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The Best Ways to Clean Any Type of Lampshade Download Article Get rid of dust and grime on your lampshades with this simple guide Co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH and Hunter Rising
Last Updated: February 19, 2026 References
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Fabric
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Paper
|
Plastic and Glass
|
How Often to Clean
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When to Replace Lampshades
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Video
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Tips
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Things You'll Need
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Michelle Driscoll is a professional cleaner based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With over 7 years of experience, Michelle is the founder of Mulberry Maids, specializing in cleaning homes and small offices. Mulberry Maids services Northern Colorado, including Fort Collins and Loveland, and offers a variety of services, including commercial cleaning, move-in and move-out cleaning, and regular home cleaning. Michelle holds a Master's in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 91,221 times.
If your lampshades are starting to look dirty or yellowed, it’s time to give them a good cleaning. While you can wipe dust off with a clean cloth, how you remove spots and stains depends on the lampshade’s material. We’ve found the best cleaning methods for fabric, paper, glass, and plastic lampshades, so keep reading to learn how to restore their looks.
Things You Should Know
Dust any type of lampshade with a microfiber cloth or lint roller. Vacuum the surface of fabric lampshades with a brush attachment to remove even more dust.
Wipe your fabric lampshade with a damp cloth and soapy water. Use a cloth wet with clean water to rinse away the dirt and soap.
Soak fabric lampshades in a soapy water solution for 10 minutes. Gently scrub away spots and stains with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Steps
Section 1 of 5:
Fabric Lampshades
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1 Dust your lampshade with a microfiber cloth or lint roller. Take your lampshade off of your lamp so it’s easier to clean. Start wiping from the top of the lampshade and work toward the bottom so dust falls off of the fabric. Alternatively, run a lint roller over the surface to catch the loose dust.[1]XResearch source
Work slowly if your lampshade is made of thin, delicate fabric because it could stick to a lint roller and tear the material.
Try using a soft-bristled paintbrush to get rid of dust stuck between pleated fabric lampshades.
2 Vacuum very dusty lampshades with a soft brush attachment. Put the attachment onto your vacuum and gently clean the shade. Work from the top of the lampshade to the bottom so you don’t re-spread any dust or dirt.[2]XResearch source
Vacuums work great for pleated fabric lampshades where dust and dirt can build up between the folds.
If you’re working with loose or delicate fabrics, avoid using a vacuum because you could damage your lampshade.
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3 Wipe your lampshade with a damp soapy cloth. Wet a microfiber cloth with water and wring it out. Add a drop or two of gentle detergent or dish soap, and gently wipe the sides of the shades. After that, wet a clean cloth with plain water and wipe off the soap residue. [3]XResearch source
Make sure to wipe the entire lampshade with water so you don’t leave behind any water spots or discoloration.[4]XResearch source
If you’re cleaning a vintage or silk lampshade, avoid getting it wet because you could leave streaks behind. If there are spots or stains, take the lampshade to a professional dry cleaner instead.[5]XResearch source
4 Remove stains or spots with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Wet a toothbrush into warm soapy water and dab it onto the stained section of your lampshade. Gently scrub the stain with the toothbrush, working from the edges toward the center. Wipe off any soapy residue with a clean, damp cloth.[6]XResearch source
5 Remove grime with a vinegar solution. Fill a spray bottle with a solution that’s half water and half distilled white vinegar. Mist the spray onto your lampshade and gently wipe or blot at the marks to lift them.[7]XResearch source
Test the solution in an inconspicuous spot first to make sure it doesn’t cause any discoloration or ruin the fabric.
6 Soak lampshades in soapy water to remove the toughest stains. Fill your bathtub or a large container with enough water to fully submerge your lampshade. Add a few drops of gentle detergent or dish soap and place your lampshade in the water. Let it sit for about 15 minutes before gently wiping it with a microfiber cloth.[8]XResearch source
When you’re finished, rinse the shade in clean lukewarm water.
Shake off excess water and pat the lampshade dry with a towel. Then, leave it in a well-ventilated area with a fan to air-dry completely.
Only soak your lampshade if the pieces are stitched together. Soaking lampshades that are held together by glue can damage them.
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Paper Lampshades
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1 Wear gloves whenever you clean paper lampshades. Oil from your skin could get onto the paper and leave discoloration behind. Put on a clean pair of gloves so you don’t accidentally stain your lampshade.[9]XResearch source
2 Wipe the lampshade off with a dry microfiber cloth. Take your lampshade off of your lamp so it’s easier to clean. Wipe from the top of the lampshade toward the bottom to brush off the loose dust. Be sure to wipe the inside of the shade as well.[10]XResearch source
Alternatively, run a lint roller over the lamp shade to pick up stray dust and debris on the surface. Just be careful that the adhesive doesn’t rip the paper.
