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A classic paper shade.Paper shades should never be cleaned with water, although, if they are, have a plastic backing available that can be wiped off with a damp cloth. A paper shade can generally be dusted using a soft-bristled brush; artists' brushes work well for this application. Any decorative stitching or applique should be gently brushed over so as not to wear the pattern off. Don't attempt to vacuum a paper shade because the suction might tear the paper. -
A classic fabric lamp shade.Fabric shades can also be brushed off using the same technique as you used for paper shades. Because they are fabric, they can be vacuumed with a brush attachment. However, for deeper cleaning, fabric shades can be washed with a soapy water solution.
If the lamp shade has a plastic liner, wipe it off, and vacuum the fabric. If there is no plastic liner, the entire shade can be immersed into a tub of soapy dishwater solution and swirled around by the upper metal framework. Rinse it the same way, using clean, fresh water. Then either set the lamp shade out to dry, or to speed up the process, use a hair dryer. -
A milk glass lamp shade.Glass shades can be cleaned in two different ways. They can be wiped off, both inside and out, with a soapy rag, and then rinsed the same way. Or they can be cleaned using a regular glass cleaning solution either sprayed on the glass or poured onto the rag. Always dry glass with a clean, dry rag to remove any streaks or soap residue after cleaning.
