Cleaning Lighting Fixtures

light-cleaning-tinypTips for clean lighting fixtures.

Cleaning lighting fixtures. Table lamps, floor lamps, and overhead lamps need a good cleaning about once a month. 

The rapid accumulation of dirt, dust, and grime on lighting fixtures can be a real downer, significantly diminishing the ambiance of your home and all the wattage you're paying for.

These cleaning solutions for lighting fixtures and lampshades can help clear things up.

Basics on Cleaning Lighting Fixtures

Before cleaning lighting fixtures, carefully remove the shade or cover. (For lampshades, clean them according to the type of material; see below).

Wipe off the light bulb and base with a damp cloth. Immerse ceiling lamp covers in a sink full of warm, soapy water. Wash gently, rinse, and dry thoroughly with a lint-free towel or cloth. 

These cleaning tips also work on brass, chrome, steel, nickel, pewter, and outside light fixtures.

You don't need harsher, more expensive surface-specific cleaners to do the dirty job. These cleaners can mar the surface sheen that keeps fixtures looking their best. 

While it may be tempting to pop that glass fixture into the dishwasher's top rack instead, resist this urge. The dishwasher's heat can easily break delicate glass covers or fade exterior detailing. 

Automatic dishwasher detergent can scratch or dull some fixtures' decorative design and coating. Be safe and wash by hand.

Cleaning a Chandelier

How to clean a chandelier without taking it down:

  • Turn off the light. You might even want to turn this one off at the breaker.
  • Take out all the bulbs from the chandelier. Gently wipe to remove all surface dust.
  • Fill two dish tubs with hot water. Add dish detergent to one container for washing and ammonia to the other tub for rinsing and to add sparkle. Cushion the bottoms of the tubs with cloths.
  • Remove the chandelier crystals and saucers. Put them in the sudsy water. (Either remove just a few crystal parts at a time or make a diagram of what goes where so you don't have a chandelier jigsaw puzzle to contend with when it's time to put it back together.)
  • Wipe the base of the chandelier. Use a cloth dampened with the wash water. Wash, rinse, and dry all parts.
  • Replace the parts quickly. So you won't forget where they go. Then replace the bulbs.

How to Clean Lamp Shades

Once grime builds up, removing it becomes more challenging, especially on more delicate shades such as parchment or fabric. Here's how to clean lampshades by type:

Green beaded lamp shade.Cleaning lighting fixtures and lamp shades.
  • Beaded shades: Vacuum regularly to prevent dust buildup. Wipe occasionally with a damp cloth.
  • Fabric shades: Dust with a soft vacuum attachment; clean professionally if necessary.
  • Glass shades: Wash in dishwashing solution; rinse and dry thoroughly.
  • Metal shades: Wipe with a soft, damp cloth.
  • Paper shades: Wipe; replace when they get too dirty.
  • Parchment shades: Dust; remove marks with an eraser.
  • Plastic shades: Wash in dishwashing solution.
  • Rattan shades: Vacuum often.
  • Silk shades: Clean professionally.


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