Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1
   Step 1

   Consult instructions

   Consult any manufacturer’s instructions or care tags to make sure there aren’t specific cleaning products you should use or avoid.

2. 2
   Step 2

   Unplug & Remove

   Unplug the lamp and remove the shade.

3. 3
   Step 3

   Remove any dust

   Use a dry microfiber cloth or vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to remove any dust.

4. 4
   Step 4

   Fill your bathtub with warm water

   Fill your bathtub with warm water. You’ll need enough water to be able to cover at least half of your lampshade.

5. 5
   Step 5

   Add detergent

   Add a few drops of gentle liquid laundry detergent or dishwashing liquid.

6. 6
   Step 6

   Mix

   Churn the water with your hands to activate the soap suds. Add more soap if needed.

7. 7
   Step 7

   Soak

   Lower the lampshade into the water. Let especially soiled lampshades soak for about 10 minutes. You may need to rotate the shade to ensure all sides get equal soaking time.

8. 8
   Step 8

   Wipe

   Dampen a clean microfiber cloth in your sudsy water and use this to wipe down the lampshade, working from top to bottom.

9. 9
   Step 9

   Rinse

   Drain the tub and refill it with warm water. You won’t need any soap this time. Dip and swish the shade in the fresh water to remove any remaining soap.

10. 10
    Step 10

    Dry

    Drain the tub and shake as much water from the shade as you can. Set your lampshade on a towel to drip dry. You could also set the shade outside or use a hairdryer on a low setting to dry the fabric. If do you use a hairdryer, be certain to dry your hands and wipe up any excess water that may have sloshed on the floor before you plug it in.

11. 11
    Step 11

    Re-attach

    Let the shade dry completely, then re-attach it to the lamp base.