Chandeliers are beautiful, but they can lose their charm over time due to dirt, dust, and pollutants so here to the best guide to Clean Chandeliers.
While regular cleaning with a microfiber duster helps maintain their appearance, a deeper cleaning is necessary to restore their sparkle.
The deeply clean chandelier is a simple task that doesn’t require specialized cleaners or tools, but it can be time-consuming and requires patience. Safety is also important when cleaning a chandelier.
This guide provides instructions on cleaning chandeliers with glass or crystal, whether they are attached or unattached, and suggests safe cleaning agents while cautioning against harmful ones.
What Type of Cleaner Should Use When Clean Chandelier
When it comes to choosing a cleaner for glass and crystal chandeliers, there are several options that are considered safe.
The specific choice depends on personal preference and what is readily available.
One option is to mix White Vinegar and water in a 1:3 ratio.
Similarly, a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water in a 1:3 ratio can also be used as a cleaning agent for crystal or glass chandelier pieces. For those who prefer a cleaning solution without fragrance, diluting a few drops of Dish Soap in water is another suitable choice.
It is important to avoid using ammonia and ammonia-based cleaners, including commercial glass cleaners that contain ammonia.
These can potentially remove the finish from the chandelier fixtures. Regardless of the cleaning agent chosen, it is recommended not to spray it directly onto the chandelier.
Clean Chandelier with the Glass On
What You’ll Need
Equipment/Tools
- Ladder
- Camera
- Needle-nose pliers
Materials
- Spray bottle
- Cleaning solution
- Microfiber cloths
- White cotton gloves
- Thick blankets or towels
Instructions
A clean chandelier with the glass pieces still attached is a quicker and easier option.
Regardless of whether you clean a chandelier with the glass on or off, always remember to turn off the electricity before starting. This can be done by either switching off the wall switch or shutting off the electricity at the breaker box.
- Prepare the Cleaning Solution: Mix your preferred cleaning solution in a spray bottle.
- Prepare the Area: Turn off the electricity and allow the lightbulbs to cool.
Place thick blankets or towels on the floor beneath the chandelier to cushion any glass or crystal pieces that may come loose during cleaning. Set up the ladder following safety guidelines.
Wear white cotton gloves to prevent fingerprints on the glass or crystal, and also to aid in cleaning them. - Apply Cleaning Solution to Cloth: Spray the cleaning solution onto a microfiber cloth or directly onto the white cotton gloves, ensuring they are damp but not soaked.
If using a cloth, keep half of it dry. Avoid spraying the cleaning solution directly onto the chandelier. - Wipe and Dry the Pieces: Work slowly and carefully to prevent any damage.
Use the damp cloth or glove to wipe each crystal or glass piece, then use the dry section of the cloth or the other glove to polish and dry them.
Clean Chandelier with the Glass Off
What You’ll Need
Equipment/Tools
- Ladder
- Camera
- Needle-nose pliers
Materials
- Spray bottle
- Cleaning solution
- Microfiber cloths
- White cotton gloves
- Thick blankets or towels
Instructions
A clean chandelier with the glass removed allows for a more thorough cleaning of both small parts and the chandelier’s frame.
Before starting, it’s important to take a photo of the chandelier as a reference for reassembly. Also, remember to turn off the electricity before disassembling the chandelier, either by switching off the wall switch or at the breaker box.
- Prepare the Area: Turn off the electricity and let the lightbulbs cool down.
Take a photo of the chandelier to help you with reassembly later. Place thick blankets or towels on the floor beneath the chandelier to provide cushioning in case any glass or crystal pieces fall off during the removal or reassembly process.
Set up a ladder following appropriate safety guidelines. - Remove Pieces and Dust: Work on one section at a time and use needle-nose pliers to carefully remove the glass or crystal pieces from the chandelier.
Once the pieces are removed, use a microfiber cloth to wipe off any dust and dirt from the fixtures and light bulbs. - Prepare the Cleaning Solution: Mix your chosen cleaning solution in a spray bottle or a small bowl.
- Clean the Pieces: Wear white cotton gloves to prevent fingerprints from smudging the pieces during cleaning.
Dampen a microfiber cloth or cotton gloves with the cleaning solution, and wipe each crystal or glass piece to clean it. - Dry All Pieces: After cleaning each piece, use a dry section of cloth or the other glove to polish and dry it.
Place a thick towel on your working surface and set the cleaned and dried pieces on it. - Reassemble the Chandelier: Put on a fresh pair of clean, dry white cotton gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints on the newly cleaned glass or crystal pieces.
Use the reference photos you took earlier to guide you in reassembling the chandelier.
*The information is for reference only.