How to Clean a Rain Lamp
Rain lamps are an oddly fascinating remnant of the 1970s. If you're lucky enough to have found---or inherited---one of these unique pieces, you may find it has been neglected. It's not hard to clean a rain lamp, but it does take a little work. The secret to cleaning rain lamps is to be both fearless and gentle. It's easiest to clean them by taking them apart, but if you take your time and keep track of the pieces, you should have a sparkling conversation piece in no time. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Shallow basin
- Mild dish soap
- White vinegar
- Clean, lint-free shop cloths
- Cotton swabs
- Brass cleaner
- Penlight
- Needle
- Feather or lamb's wool duster
- Mineral oil
Instructions
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1
Unscrew the bottom part of your rain lamp and drain out any old oil.
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2
Dampen a clean, lint-free shop cloth with warm water and a squirt or two of mild dish soap. Use the mixture to clean out the bottom of the rain lamp's base. Wipe away any soap residue and dry the base thoroughly.
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3
Fill a shallow basin with warm water, three to four healthy squirts of mild dish soap and 1/4 to 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Swish it around with your hand to mix the solution, then place the foliage into it. Let the greenery soak.
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4
Clean the statue or statues with a clean shop cloth dipped in white vinegar. Start on a less noticeable part to make sure the vinegar won't harm the finish. If it does, just use clear water. Use cotton swabs to clean any small folds and crevices.
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5
Take the plastic greenery out of its solution and rinse it carefully. Keep your sink drain closed so no plastic bits get into your plumbing. Lay the greenery out on a clean shop towel to air dry.
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6
Pour a little brass cleaner onto a clean shop cloth and clean the underside of the lid. Check the holes where the oil slides down the filaments by shining a penlight up from underneath. Use a sewing needle to unclog any holes that don't look clean.
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7
Wipe down the light bulb with a clean cloth, and use a feather or lamb's wool duster on the filaments.
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8
Put everything back together, fill the basin with mineral oil, and plug in your rain lamp.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not attempt to clean your rain lamp while it's turned on.
