Any hints for cleaning an old silk-like lamp shade?

Question

I'm thinking of letting it soak in a mild solution of Dawn and then letting it air dry. But I never tried to wash a lamp shade before. I've cleaned off dust and surface dirt, but it still looks yellowed and dirty.........thanks!

Answer 1

You cannot use anything liquid on the silk because it will leave a water stain ton the fabric that you can never remove. I clean mine with dry carpet cleaning granules. Capture and resolve both make one and they don't have enough moisture to leave water rings. Vacuum the shade first so that you are not grinding the dirt into the fabric. Take the shade off of the lamp, sprinkle on the cleaner, agitate the granules with a soft brush, leave it sit on the area for about an hour (you will see the color change), then vacuum it off using the brush attachment.

No pun intended, but sometimes in a pinch you can also use ordinary table salt to scrub off surface dirt.

Answer 2

Old silk has a tendency to tear, so take care. You can use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner, set to low, to get the surface dust off. After, you will need a dry cleaning spirit. You could use something like dab it off, as long as it is spirit based. Wet a clean rag with the spirit and use a second dry one to rub it off. The shade will look pretty dark for a while, but silk comes up really well. Remember, the dry cleaning spirit does the work as it evaporates, so no need to rub too hard.

Answer 3

Lampshade Cleaner

Answer 4

Don't soak it, will loosen the glue and fall apart. Spritz it with windex vinegar, mr. clean (diluted per instructions) let sit, spray with water, let air dry.