Tripod member Squarshy asks:
My lampshades are grimy with dirt and dead bugs (wanna come over?) and I would like to know how to clean them without the benefit of a doodad-loaded vacuum.

Handy Girl Al suggests:
Lampshades come in a variety of shapes and materials, but all are best cleaned off the lamp! Unscrew 'em so you can clean the inside easily. Solid-material shades (parchment, glass, plastic) can be ministered to with a plain old vacuum cleaner. Grip the shade firmly and use the smallest brush attachment or even the open-ended tube. Tilt the tube so the full force of the vacuum-suck isn't directly on the shade. Most dust and bug grime will slither right off. For more permanent dirt, wipe non-fabric shades with a slightly moistened cloth or sponge (wipe dry at once). Test-clean a small portion of the inside first. Fabric and paper shades can be easily damaged, so dust as gently as possible with a soft dry cloth or feather duster. Tricky bits like dirty creases on pleated shades can be cleaned with Q-tips.

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