How to Clean Lampshades — From Pleated Fabric to Glass, Here Are a Few Simple Steps You Can Follow
An expert guide to cleaning your much-loved home lighting while bringing style back into your space


Lampshades, in different textures, colors, shapes, and sizes, have a way of adding a stylish feel to different parts of the home. But with time and use, lampshades can gather dust, dirt, and maybe even stains. That's why knowing how to clean them is essential and key to the longevity of your decor.
In high-traffic areas, cleanliness, even in the details, can make a significant impact. Ensuring that each element remains spotless requires knowing the right approach for every material, and knowing how to clean lampshades is just as important as knowing how to clean a sofa.
So whether you’re looking to clean a pleated lampshade or glass, we’ve got you covered. To maintain hygiene, your lampshades should ideally be cleaned every three months. The trick lies in the appropriate approach and here's what our experts have to say about it.
What You’ll Need
From pleated lampshades to glass, you're going to need the right tools to get to cleaning. Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless Cleaning, and Daniel Brown, cleaning expert and CEO of Handy Cleaners, have put together a step-by-step guide on how to clean different types of lampshades.
Here are some of the tools Karina recommends for you to effectively clean them.
TOOLS:
• Mild detergent or baby shampoo like SoCal Suds & Company Organic Baby Shampoo from Amazon.
• Microfiber cloth — We like this Mr Siga Microfiber Cleaning Cloth from Amazon.
• Vacuum with a brush attachment
• Glass cleaner such as Method Glass & All Surface Cleaner from Walmart (for glass lampshades).
How to Clean a Pleated Fabric Lampshade
Whether it's your bedroom lighting or you're adding an extra addition to your entryway lighting ideas, knowing how to take care of and clean your pleated lampshades (correctly) will bring an aesthetic and stylish feel back into your home. Without further ado, here's what you can do to clean your lampshades.
Step 1: Dust it off gently
"Start by removing loose dust," says Karina. "Use your vacuum cleaner’s brush attachment on a low setting to gently clean the lampshade. If you don’t have a vacuum attachment, a microfiber cloth works well, or even a soft-bristled paintbrush to dust between the pleats."
Step 2: Spot clean for stains
If you notice any stains or dirty spots, Karina suggests mixing a small amount of mild detergent with lukewarm water. "Dip your sponge or cloth into the soapy water, wring it out so it’s just damp, and gently blot the stained area," continues Karina. "Be sure not to oversaturate the fabric—it’s best to use just a little moisture at a time."
Step 3: Rinse and blot dry
After cleaning the stain, use another clean, damp cloth (just water, no detergent) to blot the area and remove any soap residue. Once done, gently blot the lampshade with a dry towel to soak up excess moisture. Let it air dry completely before putting it back on the lamp.
Step 4: Deep clean (if necessary)
For more heavily soiled shades, you can take off the shade and use a large, clean sink or tub filled with lukewarm water and a bit of mild detergent. "Swish the shade around gently, focusing on the pleats," agrees Daniel. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and blot with towels to remove as much water as possible. Again, let the shade air dry fully before reattaching it.
Step 5: Final dusting touch-up
Once dry, give the lampshade a final dusting with a microfiber cloth or soft brush to remove any remaining dust or lint. This will ensure it looks fresh and new.
Here's a tip, you can also use a static duster, like this Eurow Electrostatsic Duster from Amazon to gently clean pleats without disturbing the fabric's delicate structure. For deeper dust removal, blow with a hairdryer set on the cool setting to blow the dust away, and for small spots, dab the area with soft white bread to lift dirt without wetting the material. These methods protect delicate fabrics effectively.

