How to Clean Coal Oil Lamps

Prior to the drilling of the first U.S. oil well in Titusville, Penn., lamp fuel was produced by processing cannel coal. This type of coal contains oil. The oil was removed and a lamp fuel known then as "coal oil" was refined from it. If you own an antique coal oil lamp, cleaning it is an easy chore.

Things You'll Need

• Household window cleaner
• Paper towels
• Sponge
• Sink

Instructions

1. Lift the lamp chimney from atop the burner assembly on your coal oil lamp. Handle it carefully, as antique glass lamp chimneys can become somewhat brittle from use.

2. Spray the inside and outside of the lamp chimney with the household window cleaner. Dampen the sponge and use it to clean any soot, grime or dust from the lamp chimney.

3. Rinse the lamp chimney with warm water from the sink. Set the lamp chimney aside to air dry.

4. Spray the lamp base with some of the household window cleaner. Use the damp sponge to wipe away any additional dust or grime. Dry the lamp base with a paper towel.

5. Spray some window cleaner on a clean paper towel. Use it to clean away any soot or dirt on the burner assembly. Take care not to bend or damage the prongs (tines) which help secure the lamp chimney.

6. Place the glass chimney back atop the burner assembly of your coal oil lamp. Your lamp is now cleaned and ready for further use.

References

• The State Journal: Coal Oil