Tricks to eliminate dust from window shades

An easy elegant touch for any living space is to make sure shades are clean and free of dust. Here's how to do it.

• Dust fibre and rattan shades regularly. Alternatively, gently vacuum the shades with a soft upholstery nozzle.
• Paper shades shouldn't be cleaned with a wet cloth. But discoloured vellum shades respond well to soapy water and rubbing alcohol.
• Lampshades made from parchment don't get dirty as quickly, and are easier to clean, when they're sealed with clear varnish; simply wipe them down with a damp cloth.
• Use a roller brush with sticky tape to clean velvet lampshades, or vacuum them carefully on low power.
• Vacuum fabric shades or run a lint brush over them. Otherwise, have them cleaned professionally so they don't shrink.
• Wipe silk lampshades with equal parts vinegar and warm water. Make sure you wring your rag out well, so that it's just slightly damp.
• Don't use cleansers on Tiffany lamps. Instead, wipe them down with a soft, damp cloth and clean the joints with a soft toothbrush.
• Dust glass, plastic and metal lampshades before washing them thoroughly inside and out with dish soap and water. Polish them with a dry, lint-free cloth. Glass lamps and chandeliers shine beautifully when you add a shot of vinegar to the water you're using to clean them.
• Use a feather duster or soft brush on hanging lamps or cable systems; for high spaces, invest in a duster with a telescoping handle. It's easy to use and will save you from straining your back.
• Clean chandeliers with rubbing alcohol applied directly to a lint-free cleaning cloth. First clean the framework, then the pendants and bulbs.
• Remove ceiling and wall lights with half shades several times a year to shake out the insects and dust and to clean the shades thoroughly.