Whether your chandelier is made of glass or crystal, it looks great when spotlessly clean. Wondering how to go about it? Don’t worry, here is how:
When to Clean your Chandelier
Both crystal and contemporary chandeliers should be cleaned when they appear dull or begin to look dusty. You should it at least once every year.
However, it’s always important to plan before doing the cleaning. This is because many chandelier designs have complex hanging patterns for the glass as well as crystal hangings. Make a simple sketch of where all parts fit. You could also try taking a snapshot from your digital camera.
Alternatively, you can opt to clean your chandelier in small, manageable segments or call a professional cleaner to help you out.
Be Safe –Ensure the Power is Turned Off!
Extreme care should be observed when handling any electric fitting, so work carefully and observe all safety precautions. Start by switching off the chandelier but remember to install alternative lighting nearby to avoid working in the dark.
There are two common methods of cleaning a chandelier; ‘glass on’ and ‘glass-off’.
Glass On Method
One of the fastest ways to clean your chandelier is to do it with the glass/crystal on. In a spray bottle, mix some isopropyl alcohol with distilled water. Spray the solution (a small amount though) on a white cloth or cotton glove. Use it to gently wipe the chandelier’s crystal or glass and then dry immediately using another cloth or glove. Be careful not to damage any hanging glass or decorative elements.
Don’t use ammonia-based cleaners as they can corrode the silver or gold metal finish, making your fixture duller.
Glass Off Method
When in doubt, consider taking out the crystal or glass. This method isn’t just safe but it also provides more access to the chandelier’s frame. You can still utilize a solution made of isopropyl alcohol and distilled water for cleaning.
If the chandelier has more dirt as well as grime build-up, try hand-washing the crystal or glass in warm water, using a dish soap. Rinse in clean water immediately and dry using a soft cloth.
Regardless of the method you use, never rotate your crystal chandelier. All you need is to move the ladder around your fixture and clean in sections. Twirling a chandelier will make it lose its support, which could cause its crystals to fall and break.
If you find it hard to reach your chandelier, it’s better to change out all its bulbs when carrying out the cleaning. Don’t exceed the recommended wattage and check to confirm that the lights function well before padding away your ladder.
The Bottom-Line
Cleaning each and every part of your chandelier can be quite a daunting task. Nonetheless, it’s extremely important to clean it periodically to maintain the quality of brightness. Even more, a clean crystal chandelier will always make a statement in your home. The methods discussed above will work perfectly on crystal chandeliers as well as those fabricated with plastic or glass. If you would like some help with chandelier cleaning then please get in touch with Classical Chandeliers.