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Microfiber Cloth and Baking Soda
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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
Reviewed by Zac Kieffer
President at E-Cloth
Updated July, 20
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Lint Roller
Roll a lint roller gently over the lampshade’s surface to pick up dust, pet hair, and lint. The sticky sheets trap debris without damaging delicate fabrics, leaving your lampshade clean and refreshed.
Lamp Shade Cleaning with a Lint Roller: The Straightforward Approach
- Grab a clean lint roller—the kind you’d use on your clothes. Make sure it’s got a fresh, sticky sheet. If it’s already loaded with fuzz, peel it off and start with a new layer for best results.
- Roll gently over the lampshade’s surface. Use light pressure and short strokes, especially if your shade is made of delicate fabric or paper. Too much force can bend the frame or leave marks.
- Work in sections. Start at the top and move down, rotating the shade as you go. This helps you catch dust, pet hair, and lint that like to cling to the fabric.
- Check your roller often. If it’s covered in debris, peel off the used sheet to keep things sticky. A fresh roller works faster and picks up more with each pass.
- Don’t forget the inside. If your lampshade is open at the top and bottom, give the inside a quick once-over. Dust likes to hide there, too.
- Spot clean stubborn bits. If you find something stuck that the roller won’t pick up, use a dry microfiber cloth to gently rub the area. Avoid using water or sprays unless you know your shade can handle it.
- Finish by checking the base and bulb area. While you’re at it, wipe down the lamp base and the area around the bulb with a dry cloth. Dust can collect there and affect the look of your freshly cleaned shade.
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Limited Deep Cleaning
Using a lint roller on lampshades only removes surface dust and hair, missing embedded dirt and stains. It’s not effective for deep cleaning, so grime and discoloration may remain after this DIY method.
Streak-Free Wherever You Need It
E-Cloth is committed to delivering a clean you can see—effortlessly erasing messes with just water for a spotless shine, free of streaks and added chemicals.
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Vacuum Cleaner with Brush Attachment
Attach the brush tool to your vacuum cleaner. Gently run the brush over the lampshade’s surface, using light strokes to lift dust and debris. This method is safe for fabric, paper, and pleated shades, keeping them clean without damage.
How to Clean Lampshades with a Vacuum Cleaner and Brush Attachment
- Start with a dry lampshade. Make sure the lampshade is completely cool and unplug the lamp before you begin. This isn’t just about safety—dust sticks better to a warm or damp surface, so you want it dry and at room temperature.
- Choose the right brush attachment. Most vacuum cleaners come with a soft-bristled brush attachment. This is the one you want—hard bristles or a crevice tool can snag or dent delicate fabric or paper shades.
- Set your vacuum to a low suction setting. If your vacuum has adjustable suction, dial it down. Lampshades, especially fabric or paper ones, can warp or collapse under too much force. If your vacuum doesn’t have this feature, you can partially cover the hose opening with your hand to reduce the pull.
- Work from top to bottom in gentle strokes. Hold the lampshade steady with one hand and use the brush attachment to sweep dust away in long, even passes. Don’t scrub or press down—let the bristles do the work. Pay extra attention to pleats, seams, and trim, where dust likes to hide.
- Rotate the shade as you go. Instead of reaching around awkwardly, gently spin the lampshade to bring each section toward you. This helps you keep a steady hand and avoid bending the frame.
- Check for stubborn spots. If you see lint or pet hair clinging on, you can try a lint roller or a clean, dry microfiber cloth to pick up what the vacuum missed. Avoid using tape, which can leave sticky residue or pull at delicate fibers.
- Finish by vacuuming the area around the lamp. Dust from the shade often ends up on the table or floor. Give the surrounding area a quick once-over to keep things tidy and prevent dust from resettling on your freshly cleaned lampshade.
Delicate Fabric Damage
Using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment on delicate fabric lampshades can cause snags, stretching, or tearing, damaging the material and ruining the shade’s appearance.
