Be gentle when cleaning old lamps.
Cleaning old lamps might not seem like much of a priority to some homeowners. However, if you have antique lamps or old lamps that hold sentimental value, then the cleaning process might be a high priority. If you wait too long, the intense cleaning needed to remove the extra dirt could damage the integrity of the lamp and decrease its value. You need to take special care when cleaning old or antique lamps, especially with the shade, which is typically much more delicate than the base. It's generally safe to submerge a fabric shade, but use a non-submersible cleaning approach for plastic, fiberglass, parchment or laminate.
Instructions
Cleaning the Base
1. Remove the lamp shade from the base of the lamp before you begin cleaning.
2. Dust the base carefully with a slightly dampened cloth.
3. Spray the base with a light mist of water if there are any intricate moldings.
Cleaning Fabric Shades
4. Wipe the inside and outside of the lamp shade gently with a dry cloth to remove dust and surface debris.
5. Fill a tub with warm water. Add a few drops of laundry detergent to the water. Push the shade under the water until it is completely submerged and use a cloth to scrub any dirty areas.
6. Rinse the lamp with clean water and hang up to air dry. You may need to reform certain areas of the fabric as it dries.
7. Put the shade back on the base when it's still slightly damp but no longer dripping. Turn the lamp on to help it dry faster.
Cleaning Non-submersible Shades
8. Wipe the inside and outside of the lamp shade gently with a dry cloth to remove dust and surface debris.
9. Whisk together ¼ cup of clean water and several drops of mild liquid soap. This will create a relatively dry cleaning solution.
10. Dab the shade with a cloth that has been soaked in solution, being careful not to loosen the glue that holds the shade together.
11. Remove soap from the shade with a damp sponge soaked in water, without letting the shade become saturated. Use a new cloth to dry the material.
12. Place the shade back on your lamp's base once it's dry.
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