How to Clean a Nelson Bubble Lamp

In 1947, George Nelson created the "Bubble" lamp for Howard Miller. Airy and lighthearted, these lamps were fashioned in sturdy, lightweight steel and a special translucent white plastic. In the late 1970s, the lamps were discontinued by Howard Miller. Modernica, a Los Angeles-based modernist furniture manufacturer, is now the only official authorized George Nelson Bubble Lamp maker.

Things You'll Need

• 1 feather duster or soft cloth
• 1 bottle of dish soap
• 2 quarts of lukewarm water
• 2 cleaning cloths or rags

Instructions

1. Dust lamp using a feather duster or a soft, dry cloth.

2. Place three or four drops of dish soap in two quarts of lukewarm water.

3. Saturate a clean rag with the soap/water mixture.

4. Gently rub the stain(s) on your lamp.

5. Wipe the soap off with a clean, damp cloth.

6. Dry the moist area with a soft, dry cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid using stronger solutions, like ammonia or bleach, as they could cause your Nelson Bubble Lamp to become discolored. It could also damage the plastic coating.

References

• Official Site for the George Nelson Bubble Lamp
• Bubble Lamp Care
• George Nelson (1908-1986), USA: Modern Design Archive.