash basin of warm soapy water full enough to cover most of the lamp shade.
Rotate the bread to a clean area then dab again until the stain is gone. Clean lamp shades without ruining them. Unplug the lamp and remove the shade. Place the shade on a clean surface such as on a towel to dry.
It sounds crazy but it works plastic or fiberglass lamp shades. Dip the lampshade in and out of the water a couple of times to remove the soap. Dip a cloth in the detergent water wring the cloth out well so that it is only barely damp then wipe a section of the shade. A dusty and dirty pleated shade however can detract from the most expensive lighting in your home.
You can t put water or liquid cleaners on paper lampshades so there is probably no other way to clean them than dusting or vacuuming. Wash it in a sink of warm soapy water. Gently wipe these shades with a dry microfiber cloth or use a vacuum cleaner attachment to remove the dust. You ll definitely want to wear cleaning gloves for parchment shades as these materials are especially sensitive to the oils on your fingertips.
Trying to find the best method to keep your lampshades sparkling clean requires a bit of ingenuity. Empty out the soapy water from the sink and refill it with clean warm water. Rinse well and dry. Leave the shade to air dry on a towel for at least 24 hours.
Remove the shade then dust it inside and out with a damp microfiber cloth.