Caring for Your Lampshades

We love working with fabrics at MyRumahTropikal. Fabric lampshades can add colour, texture and personality to a room and we create shades using a range of different textiles, from silk and velvet to linen and cotton. We’re often asked about lampshade care so below is a guide on how to clean and maintain your fabric lampshades.  

HOW TO HANDLE YOUR LAMPSHADE

It’s important that you always handle them by their internal metal fitting, otherwise known as the Gimble. This will help prevent any indentations where your fingers might dent and/or stain the fabric. And while we’re on that note…make sure those hands are sparkling clean before handling the goods.

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR LAMPSHADE

Begin by either unplugging your lamp or turning off the ceiling light at the switch and removing your lampshade. We know we’re stating the obvious here but don’t attempt to clean a lampshade while it’s still attached to…well…anything. You’ll also need to remove the light bulb so once that’s cooled down give it a dust with a microfiber cloth, you’ll be surprised by the difference this makes to the emission. 

Holding the gimble, use a feather duster and dust off the dirt inside and out.

HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR FABRIC LAMPSHADE

Use with LED light bulbs only. We can’t stress this enough! LED bulbs use less power and produce less heat so they’re much less likely to damage your lampshade, and the environment.  

No direct sunlight, lampshades are kind of like vampires. Make sure you place your lamps away from windows and direct sunlight, they’ll be much happier in the shadows.

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