Oil lamps, including hurricane lamps, date back to earliest history. Kerosene lamps were invented in the 19th century, and hurricane lamps have remained popular for emergency use during power outages, as well as for camping.
Today, hurricane lamps--sometimes called "library lamps"--are practical and beautiful sources of light. From the yellow-white flicker of emergency lighting to the familiar red lamp used at railroad crossings, most people have nostalgic associations with hurricane lamps.
In fact, the charm of hurricane lamps inspired the rum drink, "The Hurricane," served first at Pat O'Brien's bar in New Orleans during World War II.
If you own an antique hurricane lamp and aren't sure of its value, have it appraised before beginning any cleaning or restoration. It would be disastrous to use the wrong cleaning product on a thousand-dollar antique lamp, and reduce it to a ten-dollar ornament.
In this article, we'll assume that your lamp is not valuable.
Generally, a hurricane lamp is made up of three main parts: the base (including a metal, mechanical wick holder), the wick, and the chimney.
THE BASE
The base is often the most important, ornate, and valuable part of the lamp. It's the part that holds the oil. It may be glass, ceramic or metal. If the base is cracked or broken, it's rarely worth repairing for use.
A cracked glass or ceramic base can be glued together, but the oil in the lamp may slowly dissolve some glues. Many glues are petroleum based, and can interact with oils and the perfumes in them. If you want to restore a base that requires glue, it may be best to use the lamp for decoration rather than practical use.
CLEANING A GLASS OR CERAMIC BASE
If the glass or ceramic base is stained or badly soiled, rest the base on a soft cotton towel, and rinse it with plain water. Never place antique glass into a dishpan with other items; a careless move can result in chipped or cracked glass. Never wash it in a dishwasher where heat and harsh chemicals can damage it.
The water that you use can be important. Extreme changes of temperature--washing with water that is too hot or too cold--can crack fragile glass. If you have hard water, use distilled or purified water for cleaning to avoid a mineral residue.
If plain water doesn't remove the dirt, a very gentle soap can be used. Diluted dishwashing liquid--intended for washing dishes by hand--is usually safe. If your lamp base has a colorful finish, such as carnival glass, it's wise to test any cleaning product in a very small spot where possible damage won't be noticed.
There are also cleaning products sold by antiques shops, intended for cleaning delicate glass items. Unless you're restoring a valuable lamp, these usually aren't necessary. In fact, beginners should not work on valuable lamps; have an antiques dealer or auction house refer you to an expert.
At the other end of the spectrum, if your glass already has mineral buildup from earlier cleanings, or heavy smoke residues, you may need a stronger product. Among the cleaning supplies sold at your supermarket, you'll find products for removing hard water stains from glass shower enclosures. Leave this on the glass for just a few seconds and then rinse it off completely with plain water. That will usually remove old stains.
If you need an even stronger approach to stains on the glass, or if the glass looks very cloudy, some collectors use denture cleaning products. There are also cleaners for ceramic stovetops, and they can work well, too. Select the most non-abrasive cleaner that you can find, to avoid etching the glass. When using these products, it is especially important to use distilled water so that you don't add to the mineral deposits on the glass.
If the base of your hurricane lamp is glass or even unglazed ceramic and has mildew stains, treat it first with ammonia to kill the mildew. Then clean it as described above.
Never use bleach on antique glass or ceramics. The tiny crazing--sometimes seen only with a magnifying glass--can retain the bleach and long-term damage may occur.
Any stains or marks that remain after these treatments may be permanent. Or, if the glass has small black lines or flecks on it, these may be "inclusions." They are small particles of metal that are embedded in the glass as part of the manufacturing process, and cannot be removed.
REPAIRING A METAL BASE
A metal base can be repaired if it simply needs to be hammered or soldered. Sometimes, a good polish will make metal sparkle so beautifully, additional repairs aren't necessary, and small dents are part of the lamp's vintage charm.
Be sure to match the metal polish to the kind of metal in your lamp base. If you can't tell zinc-coated brass from stainless steel, take the metal base to the hardware store and ask them to recommend a metal cleaner.
If the base is badly damaged, you can buy a replacement base at a crafts shop or online. Some sporting goods shops and departments carry parts for hurricane lamps, due to their popularity among campers.
It is important to measure the glass chimney or carry it with you, to be certain that the new base will fit it. Hurricane lamps come in a variety of sizes, and chimneys have different circumferences.
MECHANICAL PARTS
There may be an adjustable metal part that holds the wick and moves it up or down to adjust the size of the flame. This part may be a permanent part of the lamp base, or rest on it.
If you need to replace this, compare the design with modern hurricane lamps at sporting goods shops. Many Wal-Marts and similar chain stores carry replacement parts for hurricane lamps in their camping aisles.
If you cannot use a modern replacement, it can be difficult to locate an antique counterpart. Flea markets, antiques dealers, and online auctions are your best resources.
Generally, if the mechanical part is broken and cannot be readily replaced, the lamp cannot be used for anything except ornamental display.
THE WICK
Wicks are the simplest part to replace. Crafts and hobby shops, as well as sporting goods retailers, carry a variety of wick sizes and shapes.
In antique hurricane lamps, the wick will be either flat or round. You cannot replace a flat wick with a round one, or vice versa; it won't fit with the original mechanical parts.
It's smart to take a small piece of the original wick with you when you buy a replacement. If you no longer have a wick, or if you're not sure about the size and shape that fits your lamp, take the base with you to the hardware or sporting goods store and ask their advice.
THE CHIMNEY
The chimney on your hurricane lamp serves two purposes: It is decorative and it protects the flame from breezes.
An ornate chimney can be engraved, painted, or pressed glass. It may need even more careful handling than the cleaning process described for a glass base. But, the products and methods are generally the same.
If you are going to wash the chimney in a dishpan, be sure to pad the bottom and the sides of the pan with cotton towels or flannel. Remove your rings and any loose jewelry that might hit the glass and chip it, such as a heavy bracelet. And, be especially careful to use only room temperature or lukewarm water for washing and for rinsing.
If plain water doesn't clean the glass adequately, some collectors use a rinse of white vinegar. However, vinegar can discolor some kinds of paint, so test this in a small, unimportant area.
STORING YOUR LAMP
Once your lamp is repaired and cleaned, it can be a lovely addition to any room's decor. Be sure to dust it regularly, especially before using it. And, be certain to clean it often. Dust and smoke can build up and dim the light as well as the beauty of your lamp.
If you must store your lamp, be certain that it is clean and dry. Remove all oil and rinse the base. Discard the wick, or at least trim off the portion that has had contact with the oil.
Wrap the pieces of your lamp in crumpled tissue paper, and put them in a well-padded box. Never store your lamp in newspaper. The ink can permanently stain glass, ceramics, or even some metals. Finally, be certain to label the storage box clearly so that it is treated with care.
Hurricane lamps were designed to provide light during power outages and in settings where no electricity was available. Today, hurricane lamps lend a romantic glow to any room, porch, or yard. Whether your lamp is new or old, keep it clean and well-maintained, and it will continue to charm many generations of future owners.
