Crystal Chandelier Maintenance: How to Keep It Sparkling Like New

Chandeliers have come a long way from its humble beginnings as a wooden cross with candles. Nowadays you'll find crystal chandeliers as statement pieces in both traditional and modern houses all across the world. But one thing they all have in common is the need of a good cleaning to keep them shiny and looking brand new.

But how do you go about cleaning a crystal chandelier? Are there special cleaning materials and instructions you'll need? It's actually not hard at all to bring the luster back to your prized chandelier. With a few simple materials and a little elbow grease, you can have it sparkling in no time.

Let's look at the things you'll need and different methods you can use to clean your crystal chandelier today.

Materials You'll Need

Thankfully, there are no special cleaning materials you need when it's time to clean your chandelier. Chances are, you already have these items lying around your house already.

• Lint-free cloths
• Cloth gloves
• Spray bottle
• Ladder or step stool
• Blanket or thick towels

When it comes to a cleaning solution, you have options to choose from. And they can all be made at home using simple products.

Because what the experts agree on is that no harsh chemicals or specialized cleaning solutions are needed.

• The first solution consists of 1 cup vinegar and 3 cups hot water.
• The next is a mixture of 1 part isopropyl alcohol to 3 parts distilled water.
• And the last is a combination of mild dish soap and hot water.

Remember, there's no solution that is better than the other. It's all a matter of preference.

Method #1: Crystals On

This method is best for those chandeliers that are between the stages of needing a light dusting and being heavily soiled. If just a simple wipe down is all it needs, leaving the crystals on will make quick work of the chore.

Instructions:

• Lay out a blanket or thick towel underneath the light fixture. That way, if you accidentally knock one of the crystals off, if will have a soft place to land and hopefully will not break. And it protects your flooring from any drips.
• Spray the cleaning solution to your cleaning cloth. Do NOT spray directly to the crystal which could create a mess.
• Carefully wipe your chandeliers spindles down with the cleaning cloth.
• Next, clean the crystals itself. Doing this in sections at a time may be best.
• Careful not to excessively pull on any of the crystals. You don't want to damage any of the hanging elements.

Method #2: Crystals Off

If your chandelier is in need of a more thorough washing, taking the crystals off before you clean is best. This allows you to be able to reach parts of the crystals, and the chandelier itself, that the other method may miss.

Instructions:

• As in the first method, you'll want to lay a blanket or thick towel underneath the fixture in case you should accidentally drop one of the crystals.
• Next, decide how you are going to remove the crystals. Will it be in sections? Or all of them at one time?
• Take a picture of the chandelier and make sure it's in a way that you can easily remember how to put the chandelier back together when you are finished.
• Lay the crystals out on a soft towel.
• Then clean each of the spindles and rest of the chandelier with a damp cleaning cloth.
• Now it's time to thoroughly clean each crystal. Place each one in a basin of your cleaning solution. Be sure to remove all dirt with a lint-free cloth. Then rise in a second basin.
• Dry them off with a fresh cloth or with your gloves.
• And before you replace each crystal, inspect its hanging element. You can repair or adjust as needed with needle nose pliers.
• Be sure to wear your gloves when hanging the crystals back in place. This will prevent any fingerprints or smudges from clouding all your hard work.

Other Crystal Chandelier Cleaning Tips

To keep your chandelier dust-free between deep cleanings, all you need to use is a feather or microfiber duster.

There is no hard and fast rule about how frequently you need to clean your chandelier. That all depends on your geographical location and where the chandelier is hanging in your house. Best bet, when it starts looking cloudy - it's time to clean.

No matter which method you choose, always make sure to turn the electricity off before you start cleaning. Turning the switch off on the wall is good, but it's an even better idea to turn the electricity off at the breaker box.

Take a picture of your chandelier before you take the crystals off. That way you'll know how to put it back together again when you're finished cleaning.

If your chandelier is complex in design or too high up for you to safely clean, call in the professionals. It's better to be safe than sorry.

If you find that it's difficult to keep your chandelier steady while trying to clean with the crystals on, go ahead and take the crystals off. You don't want to risk shaking it too much and breaking anything.

Do not spray your cleaning solution directly on the chandelier. It could damage the other finishes that are not crystal related.

Keep the Sparkle in Your Life for Years to Come

Your chandelier is a statement piece that you take special pride in. When you know how to properly care for your crystal chandelier, you can be sure it will bring sparkling light to your life for a long time.

Have questions about your chandelier or need help picking one for your particular space? Contact us today! We'd be happy to help!