How to Clean Silk Lamp Shades

Silk lampshades need special care when cleaning.

Silk is one of the most fragile and delicate fabrics available. Care must be taken to maintain the beauty of this fabric. When it's on a lampshade, you might be unsure how to best clean it.

Things You'll Need

• Cornmeal
• Plastic bag
• Bathtub or large sink
• Water
• Dreft or Ivory Snow detergent
• Cloth

Instructions

Removing Dust

1. Cover the lamp shade with cornmeal.

2. Place the lamp shade in a plastic bag.

3. Shake it until the cornmeal comes off.

Removing Dirt and Stains

1. Fill a bathtub with enough warm water to cover the shade.

2. Add Dreft or Ivory Snow detergent.

3. Using a towel, rub only suds in a circular motion against the shade.

4. Dunk the shade in the water.

5. Dunk the shade into clean water several times.

6. Hang upside down to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• When cleaning a silk shade with soap and water, always precede with the cornmeal-dusting method.

• Any loose fabric will tighten when it dries.

• Do not use other types of detergent when washing silk shades.

References

• Silk Lamps: How to Clean Silk Lamp Shades