Most lamp shades need dusting, not washing. Dust is what dulls the light and the colour, and it comes off dry. Water is the main cause of damage: it stains silk, warps paper and loosens the glue that holds many fabric shades to their frame. This guide gives the safe method for each material, and how to clean the lamp itself: base, arm, bulb and cord.
Before you start
- Switch the light off and let the bulb cool.
- For a table or floor lamp, unplug it. For a ceiling or wall light, switch it off at the wall.
- If the maker gives care instructions, follow those first.
Method by material
| Material | How to clean | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric | Dry microfibre cloth, soft brush or lint roller, from top to bottom | Soaking, if the fabric is glued to the frame |
| Silk | Dry only: soft brush or dry microfibre cloth, very light pressure | Water and cleaning sprays, which can leave marks |
| Pleated and knitted shades | Soft brush along the pleats, or a hairdryer on cool to blow dust out | Rubbing across the pleats |
| Paper and rice paper | Dry only: feather duster or very soft brush | Any moisture, and pressing on the paper |
| Glass | Soft cloth slightly dampened with water, then dry | Abrasive sponges |
| Stained glass | Dry soft cloth; for marks, a cloth barely dampened with water, then dry at once | Ammonia or vinegar cleaners on the metal seams |
| Rattan and cane | Soft brush or vacuum cleaner with a brush head on low suction | Wetting the weave |
| Stone (travertine, marble) | Dry or slightly damp soft cloth | Acidic cleaners, which can mark the stone |
| Acrylic | Dry microfibre cloth | Paper towels and solvents, which can scratch or cloud it |
Cleaning the lamp itself: table, desk and floor lamps
- Unplug the lamp and let the bulb cool before you touch it.
- Base and stand: dry microfibre cloth. For fingerprints on metal or glass, a cloth slightly dampened with water, then dry at once.
- Arm, joints and switch: dry cloth only. Keep water away from the switch, the socket and the cord.
- Bulb: once cool, wipe it with a dry cloth. Dust on the bulb dims the light.
- Stone bases (travertine, marble): dry or slightly damp cloth, no acidic cleaner.
- Cord: wipe it dry and check it for cracks or worn spots while you clean.
How often
A light dusting every few weeks keeps dust from settling into the fibres. A shade that is dusted regularly rarely needs anything more.
A small stain on a fabric shade
Test first on a hidden spot. Dab, do not rub, with a white cloth barely dampened with water and a drop of mild soap, then dab with a clean damp cloth and let it dry in the air. Do not use this on silk or paper.
Shades in our range
- Silk: the White Silk Saucer Pendant and the other silk lanterns in our fabric and silk pendant lights.
- Pleated fabric: the Pleated Fabric Dish Pendant.
- Rattan: the Layered Rattan Pendant. More in our rattan pendant lights guide.
- Stone: travertine and marble lamps, compared in our stone lamps guide.
- Acrylic: the Walnut Acrylic Flower Pendant, whose care line reads: dust gently with a dry microfibre cloth.
Not sure what shape of shade you have? Our guide to the types of lamp shades explains drum, empire, bell, dome, cone, pleated and glass shades, with real sizes. For desk lamps, see our desk lamps guide.
Frequently asked questions
How do I clean a desk lamp or a floor lamp?
Unplug it and let the bulb cool, then dust the base, arm and bulb with a dry microfibre cloth. Use a barely damp cloth only on metal or glass parts, away from the switch and socket, and dry at once.
Can I wash a fabric lamp shade?
Only if the fabric is sewn to the frame and the maker allows it. Glued shades should not be soaked. Dusting is the safe default.
How do I clean a silk lamp shade?
Dry only, with a soft brush or a dry microfibre cloth.
How do I clean a paper lantern?
Dry only, with a feather duster or a very soft brush, without pressing on the paper.
