Home cleaning
How to Clean Reachable Light Fittings and Lampshades Safely
Isolate power and cool first, then dust dry and spot-clean by shade material.
Overview
Work only on fittings safely reachable while standing on the floor. Switch off, unplug or isolate power as arranged at home, and let the bulb and shade cool; stop and tell the employer about height work, looseness, burning smell or moisture.
Tools needed
- Dry microfibre cloth
- Soft shade brush
- Long-handled duster
- Material-compatible wrung-out cloth
Cleaning steps
Isolate power and cool
Switch off and unplug or isolate as arranged at home; wait until the bulb, metal and shade are cool. Do not climb on chairs or tables.
Remove dust dry first
Use a dry cloth or soft brush from shade exterior to base and cable, steadying the base with the other hand; never spray liquid into the fitting.
Spot-clean by material
Brush or dry-wipe fabric and paper shades only as their label permits; spot-wipe glass or metal with a wrung-out compatible cloth and dry it immediately.
Inspect before restoring power
Restore power only when the shade is dry and fittings and cable are sound; report cracks, heat marks or flickering.
Common mistakes
Touching a hot bulb
✓ Correct actionWait until bulb and metal are fully cool.
Spraying cleaner into the fitting
✓ Correct actionPut cleaner on the cloth, away from the fitting.
Using one wet method for paper, fabric and glass shades
✓ Correct actionDry-dust paper and fabric; use a wrung cloth only on glass or metal.
Restoring power with damaged cable present
✓ Correct actionKeep power off and report cable damage.
Practical tips
Tips for helpers
- Keep both feet on the floor while working.
- Dust shade interior and exterior separately from top down.
Tips for employers
- State which lamps may be unplugged and which require circuit isolation.
- Arrange qualified help for height or electrical faults.
Completion checklist
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