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.



MSU 2003