Before you begin
Remember, safety comes first. Turn off the lamp and let it cool down before you start.
You’ll need the following items: a soft microfiber cloth, mild soap, water, a dry cloth, a vacuum cleaner, and a soft makeup brush or toothbrush to reach those small, difficult corners.
Cleaning lampshades
Fabric lampshades:
Fabric lamp shades quickly attract dust and dirt. To keep them looking nice, you can start by gently vacuuming them with a soft vacuum attachment.
Got a stain that won’t go away? Use a slightly damp cloth with mild soap and gently dab the area—rubbing can damage the fabric, so be careful. Allow the shade to dry completely before putting it back in place.
Glass and plastic shades:
Plastic and glass shades are easy to maintain. Start by removing dust with a soft microfiber cloth. Then use a mixture of lukewarm water and mild soap or glass cleaner to remove fingerprints and stains.
Be sure to wipe off any excess water to avoid water spots. Finish with a clean, dry cloth to polish the shade and restore its original shine.
Metal shades and parts:
To clean metal shades and parts, you can follow the same approach as with glass and plastic. Use a dry, soft microfiber cloth to remove dust and fingerprints.
For small corners, a clean, soft toothbrush or makeup brush can be effective. For more stubborn stains, apply a mild soap mixture and wipe down with a dry cloth—your lamps will look as good as new.
Cleaning cords and other lamp parts
Don’t forget cords and plugs in your cleaning routine—dust and dirt can accumulate here as well and affect their function.
Use a dry cloth to gently wipe them down. If you have fabric-covered cords, a lint roller is ideal for quickly removing dust and keeping them clean.
Electrical maintenance
The electrical components of a lamp generally require very little maintenance, but there are a few things worth keeping an eye on over time.
Here are a few simple tips:
Replacing the bulb: If your lamp has a replaceable bulb, it should of course be changed when it stops working. Always remember to switch off the power before replacing the light source. If you have not already done so, you may want to choose an LED bulb, as these typically have a longer lifetime and therefore need replacing less often.
If the lamp has an integrated LED, the light source cannot necessarily be replaced in the same way. In some cases, the driver or other components can be replaced instead, so contact your retailer or a qualified professional if the lamp stops working.
Check the cord and plug: Keep an eye out for signs of wear or damage to the cord or plug. If anything looks damaged, stop using the lamp until it has been checked and, if necessary, replaced.
A quick safety check: From time to time, check that all visible parts are securely in place and that there is no damage to the lamp, cord or plug. If you are ever unsure about anything electrical, we always recommend contacting a qualified professional.
Read more about lamps for the home
Are you interested in learning more about home lighting, including choosing the right types, the latest trends and how to use light in different rooms in your home? We’ve gathered a lot of great tips and guides for lighting in the home on the page below