8 Crystal Chandelier Cleaning Tips

Crystal chandeliers add a touch of elegance to any room. Many of today's fixtures have evolved from traditional teardrop-shaped crystals to abstract modern shapes made of acrylic, glass, or real crystal. Regardless of the design and material of your chandelier, it will get dusty and dirty over time. Cleaning is usually easy, but time-consuming. Allow plenty of time for the job, as you'll probably want to get it done in one go.

1. When does a chandelier need to be cleaned?

A typical chandelier needs to be cleaned at least once a year. Crystal chandeliers need to be cleaned when the crystal appears dull. More modern chandeliers should be cleaned when the glass or frame looks dusty.

2. Plan before you clean

Many chandeliers have a fairly complex hanging pattern for the crystal or glass accents, so you should always consider how your design will fit together before cleaning. It's a good idea to make a quick drawing or diagram of where all the pieces go. Taking a snapshot with a digital camera can also come in handy. Another idea is to clean the piece in small, manageable sections. If your chandelier is hung too high or has too elaborate a design, you may need to hire a professional cleaning service to get the job done. However, most chandeliers can be cleaned by a weekend handyman.

3. Tools needed

The supplies needed to clean a chandelier are fairly simple. You'll need a step ladder to access the fixture, as well as pads or a cloth for the underside.

These pads will prevent glass or crystal prisms from breaking if you drop something, and they will also protect delicate furniture and tabletops.

White gloves or soft, lint-free cloths are recommended, especially when cleaning crystal, which easily takes on fingerprints.

4. Be safe - turn off the power!

Extreme caution should be used when working near electrical equipment. Therefore, work slowly and observe basic common sense safety precautions.

First, turn off the chandelier's power at the wall switch. It's a good idea to put a piece of tape over the wall switch to prevent the light from accidentally turning on while you are working.

To be completely safe, you can turn off the power at the breaker box.

But remember to put alternative lighting nearby, or you'll be working in the dark!

5. Glass on vs. glass off

There are two schools of thought when cleaning a chandelier: the "crystal or glass on" method and the "crystal or glass off" method.

If you take all the crystals and glass off, the cleaning is more comprehensive and you can fully reach every corner of the frame. If your chandelier does not need cleaning, it will be faster if you leave the crystal or glass on.

6. Things to consider

A few things to keep in mind when you are getting started. No matter which method you choose, never turn your crystal chandelier. When cleaning, walk around the chandelier with your ladder and clean it in sections. If you rotate a chandelier, you run the risk of loosening the fixture and causing the chandelier or its crystals to fall.

If the chandelier is difficult to reach, replace all bulbs when cleaning. Never exceed the recommended wattage for the fixture and check that the bulbs are working before packing away your ladder.

7. Glass-on method

To clean a chandelier with glass or crystal, prepare a cleaning solution of one part isopropyl alcohol and four parts distilled water in a spray bottle.

Spray a small amount of the solution onto a white cotton glove or lint-free cloth.

Wipe the crystal or glass with the damp cloth and then dry it immediately with another glove or cloth. Work slowly and carefully so as not to damage the hanging glass or ornaments.

Avoid ammonia-based cleaners; ammonia can corrode the gold- or silver-coloured metal hooks to which the crystal elements are attached.

8. Method for removing the glass

When in doubt, it is safer to remove the glass or crystal completely. With this method, you will also have better access to the frame of the chandelier. For cleaning, you can use the same solution as described above.

For chandeliers that are more heavily soiled, you can also try washing the glass by hand with lukewarm water and a mild dishwashing solution.

If using this method, rinse immediately with clean water and dry the glass with a soft, clean cloth. To extend the time between cleanings, lightly dust your chandelier with a feather duster or lambswool dusting cloth every two or three months.