An Anglepoise lamp is designed to be used, adjusted and enjoyed for years to come. A little regular care will help keep it looking its best, moving smoothly and working as it should.
From everyday cleaning and tightening joints to bringing the shine back to metal components, here’s some simple guidance to help keep your Anglepoise in good working order.
Before You Start
Prior to cleaning or maintenance, always switch off and disconnect your Anglepoise lamp from the electricity supply and allow the shade to cool.
This is particularly important after the lamp has been in use, as the shade and bulb can become warm.
How to Clean Your Anglepoise Lamp
For regular cleaning, gently wipe your lamp with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust from the shade, arms, base and other surfaces. Do not use polishing agents, water or abrasive cleaning materials, as these may damage painted, plated or polished finishes.
For more stubborn fingerprints or marks, a small amount of isopropanol or a baby wipe can be used sparingly. Gently clean the affected area before wiping it dry with a soft microfibre cloth. Avoid saturating the surface or allowing moisture to enter electrical components or joints.
Regular light cleaning is better than allowing dirt and dust to build up over time.
What to Do if Your Anglepoise Starts to Droop
If your lamp no longer holds its position or starts to droop, it doesn’t necessarily mean the springs need replacing.
First, check the nuts, bolts and fixings throughout the lamp, paying particular attention to those around the spring mechanism and joints. Everyday movement can cause these to loosen gradually over time, and carefully tightening them is often all that’s needed to restore the lamp’s balance.
Make small adjustments and test the movement as you go rather than overtightening the fixings. If your lamp still doesn’t balance correctly after everything has been checked and tightened, it may be time to investigate replacement parts or contact us for advice.
Caring for Springs and Chrome Components
Springs and chrome components can naturally lose some of their original sheen with age and use. If they start to look dull, gently rubbing the surface with a little tin foil or fine wire wool can often help bring back the shine.
Work carefully and avoid using excessive pressure. Once finished, wipe the component with a clean, dry cloth to remove any remaining residue.
Look After the Lamp’s Movement
The movement of an Anglepoise is central to its design. Springs, joints and carefully balanced components allow the shade to be repositioned while holding the light where you need it.
When adjusting your lamp, use smooth movements and avoid forcing the arms or joints beyond their natural range. If something feels unusually stiff, loose or unbalanced, check the fixings before assuming a component needs to be replaced.
Keep Your Lamp Out of Direct Sunlight
Where you position your lamp can make a difference to how it ages. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause colours and finishes to fade over time, so avoid placing your lamp on a sunny windowsill or immediately next to a window where it will regularly be exposed to strong sunlight.
A little consideration when choosing its position will help preserve the original colour and finish for longer.
Check Your Lamp From Time to Time
It’s worth occasionally giving your lamp a quick visual check, particularly if it is regularly moved and adjusted. Look over the cable, plug, shade, springs, joints and fittings for signs of damage, unusual wear or loose components.
If you notice damage to the electrical components, disconnect the lamp from the electricity supply and seek advice before continuing to use it.
Use the Right Bulb
If your Anglepoise uses a replaceable bulb, always make sure the replacement is compatible with your particular model and does not exceed its stated maximum wattage.
Using the correct bulb will help your lamp provide the light it was designed for while avoiding unnecessary heat or strain on its electrical components.
Repair Rather Than Replace
Anglepoise lamps are made to last, and many of the parts that naturally wear through years of use can be maintained, repaired or replaced.
We offer spare parts, rewire kits and repair services for a wide range of current and heritage Anglepoise lamps. Before replacing a component, however, it’s always worth checking the simple things first. A loose fixing, for example, can often be corrected in a matter of minutes.
Keep the Light Going
Looking after your Anglepoise doesn’t need to be complicated. Keep it clean, tighten fixings when needed, treat its moving parts with care and protect its finish from prolonged direct sunlight. Small amounts of regular maintenance can go a long way towards keeping your lamp looking good and working as it should.
And if it does eventually need a little more attention, our spare parts, repair services and support are there to help keep the light going.
