How To Clean A Fabric Lampshade? [4 EASY Suggestions]

Fabric lampshades look fabulous, but they can be a chore to clean. Not only are these shades awkward to handle, they easily attract nasty particles like lint, pet dander, and dust. To help address your fabric fears, we’ve compiled this impressive list of effective lampshade cleaning strategies.  

Here are the most popular hacks you could use to clean your fabric lampshades:

  • Regularly use a lint roller on the inside and outside of the shade.
  • Use a handheld vacuum to suck up dirt on the lampshade.
  • Wipe your lampshade with a clean microfiber towel.
  • Place your lampshade in a tub with warm soapy water, scrub with a microfiber towel, and air dry.

For more detailed instructions on cleaning fabric lampshades, you’ve got to check out the tips below.

A modern living room with a leather lampshade on the side of a white couch, How To Clean A Fabric Lampshade? [4 EASY Suggestions]

What’s The Best Way To Clean A Fabric Lampshade?

Giving your lampshade a good wash is the best way to get rid of grime, but what’s the best cleaning strategy? Below, we’ll share essential tips for giving your fabric lampshade a nice bath.

Can You Wash A Fabric Lampshade?

First off, you may be wondering whether it’s safe to douse a fabric lampshade with soapy water. Although you can’t place fabric lampshades in a washing machine, usually, you can hand-wash them with warm water.

Indeed, it’s common for housecleaners to place fabric lampshades in a bucket of warm water with about a teaspoon of laundry detergent. You could also use a damp microfiber towel with a touch of detergent to give your lampshade a good scrub. The only thing you have to be careful of when washing fabric lampshades is that you dry the fabric evenly. Uneven drying could result in brown or yellow water spots.

To prevent stains, plan to wash your lampshade on a bright sunny day so you could place it outside to dry. You could also use a hairdryer on a low & cool setting to evenly dry your lampshade.

Before washing your fabric lampshade, please double-check the product’s cleaning instructions. You could also call your lampshade’s manufacturer to verify it’s safe to use this warm water method.

How Do You Get Brown Water Stains Out Of Fabric?

If you notice brown water stains on your fabric lampshade, try this simple method to remove them:

  • Fill a bathtub or a clean bucket with warm water.
  • Mix in about one teaspoon of laundry detergent.
  • Hold your lampshade under the soapy water for at least 30 seconds.
  • Take your lampshade out and scrub with a sponge or a clean toothbrush.
  • Rinse all of the dirt and suds with running water.
  • Gently dab a clean microfiber towel around your lampshade.  
  • Let your lampshade sit under the sun.

Please keep in mind that “water stains” aren’t technically caused by your home’s water supply. In reality, these stains are the result of heavy minerals like calcium often found in tap water.

To prevent the likelihood of water stains, you should drain your water heater at least once per year. This simple strategy will help remove sediment on the bottom of your heater, which reduces the likelihood your water will have elevated trace minerals.

For more fantastic info on getting rid of stains, we suggest reading through this previous Home Décor Bliss post.

Does Vinegar Clean Fabric?

Vinegar contains a unique compound called acetic acid that helps naturally clean and deodorize many fabrics. Interestingly, adding a bit of vinegar to your cleaning routine might repel lint and dust from your lampshade.

Just be sure to purchase white distilled vinegar if you’re going to treat your fabric lampshade. White distilled vinegar has no colored dyes, which means there’s no risk of staining.

Did you know you could also use white distilled vinegar to make a fantastic shower curtain cleaner? For more info on this sensational cleaning tip, click this previous Home Décor Bliss post.

How Do You Get Dust Out Of A Fabric Lampshade?

Although washing your fabric lampshade will brighten its appearance, you shouldn’t neglect regular dustings. Following the tips below will keep your fabric lampshades looking fresh in-between tub cleanings.

Can Lint Rollers Get Rid Of Dust On Fabric Lampshades?

The easiest way to bust any dust on your fabric lampshade is to use a lint roller. These handy devices have a sticky surface that will instantly pull dust, fuzz, and grime from your shade. Whenever you notice your lampshade getting dirty, roll your lint remover on the shade’s inside and outside. If you see the sheet is full of gunk, toss that layer in the trash and use a new sheet.    

Anyone searching for lint removers could easily find a set put out by Scotch-Brite online.

Click this Amazon link for more info.

By the way, many hi-tech electric lint removers are safe on fabric. Check out this rechargeable model put out by Magictec:

For more info, be sure to check this Amazon link.

Can I Use A Vacuum To Clean Fabric Lampshades?

Like lint rollers, handheld vacuums are handy for cleaning dust off of fabric lampshades. Indeed, many vacuums nowadays have special upholstery attachments that are fantastic on fabrics. Once you have your vacuum’s upholstery tools ready, turn on your vacuum to the lowest possible setting. Next, gently glide it across your lampshade to collect dirt that has accumulated.

One popular vacuum brand with an upholstery tool is BISSELL’s cordless Pet Hair Eraser Vacuum.

Find out more on this Amazon link.

What Towel Should I Use To Clean Fabric Lampshades?

You should only use microfiber towels when dusting or drying fabric lampshades. Since the fibers on microfiber towels are incredibly small, they are very efficient at trapping dust particles. Despite their strength, microfiber towels are remarkably delicate on fabrics. Feel free to use a dry microfiber towel to trap any dust you see on your fabric lampshade. You could also use microfiber towels to scrub sudsy water while you’re washing your lampshade.

Here’s a fantastic microfiber towel put out by MR. SIGA:

Find out more on this Amazon link.

How Often Should You Clean A Fabric Lampshade?

There’s no set timeframe for cleaning fabric lampshades, but you should be dusting your lampshade at least once per week. To help remind yourself to give your lampshade a quick dusting, keep a lint roller nearby.

The best way to tell when to wash your lampshade is when it starts looking shabby. For general maintenance, however, try to put your lampshade in a soapy bath every three to four months.  

Before Cleaning, Consider Lampshade Color Coordination!

Now that you know all about cleaning your fabric lampshades, it’s time to consider what hue works best for you. Thankfully, you don’t have to go scouring the Internet for info on this colorful topic! Please read through this Home Décor Bliss post to find out everything you need to know on lampshade color coordination.

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