Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500115
06/24/03
Cleaning Lamps
1. Unplug the cord, take off the shade and then unscrew
the bulbs and put them down in a safe place.
2. Dust the base.
3. Swish up warm soap or detergent suds in the kitchen
sink. Set the lamp on the counter or on a table next to
the sink. Put it over a towel so it won't slip.
4. If the base is washable, wash it all over with suds,
but don't get the cord wet. Wipe the suds off with a
clean sponge rinsed under running water. Dry the lamp
with a clean cloth. Many metal lamps should only be wiped
off with a damp cloth and dried with a paper towel.
5. If there is a glass globe or chimney, wash it in deep
suds. Use a bottle brush to scrub it inside. Rinse it
with hot water and wipe it dry.
6. To wash the cord, wring a sudsy sponge almost dry and
fold it in half. Pull the cord between the two layers of
the folded sponge. Then wipe the cord dry. Don't let the
plug get wet.
7. Hold each bulb by the metal "neck" so that part won't
get wet. Wipe the glass with a damp sudsy cloth. Then
rinse it with a clean damp cloth, and wipe it with a dry
cloth.
Add a few drops of ammonia to the rinse water for glass
lamps, chimneys, and globes. This will give them extra
sparkle.
If a brass or copper lamp does not have a special no-
tarnish finish, you can polish it or wax it after you
wash and dry it.
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus.
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise
a commercial product or company.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State
University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race,
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Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director,
MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational
purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08.
Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03.
For more information about this data base or its contents please contact
strausc@msu.edu .