5 things to remember when cleaning your lamps

What should you use to clean your lamps?

There are dozens of preparations on the market described as "lamp cleaner". If you have a lot of free time, you can analyse their chemical composition. In most cases, you will find that all you need is: 

- A large plastic bowl with a solution of any detergent (yes, washing-up liquid will do), 

- a second vessel of a similar size, filled with a weak (10:1) vinegar solution, 

- a piece of thicker fabric on the bottom of each one of them,

- soft sponge, 

- some cotton or microfibre cloths,

- a roll of paper towel,

- protective gloves.

It doesn't matter how tall you re, it's also a good idea to get a ladder, as it will make removing and fitting the lampshade again easier. No need to remind you about turning off the lights or unplugging each lamp beforehand, right?

How do you clean lampshades?
Simple glass and plastic enclosures are the easiest to care for. You can simply wash them, but under no circumstances use sharp-edged dish sponges or press them too hard. You risk scratching or tarnishing the shade, or in the worst case, breaking it. If it needs more firm treatment, simply remove it, gently place it in a bowl of detergent and carefully scrub off the residue with a cloth. After wiping it dry with a paper towel, it is a good idea to leave it in a safe, well-ventilated place for a quarter of an hour to let any residual moisture evaporate. Before switching the luminaire back on, make sure that all the nooks and crannies of the lampshade are perfectly dry - this is important, to avoid possible staining.

Fabric coverings are slightly more demanding. Each time, check how they react to common cleaning products. Many of them can be gently washed as described above and dried... with a hair dryer. 
Wall lamps, such as those from the Kanlux ASIL series, do not pose that big of a challenge. Their housing, made of aluminium alloy, can only be cleaned dry with soft materials. If there is dirt on them that is more difficult to remove, after they have been disconnected from the power supply and cooled down, they can be wiped on the outside with alcohol or a mild metal cleaner and then polished.

How to clean frames and other lamp components?
The most important thing (apart from unplugging) is to pick the cleaning agents that are right for the material. The structural components of the lamp are usually made of metal or plastic. The latter make it very easy to maintain the cleanliness of luminaires such as Kanlux DAIBO. It's enough to wipe the matt surface of the lampshade and housing with a piece of dry, delicate cloth (after disconnecting the power supply and cooling down). It's important to remember that metal lamp frames are often covered with special colour coatings. If you use a chemical agent that is too aggressive, it may take away their elegant look, so simply wipe them with a cloth and a solution of dishwashing liquid and then dry them with a paper towel.