3 Rub stains away with an art gum eraser. Gently rub the marks on your lampshade with the eraser to lift them up from the surface. If one part of the eraser gets dirty, then switch to a clean part so you don’t spread any residue.[11]XResearch source
Some people have had similar results using a piece of white bread without the crust. Just gently rub the bread against the stains to lift them.[12]XResearch source
Alternatively, try using a magic eraser sponge to gently scrub the stains.
Avoid using water or any wet cleaners on a paper lampshade because it could eat through the material and leave noticeable damage.
Advertisement Section 3 of 5:
Plastic and Glass Lampshades
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1 Dust the surface with a microfiber cloth. Turn off your lamp and take off the lampshade once it’s cool. Wipe the lampshade from the top to the bottom to remove the loose dust that’s built up.[13]XResearch source
Microfiber cloths prevent you from accidentally scratching your lampshade.[14]XResearch source
2 Remove greasy spots from your lampshade with a vinegar solution. Make a solution that’s equal parts distilled white vinegar and warm water. Gently wipe the solution onto the surface with a damp cloth until the grease is completely removed.[15]XResearch source
3 Wash the lampshade with soapy water and a soft-bristled brush. Place your glass or plastic lampshade in the tub or a large container. Mix a few drops of gentle detergent or dish soap into a bowl of warm water and wet a cleaning brush. Gently scrub the surface of your lampshade with the brush to remove any buildup.[16]XResearch source
Rinse off the soapy water with a clean, damp cloth.
Dry your lampshade with a towel right away so you don’t leave any streaks on the surface.
For glass lampshades, try wiping marks off with a dedicated glass cleaner.
Advertisement Section 4 of 5:
How often should you clean lampshades?
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1 Dust your lampshades once a week to keep them clean. Make dusting your lampshades part of your regular cleaning routine so dirt and debris don’t build up on the surface. Be sure to dust the inside and outside of the lampshade, as well as the lamp’s base.[17]XResearch source
2 Deep-clean your lampshades about 4 times a year. Every few months, use a vacuum or duster to clean off any dust or debris that’s built up on your lampshade. At least once a year, wipe down the surface with a solution made from 1 gallon (3.8 L) of water and 1⁄4 cup (59 ml) of rubbing alcohol.[18]XResearch source
Advertisement Section 5 of 5:
When should I replace a lampshade?
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Get a new lampshade if yours is discolored or damaged. While lampshades will last for a long time when you take care of them, they can start to discolor or look worn out after a while. If you notice any damage, yellowing glue, or stains that won’t go away, get a new shade instead.
Measure a lampshade before purchasing it to ensure that it will fit your lamp properly. Choose a shade that’s about a third of the lamp’s total height and 2 times wider than the lamp’s base.[19]XResearch source
Alternatively, try recovering your lampshade with new fabric to refresh its look.
Expert Q&A
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Video
Tips
If your lampshade has a care label, check it for cleaning instructions to see what the manufacturer recommends. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Test any cleaning solutions you use on an inconspicuous spot on your lampshade to make sure it doesn’t cause any damage or discoloration. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
Things You'll Need
Fabric Lampshades
Microfiber cloth or lint roller
Vacuum with brush attachment
Gentle detergent or dish soap
Soft-bristled toothbrush
Paper Lampshades
Gloves
Microfiber cloth
Art gum eraser
Plastic or Glass Lampshades
Microfiber cloth
Distilled white vinegar
soft-bristled brush
Gentle detergent or dish soap
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Co-authored by: Michelle Driscoll, MPH Professional Cleaner This article was co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Michelle Driscoll is a professional cleaner based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With over 7 years of experience, Michelle is the founder of Mulberry Maids, specializing in cleaning homes and small offices. Mulberry Maids services Northern Colorado, including Fort Collins and Loveland, and offers a variety of services, including commercial cleaning, move-in and move-out cleaning, and regular home cleaning. Michelle holds a Master's in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. This article has been viewed 91,221 times. 6 votes - 83% Co-authors: 14Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 91,221 Categories: Featured Articles | CleaningArticle SummaryX
To clean a lampshade, use a microfiber cloth or fluffy cleaning rag to remove the dust. If that doesn't work, try using a lint roller or vacuum with a brush attachment, which can help pull up the dust. Alternatively, if you have a glass lampshade, dust it with a feather duster or dampened microfiber cloth for the best results. You can also clean a dirty or stained lampshade with water, but make sure to unplug your lamp first, and remove the lampshade. Then, dip a microfiber cloth into a bowl filled with warm water and 1 teaspoon of laundry soap, wring it out, and use it to wipe the lampshade clean. Finally, leave the lampshade to air dry on a towel for at least 24 hours before using it again. For more advice from our co-author, like how to deep clean a lampshade, keep reading!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Michelle Driscoll, MPH Professional Cleaner Co-authors: 14Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 91,22183% of readers found this article helpful. 6 votes - 83% Click a star to add your vote
