Spaghetti lamps are a classic vintage design, but they can be a hassle to clean. With its delicate lucite shade, it’s all too easy to scratch the lamp and damage what history has preserved. You may be wondering how to clean your spaghetti lamp, so we have compiled the answers for you.
Because the lucite is fragile, it can scratch very easily and requires special care. Some ways to clean your spaghetti lamp without damaging it are:
- Use compressed air to blow away dirt and dust build-up gently.
- Soak the lamp in warm water mixed with mild dish soap.
- With a lint-free, non-abrasive cloth, wipe down the lamp.
- Use a special cleaner to wash away dirt without damaging the lucite.
These methods, used individually or combined depending on the condition of the lamp, can preserve your spaghetti lamp and restore it to its former glory without damaging it. They may seem straightforward but perform each carefully, to not harm the unique lampshades. Please continue reading to see how to apply the above methods and care for your lamp.
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How To Clean A Spaghetti Lamp
If a spaghetti lamp is among your home decor, keeping it clean is vital to enjoying the lamp's vibrant glow. Spaghetti lamps are natural dust collectors, but you can clean this delicate item with a few different techniques. Let's take a closer look.
Compressed Air
Using a can of compressed air or a gentle garage air compressor can eliminate the layers of dust and grime accumulated on your spaghetti lamp. Be sure to use light pressure so as not to damage the fragile lucite. This method works especially with tight corners and crevasses that are hard to reach with a cloth.
You can buy a disposable can of compressed air, specifically for dusting.
Click here to find Falcon Electronics Duster at Amazon.
Add a rechargeable electronic duster to your home cleaning tool kit. These handheld air guns are convenient and versatile to use for electronics, lamps, and furniture throughout the house.
Click here to find this Opolar Cordless Air Duster on Amazon.
Soak the lamp in warm water
Soaking your spaghetti lamp in warm water is a great way to remove dirt and dust. If it’s incredibly dirty, add some gentle dish soap to help remove grime. Be careful not to use water that’s too hot. Make sure you rinse off any soap residue and dry the lamp well.
Use a soft cloth to wipe away dirt
You can use a soft, non-abrasive, or microfiber cloth to wipe away dirt. It can be dry, or you can dampen it with warm water. You can also add a small amount of gentle dish soap, but be sure to remove all soap residue and dry the lamp well.
Click here to see microfiber dust cloths on Amazon.
Use a gentle cleanser
Most household cleaners are abrasive and can damage the lucite lamp shades. Even window cleaner, made to clean fragile surfaces without leaving scratches, can damage the lucite. Novus, a plastic cleaner designed to eliminate dirt and leave behind a clean, polished surface, can help restore your spaghetti lamp. It is guaranteed not to scratch sensitive plastics and even resist fingerprints as it leaves behind a clean polish.
Click here to find Novus plastic polish on Amazon.
How To Clean The Base (Or Stem) Of The Spaghetti Lamp
Most spaghetti lamps are made of plaster, walnut, ceramic, or wrought iron. Lamps are often accented in brass.
Plaster
For plaster bases, you can vacuum away dust or even use a cellulose sponge with warm, soapy water. Make sure you dry the lamp well.
Click here to find cellulose sponge cloths on Amazon.
Walnut
Walnut requires an unabrasive cleaner. Use warm water alone or mixed with vinegar to wipe a walnut base. Be sure to use a microfiber or soft cloth that won’t scratch. You can also purchase specific polishes, varnishes, and cleaners for wood. Furniture waxes and polishes can be applied regularly to preserve the walnut and prevent future damage.
Click here to find Pledge on Amazon.
Ceramic
Clean ceramic using a soft cloth dampened with warm, soapy water. It’s essential to use a microfiber or unabrasive cloth, so you don’t scratch the ceramic.
Brass
Brass quickly tarnishes, so clean first it by starting with warm, soapy water. Once dried, either ketchup or a mixture of water, baking soda, and salt can gently be rubbed in and wiped away after letting it sit for a few minutes. A homemade scrub should restore the brass without damaging it.
Click here to find baking soda on Amazon.
Wrought Iron
Wrought iron is a more durable material, but its rough surface collects dirt more easily. To clean wrought iron, you can start by vacuuming up as much dust as you can. You can continue by using a soapy sponge or cloth to wipe away any remaining dirt. It’s important to dry any wrought iron pieces completely, so they don’t rust.
Any of these methods should effectively clean your spaghetti lamp without damage. It’s important to keep in mind the preservation of the lamp and avoid using more convenient but damaging cleansers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are spaghetti lamps made of?
Most spaghetti lamps are comprised of acrylic or lucite (a superior type of acrylic) and are thus easily scratched or damaged. Spun materials overlap to shape into spheres or ovals in bright colors. The overlapping folds often pattern and swirl to form unique designs. Sometimes, the lamps feature bases of plaster formed into people and geometric shapes. Spaghetti lamps are either held up by bases or hung by a chain from the ceiling.
What’s the history of the spaghetti lamp?
Spaghetti lamps become popular in the mid-20th century. As with many other popular pieces of furniture in this era, the spaghetti lamp took inspiration from the new space advancements and popular abstract art. Lamps were seen at the time as a decorative piece meant to bring the other furniture in the room together.
Are spaghetti lamps still in style?
The short answer is no. Spaghetti lamps were popular mainly in the 60s and 70s, but many people appreciate the vintage style nowadays and incorporate them into their homes. From today’s standards, they are too bold and aren’t cohesive with the sleek, modern look. It’s a unique style not suitable for everyone.
In Summary
Whether you’re caring for an antique lamp or a new one, it’s essential to clean it regularly like every other piece of furniture in your house. Because of its possible age and materials, these lamps are incredibly fragile, but they can be cleaned through the detailed methods discussed above. It will be well worth the effort of properly caring for it when you proudly display a spaghetti lamp in your home.
For great tips on how to keep your home decor tidy, please read our other posts:
This is very informative and helpful!