Karina Toner is a cleaning expert at Spekless Cleaning, a house cleaning service based in Arlington or Washington D.C.
How to Clean a Glass Lampshade
Even your sleek, classy, and elegant glass lampshade will need tending to once in a while. With the sea glass decor trend making a comeback, it's important to know how to clean your stylish lamps and bring a sparkle back into your space.
Step 1: Remove and rinse
Gently remove the glass shade from the lamp and run it under lukewarm water to remove loose dust and debris.
Step 2: Prepare a cleaning solution
"Prepare a mix of warm water and mild dish soap," says Daniel. "Dip the soft sponge in it and gently scrub the glass. If your glass has texture on it, use a soft-bristled brush to work into the crevices."
Step 3: Flush and dry
Rinse the shade under clean water to remove the soap, and dry it off using a lint-free cloth or let it air dry completely before attaching.
Ensure you clean the glass lampshade with some warm water and denture tablets to remove grime effectively. Another tip is to mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle, spray lightly, and then wipe off with a microfiber cloth to avoid streaks.

Daniel is an U.S. based cleaning expert with years of experience in home maintenance and sanitation.
FAQs
What kind of fabric is best for a lampshade?
Cotton and linen fabric lampshades are highly recommended for their variety, durability, and ease of cleaning.
Remember to look for ones with a tight weave, too. Loose fabric weaves can fray and lose their shape quickly.
Be The First To Know
The Livingetc newsletters are your inside source for what’s shaping interiors now - and what’s next. Discover trend forecasts, smart style ideas, and curated shopping inspiration that brings design to life. Subscribe today and stay ahead of the curve.

Seraphina is a contributing editor at Livingetc, writing Advice features on design, renovation and organisation. Seraphina is a qualified Interior Designer from KLC School of Design having worked at London-based interior design agencies Anouska Hempel and ND Studios. Seraphina has also completed her MA degree in Magazine Journalism at City, University of London, with previous experience including writing for Homes & Gardens, Women's Health, Food & Travel and Fabulous Magazine.
-
The Weighted Blanket That Doesn’t Make You Sweat (and the Eye Mask to Match)
Luxury has weight. And apparently, volcanic minerals
By Julia Demer
-
What Is Biophilic Interior Design? I'm an Actual Biophilic Designer, and This Is How to Apply It to Your Home
A biophilic designer explains the core principles of this practice, and the easy ways you can apply it to your home's design
By Marianna Popejoy
-
These Are the Dos and Don'ts of Bamboo Plant Placement — Follow This to Avoid Bad Feng Shui
By following the experts' guidance on where to place this houseplant you can usher luck, wealth, and prosperity into your home
By Lilith Hudson
-
Is It Okay to Have a Mirror Facing a Door in Feng Shui? The Verdict Is In and It Just Might Surprise You
Decorating your home with mirrors calls for intention if you're dressing your space in accordance with Feng Shui. Here's what you should know.
By Amiya Baratan
-
4 Things to Unpack as Soon as You Move House — For a Comfortable and Organized Fresh Start
If you have a major move in the works and you're looking to prepare in advance, this is the starter kit you need to properly set up your new home.
By Amiya Baratan
-
10 Decluttering Challenges to Have on Your Radar This Year — For a Tidier, More Mindful Home
If you're interested in transforming your home for the better, here are 10 decluttering challenges I recommend for a professionally tidy space.
By Amiya Baratan
-
Biophilic Decluttering — What to Take Out of Your Home (and What to Put in) for a More Natural Home
Try your hand at biophilic decluttering to ground your interiors, connect to the environment, and cure chronic clutter in one go. Here's how.
By Amiya Baratan
-
The 10 Different Types of Kitchen Taps — And the Pros and Cons of Each One to Know Before You Pick
From sleek pull-outs to vintage bridge taps, explore 10 kitchen tap styles that mix function, flair, and a splash of cool
By Linda Clayton
-
How Much Does an Extension Cost in 2025? Renovation and Design Experts Break Down Your Budget
Explore how much different types of extensions cost in 2025 to budget for your project accurately
By Amy Reeves
-
9 Bathroom Storage Mistakes You're Probably Making That Make Using This Space Much Harder — And What to Do Instead
Discover which mistakes are to blame for your overcrowded and cluttered bathroom
By Seraphina Kyprios