How To Clean Antique Glass Lamp Shades

A Tiffany Style Lamp is the focal point of your room and when lit it is natural that you want to show off your lamp to maximum effect.

How to clean antique glass lamp shades. Different Types. And maybe a new lamp shade the current one is glass with pink flowers and brassoh late 80s and early 90s how very BRASS and FLOWERY you were. It may take a few tries and some elbow grease.

Inspect the fabric in full light. Notice how the glass is picking up the light from my photography lamp and is shining and sparkling this is despite the dust and dirt on its surface this is the high lead content Holophane clarity. If the glass is still dirty use rubbing alcohol with a paper towel andor Q-tips to get into any crevices.

Wipe again with a clean dry cloth. The furniture polish restores the shine to the glass but wont damage the paint in a finish or the cames and solder the metal pieces and fused metal alloy that hold the glass in place. Always apply spray on products in a well-ventilated area and wear a protective mask so.

These glass shades grew so incredibly popular that the lamps would continue to be manufactured to be put onto electric lamps once electricity overtook the lighting market in the late-19 th century. As for the metal you may want to use heavy dish soap or jewelry cleaner. Its important to use mild detergent and to be gentle when cleaning older lamp shades to prevent damage.

Next gently wipe the lampshade with a dry microfiber cloth to remove dust and dirt. Wipe the shade from top to bottom inside and outside including the reflector bowl inside the shadeYou can also use a vacuum cleaner attachment on the shade to remove an dirt and grime just be careful not to tear. Sometimes a fixture only needs a light cleaning to remove superficial dirt leaving the original lacquered finish intact.

Unlike traditional glass frosting that involves acid application frosting glass shades with a frosting spray is safe. If you dont have a dishwasher clean it in a tub of warm soapy water. To begin unplug the lamp and remove the shade.