How to Clean a Silk Lampshade

Belive it or not, silk lampshades are quite easy to clean an require far less gentility than you would expect. While there are many options when cleaing a silk shade, here are two fail-proof options for you.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Silk Lampshade
• Tub of warm water
• Ivory Snow
• Blow dryer

1. Fill your bathtub with warm water, enough to cover the shade completely. Add a gentle detergent such as Ivory Snow to your water, according to package directions.

2. Dip the shade up and down in the water by gently holding the shade frame. Repeat several times.

3. When the water gets too dirty, empty the tub and start over with clean water. Repeat step one.
   *The silk may appear to stretch, but it will bounce back to its original shape when dry.

4. Blow dry the shade with your blow dryer for several minutes or until completely dry. Work fast for best results.
   If washing on a hot summer day, you can sit the shade out in the sun for a quick and effortless dry.

Tips & Warnings

• When you don't have time to wash your shades, brown bag it. Find a brown paper bag to fit the shade comfortably. Pour 1 full cup of regular table salt into the bag with the lampshade. Close the bag securely and shake it vigorously.
• This can also be used on your favorite silk plants.