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Download Article Get rid of dust and grime on your lampshades with this simple guide Co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH and Hunter Rising 
How toRecover Lampshades 
How to Clean a Mousepad: Fabric, RGB, & Plastic 
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Co-authored by: Michelle Driscoll, MPH Professional Cleaner This article was co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Michelle Driscoll is a professional cleaner based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With over 7 years of experience, Michelle is the founder of Mulberry Maids, specializing in cleaning homes and small offices. Mulberry Maids services Northern Colorado, including Fort Collins and Loveland, and offers a variety of services, including commercial cleaning, move-in and move-out cleaning, and regular home cleaning. Michelle holds a Master's in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. This article has been viewed 91,221 times. 6 votes - 83% Co-authors: 14 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 91,221 Categories: Featured Articles | Cleaning Article SummaryX
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1 Dust your lampshade with a microfiber cloth or lint roller. Take your lampshade off of your lamp so it’s easier to clean. Start wiping from the top of the lampshade and work toward the bottom so dust falls off of the fabric. Alternatively, run a lint roller over the surface to catch the loose dust.[1] 
2 Vacuum very dusty lampshades with a soft brush attachment. Put the attachment onto your vacuum and gently clean the shade. Work from the top of the lampshade to the bottom so you don’t re-spread any dust or dirt.[2] 
3 Wipe your lampshade with a damp soapy cloth. Wet a microfiber cloth with water and wring it out. Add a drop or two of gentle detergent or dish soap, and gently wipe the sides of the shades. After that, wet a clean cloth with plain water and wipe off the soap residue. [3] 
4 Remove stains or spots with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Wet a toothbrush into warm soapy water and dab it onto the stained section of your lampshade. Gently scrub the stain with the toothbrush, working from the edges toward the center. Wipe off any soapy residue with a clean, damp cloth.[6] 
5 Remove grime with a vinegar solution. Fill a spray bottle with a solution that’s half water and half distilled white vinegar. Mist the spray onto your lampshade and gently wipe or blot at the marks to lift them.[7] 
6 Soak lampshades in soapy water to remove the toughest stains. Fill your bathtub or a large container with enough water to fully submerge your lampshade. Add a few drops of gentle detergent or dish soap and place your lampshade in the water. Let it sit for about 15 minutes before gently wiping it with a microfiber cloth.[8] 
1 Wear gloves whenever you clean paper lampshades. Oil from your skin could get onto the paper and leave discoloration behind. Put on a clean pair of gloves so you don’t accidentally stain your lampshade.[9] 
2 Wipe the lampshade off with a dry microfiber cloth. Take your lampshade off of your lamp so it’s easier to clean. Wipe from the top of the lampshade toward the bottom to brush off the loose dust. Be sure to wipe the inside of the shade as well.[10] 
3 Rub stains away with an art gum eraser. Gently rub the marks on your lampshade with the eraser to lift them up from the surface. If one part of the eraser gets dirty, then switch to a clean part so you don’t spread any residue.[11] 
1 Dust the surface with a microfiber cloth. Turn off your lamp and take off the lampshade once it’s cool. Wipe the lampshade from the top to the bottom to remove the loose dust that’s built up.[13] 
2 Remove greasy spots from your lampshade with a vinegar solution. Make a solution that’s equal parts distilled white vinegar and warm water. Gently wipe the solution onto the surface with a damp cloth until the grease is completely removed.[15] 
3 Wash the lampshade with soapy water and a soft-bristled brush. Place your glass or plastic lampshade in the tub or a large container. Mix a few drops of gentle detergent or dish soap into a bowl of warm water and wet a cleaning brush. Gently scrub the surface of your lampshade with the brush to remove any buildup.[16] 
1 Dust your lampshades once a week to keep them clean. Make dusting your lampshades part of your regular cleaning routine so dirt and debris don’t build up on the surface. Be sure to dust the inside and outside of the lampshade, as well as the lamp’s base.[17] 
2 Deep-clean your lampshades about 4 times a year. Every few months, use a vacuum or duster to clean off any dust or debris that’s built up on your lampshade. At least once a year, wipe down the surface with a solution made from 1 gallon (3.8 L) of water and 1⁄4 cup (59 ml) of rubbing alcohol.[18] Advertisement 
Get a new lampshade if yours is discolored or damaged. While lampshades will last for a long time when you take care of them, they can start to discolor or look worn out after a while. If you notice any damage, yellowing glue, or stains that won’t go away, get a new shade instead. 
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