Lamp care guide

A desk lamp needs very little care, but dust on the diffuser and loose joints are the two things that most often make a good lamp feel worse over time. Ten minutes every few months keeps the light even and the arm steady.

Diffuser

1. Switch the lamp off and let the head cool for five minutes.
2. Wipe the frosted diffuser with a dry microfibre cloth, in one direction along the LED strip.
3. For marks, use a cloth that is barely damp with water. Never spray cleaner onto the head; liquid can run behind the diffuser.

Arm and joints (L2)

The L2 arm holds its position with two friction joints. If the head starts to sink, turn the hex screw on the side of the sinking joint a quarter turn clockwise with the key stored under the base. Turn it a little at a time; a joint that is too tight wears faster.

Clamp and post (L3)

Check the clamp every few months, since wooden desk tops shrink slightly in dry winter air. Tighten the thumb wheel until the post no longer moves when you push the arm. Put the felt pad under the clamp jaw to protect the desk.

Base and cable

• Wipe the cast iron base with a dry cloth. If a scratch shows bare metal, a drop of clear furniture wax stops rust.
• Keep the cork underside dry; water makes it swell and the lamp rock.
• Check the fabric cable for wear where it leaves the base. Replace the lamp's power supply cable only with the original part.

On the L3, keep the small window of the ambient light sensor on top of the head clean. If the automatic mode starts to make the lamp too bright, dust on that window is the usual reason.