Tips for Cleaning Lamps

Fittings

Brass

A brass fitting has a warm, golden yellow shine to it when just purchased. After a while, the brass will get a bronze-like glow to it. This is a natural process. Some people might think this is the charm of a brass lamp, while others would like to keep the original look for as long as possible. When you belong to the first category you do not have to do anything. When you want to polish a brass lamp, you can use copper polish or metal polish. These polishes are available in many shops. Attention: when the brass is varnished, you can not polish the lamp. If you are in doubt, please contact us. 

Bronze

The colour of bronze deepens after a certain amount of time, which increases the colour and makes it warmer. This is typical of bronze lamps and a natural process. That is why bronze lamps should not be polished.

Shiny nickel

Shiny nickel fittings can become dull or covered in a small layer of dirt due to dust, moisture or varying temperatures. A shiny nickel fitting can look perfectly shiny again with the help of some metal polish.

Matte nickel

Matte nickel fittings are polished and they are often fitted with a layer of varnish, which is why there is no need to polish these lamps. You can clean the lamp with a moist towel or with a mild cleaning detergent.

Gispen Originals

The fittings of Gispen Original lamps do not need to be polished. After a while, the fitting develops a patina. Do you wish to polish the lamp anyways, then you can do so with Commandant polish. When the polish stays in the ‘lines’ too much, you can also use Thinner. Wiping it clean with a moist towel is also a possibility. It is important to dry the lamp well with a clean towel afterwards.

Varnished and sprayed

Varnished fittings and fittings sprayed in an RAL coour should not be polished. These lamps can just be cleaned with a mild cleaning detergent or a moist towel. Do not use an abrasive sponge as this could cause scratches. Dry it off with a clean (tea) towel afterwards.

Stainlees Steel

Lamps with a Stainless Steel fitting, usually outdoor lamps, can be polished with a special Stainless Steel polishing substance that cleans and takes care of it properly.

Lamp Shades

Glass lampshades

Glass lampshades made of opal, etched or marbled glass can be dusted with a dust rag or a cleaning duster. Other than that, the glass can be cleaned with some soap and water or it can be rinsed clean with tap water. Make sure not to use really hot or really cold water! Due to the sudden change in temperature, the glass could break. Lukewarm water is perfect. It is also possible to use a glass towel. Always use a clean (tea) towel to dry the glass. Hand-painted glass needs to carefully be cleaned with a wet towel.  

Plastic globes and lampshades

Plastic globes sensitive to scratches, which is why you should not use an abrasive sponge to clean the lampshade or globe but a dust rag. They can also be cleaned with a moist towel and a mild cleaning detergent. You can also rinse the lampshade with tap water instead. Dry the lampshade with a clean (tea) towel afterwards.

Tiffany

The Tiffany stained glass lampshades can be wiped with a moist towel and a mild cleaning detergent. To freshen up the lead you could put some oil on it.

Chandeliers

Cleaning a chandelier can be very labour-intensive. You could clean the lamp with a moist towel and a mild cleaning detergent. There are also special chandelier spray cleaners on the market. They dissolve dirt and soot. Follow the instructions on the bottle.

Linen lampshades

Linen lampshades are a bit harder to clean, but you could try making them dust-free with a lint roller. Some lampshades made of fabric and, depending on the material, can be cleaned with water and a cleaning detergent. Contact us if you want some more advice.

Do you have any more questions? Feel free to contact us via our email: klantenservice@deblauwedeel.nl, via our phone number: +31 (0)345 599941 or fill in the contact form. The Blue Art Barn is not responsible for any damage that was done due to the cleaning or polishing of a lamp.