How to Clean a Crystal Chandelier

Your delicate chandelier will glow more brightly without all that dust and grime. Here's how to make it sparkle again.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Spray Bottles
• Cleaning Cloths
• Ammonia
• Chandelier Cleaning Fluids
• Cleaning Cloths
• Isopropyl Alcohols
• Masking Tape
• Ammonia
• Masking Tape
• Distilled Waters
• Sandwich Bags
• Rubber Bands
• Rubber Bands
• Rubber bands

1. Set up alternative lighting nearby (since you won't be able to use the chandelier for lighting while you're cleaning it).

2. Turn off the chandelier's power at the wall switch. Place a piece of tape over the wall switch so that no one can accidentally turn it on while you're working.

3. Cover any upward-pointing bulbs with sandwich bags. Secure the bags with rubber bands.

4. Place a drop cloth below the chandelier.

5. Mix a solution of one part isopropyl alcohol or ammonia in three parts distilled water. Or, if you don't want to mix your own cleaner, buy a special chandelier cleaner from a lighting retailer. Put some solution in a spray bottle.

6. Spray every part of the fixture with the cleanser, avoiding wires and other electrical components.

7. Allow the crystals to drip-dry. If your chandelier is too dirty for this drip-cleaning method, you'll have to hand-wash each individual crystal with the cleaning solution.

8. Remove the plastic bags from the lights once the crystals have dried, and wipe down light wells and other noncrystal parts with a soft cloth dipped in the cleanser.

9. Allow the entire fixture to dry overnight before turning its power back on.

[chesterbelle]

on 8/21/2009 Hi I am new to this site however in the UK there are several chandelier cleaning companies, a recommended one is King's Chandelier Services Ltd. Not only do they come out to clean chandeliers they also have an online shop that sells chandelier cleaning accessories as well as crystal and glass parts, spares and accessories if you want to have go yourself at chandelier cleaning or restoration

on 3/17/2006 I was just reading about that subject at the site of the Schonbek Crystal chandelier company and their instructions differ. In fact they advise to never use ammonia as it will corrode the light's metal structures. They advise using 1 part isopropyl alcohol and 3 parts distilled water.

on 12/19/2005 Divide your fixture into four vertical sections. Take draping crystals off and place in 50% warm water and 50% ammonia. While draping crystals are in the solution, take a soft sponge and place in ammonia solution, wipe down arm dress and vertical stem columns and come back with a soft cloth to dry.
Take draping crystal from the ammonia solution and rinse in cool water, dry and reattach to fixture.

on 1/5/2006 Spraying and dripping may seem a good idea but the result is always a half done job. Besides, any chemical can ruin a chandelier or parts of it as the effect can not be detected immediately. It's the hidden parts that do not get cleaned properly and as most decent chandeliers, are made of brass (often lacquered), bronze, gold plated etc., there is only one way to clean them safely and restore their original looks. The hard but rewarding way.

WARNING!!! Do not start this job unless you know what you are doing when it comes to handling electric wiring. The risk is electrocution which can lead to serious injury or even death.

First, remove all the light bulbs, making sure that they are not hot. Clean them with a soapy sponge and then rinse with warm, clean water. While they are still warm from the washing, dry them well with a dry, clean cloth, making sure that they are really clean and sparkle as they are the source that gives the chandelier its sparkle. Now, put them aside, preferably in a warm, dry place - such as an airing cupboard. This will allow time for them to be completely dry when you come to fit them back after cleaning the chandelier. Next, remove all the crystal and other parts that are easily removable while the chandelier is hanging. Try to keep these parts on a soft surface and avoid them rubbing on each other. They can easily pick up scratches. Now, switch off the power from the main consumer unit and ensure that no one else has access to it while you are working! This is because you will have to bring the chandelier down and undo the electrical connections. Switching off only from the on/off switch is not enough as some of the wires that are connected to the chandelier will still be live! Make sure you mark their positions on the connector. It is easy to forget once you undo them. Once you have your chandelier down and free from any connections. Carefully dismantle the whole chandelier down to its smallest parts if possible. Again, make sure to take notes of where every part came from. A few photos with your camera will help greatly. Once everything is in pieces, proceed in washing each and every part in exactly the same way as you did with the light bulbs, only more carefully as some of these parts might be irreplaceable! Once everything is cleaned and thoroughly dried, reassemble and connect your chandelier in the exact reverse order. Now you can switch the power back on, but it is always a good idea to test the metal parts for any electric leakage with either a multimeter or a testing device (such as a screwdriver with a neon light that can detect mains).
A slight smear of Vaseline on the metal parts of the light bulbs will make them go in easier and certainly a lot easier when you come to remove them for replacement or cleaning.
Now, stand back and admire.

on 11/22/2005 Put the crystals in a bath with Steradent tablets or other false teeth cleaner. All the dirt will fizz off without hassle. Works especially great for the unreachable, narrow, crystal, tubing inside.