Streak-Free Wherever You Need It
E-Cloth is committed to delivering a clean you can see—effortlessly erasing messes with just water for a spotless shine, free of streaks and added chemicals.
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Microfiber Cloth and Baking Soda
Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda onto a clean microfiber cloth. Gently rub the lampshade in circular motions to lift dust and stains. Wipe away any residue with a dry section of the cloth for a refreshed, clean finish.
How to Clean Lampshades with a Microfiber Cloth and Baking Soda
- Unplug and Remove the Lampshade: Always unplug the lamp before you start. If possible, take the lampshade off the lamp. This makes it easier to reach every spot and keeps you from knocking the whole thing over.
- Dust First with a Dry Microfiber Cloth: Gently wipe the lampshade with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Microfiber is made of tiny synthetic fibers that grab onto dust and lint, so you’re not just moving dirt around—you’re actually picking it up. Pay extra attention to seams and trim where dust likes to hide.
- Spot Clean with Baking Soda: For stubborn spots or greasy fingerprints, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda directly onto the microfiber cloth (not the lampshade). Baking soda is a mild abrasive, which means it can help lift grime without scratching most surfaces. Gently rub the spot in a circular motion. Don’t scrub too hard—especially on delicate fabric or paper shades.
- Shake or Vacuum Off Residue: After spot cleaning, gently shake the lampshade outside or use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove any leftover baking soda. This helps prevent white powder from sticking around and making things look worse.
- Wipe Down Again: Give the lampshade another once-over with a clean, dry microfiber cloth to catch any last bits of dust or powder. If the shade is fabric, check for any dampness and let it air dry before putting it back on the lamp.
- Reassemble and Plug Back In: Once everything is dry and clean, put the lampshade back on and plug the lamp in. Step back and admire your work—at least until the next dust storm rolls through.
Residual Odor Retention
The microfiber cloth and baking soda method may fail to fully remove deep or persistent odors from lampshades, leaving behind residual smells that linger even after cleaning.
Ready for an Easier Way to Clean?
Skip the mixing, spraying, and scrubbing. With E-Cloth, you get a streak-free shine using just water—no added chemicals, no hassle. Make every window sparkle the simple way.
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Compressed Air Can
Hold the lampshade steady and use a can of compressed air to blow dust and debris off the surface. Work in short bursts, moving around the shade to ensure even cleaning. This method quickly removes dust without damaging delicate materials.
Lampshade Cleaning with a Compressed Air Can: The Straightforward Approach
- Start with a dry lampshade. Make sure the lamp is unplugged and the bulb is cool. You don’t want to risk a shock or burn while you’re working. If the lampshade is fabric, paper, or delicate, handle it gently to avoid dents or tears.
- Take the lampshade off the lamp if possible. This gives you better access and helps you avoid blowing dust onto your furniture or floors. If it’s not removable, just be extra careful where the dust goes.
- Hold the compressed air can upright. Tilting the can may cause it to spray out cold propellant, which can leave residue or even damage the shade. Keep the nozzle a few inches away from the surface to avoid blasting the material too hard.
- Use short, controlled bursts. Sweep the nozzle across the lampshade, working from top to bottom. This helps lift dust and loose debris from pleats, trims, and textured surfaces. Don’t linger in one spot—quick passes are more effective and less likely to cause damage.
- Work in a well-ventilated area. Dust and particles will go airborne, so it’s best to do this near an open window or outside if possible. This keeps the mess from settling right back onto your furniture.
- Check for stubborn spots. If you see lint or dust that didn’t budge, you can gently use a soft brush or a lint roller to finish the job. Avoid using water or cleaning sprays unless you know your lampshade can handle it—some materials don’t play well with moisture.
- Wipe down the lamp base and bulb while you’re at it. Dust likes to settle everywhere, so a quick once-over with a microfiber cloth can make the whole lamp look fresher.
Hidden Dust Particles
Using a compressed air can may blow hidden dust particles deeper into the lampshade fabric or into the air, rather than removing them, leading to incomplete cleaning and potential respiratory irritation.
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