A Tiffany lamp is composed of a base often made of metal which is easy to clean, but its lampshade which is made of stained glass welded with tin requires special care when washing.
💡 How to clean the stained glass shade of a Tiffany lamp, floor lamp or chandelier?
Cleaning a stained glass light fixture is actually quite simple if you follow some of these guidelines. You don't have to spend thousands of dollars to learn how to clean a lampshade, just know that a Tiffany lamp is assembled by hand, it is very easy to disassemble it for cleaning.
⚡ For quick cleaning of stained glass without disassembly:
🪶 Simply run a feather duster over the stained glass on the base and the lampshade will clean the dust deposited on the light fixture every day. For a more thorough cleaning, use a slightly dampened soft cloth. You can also use a small vacuum cleaner with a specific nozzle. This type of cleaning is perfect if you do it every day, as the dust does not accumulate, and small bedside lamps.
🛠️ For a thorough cleaning of your Tiffany style lamp
- (I.e. First, unplug your light fixture
- 🛡️ Discover the Tiffany lamp, on our lamps, simply unscrew the point or the square which screwed, holds the lampshade.
- 📦 Place the lampshade on a table under a cloth
- 🪶 Dust the stained glass window with a feather duster
- 🧽 Using a microfiber cloth, gently rub each piece of colored glass. If you have a significant thickness deposited on the stained glass, use a soft cotton cloth slightly dampened with a neutral soap.
- 💡 Unscrew the bulb to clean it
- 🧹 Clean the base with a damp cloth
- 🔄 Put it all back together
🧰 What equipment do you need to wash your Tiffany lampshade?
- 🪶 A feather duster
- 🧽 A microfiber cloth
- 🧴 A slightly damp cotton cloth
- 🛁 A neutral soap
⛔ Products that should absolutely not be used:
- ❌ Bleach
- ❌ Ammonia
- ❌ Do not use corrosive products
The art deco style lamps are easier to clean than art nouveau models. The geometric shapes of art deco are made of larger pieces of glass, making cleaning easier. Louis Comfort Tiffany invented beautiful lamps for the home, their maintenance must be regular so that they keep a sparkling luminosity, especially for those with transparent glass.
🚫 Do not use any other products that contain acids or other damaging chemicals. It is also important to note that you should be careful when working with glass to avoid any damage or scratches to your Tiffany style lamp. You should always use the appropriate safety precautions when cleaning glass.
Clara Hemingway is a recognized expert in the field of Tiffany lighting and the art of Louis Comfort Tiffany. Passionate about the Art Nouveau movement and exceptional craftsmanship, she dedicates her work to sharing her knowledge of the history, design and unique techniques that make Tiffany lamps timeless pieces.
With years of experience in researching and collecting art objects, Clara specializes in the colored glass and artisanal processes that marked the work of Louis Comfort Tiffany. She explores the details of the famous glass lampshades, the floral motifs and the natural inspirations that defined a unique artistic style.
On HTdeco, Clara writes detailed and inspiring articles to guide enthusiasts and collectors in the selection, maintenance and appreciation of Tiffany lighting. Whether you are a novice or an enthusiast, her writings offer you a fascinating dive into the refined world of Art Nouveau.
Follow Clara Hemingway to discover:
The secrets of making Tiffany lamps.
The History and Legacy of Louis Comfort Tiffany.
Practical advice for choosing and maintaining your Tiffany lighting.