How to Clean Plastic Chandeliers

Hanging chandeliers collect dust and cobwebs.

While it may be challenging to clean these intricate fixtures, the effort to remove cobwebs and filth from the overhanging light will result in a stunning improvement to the room’s ambience.

1. Turn off the electricity to the chandelier and wait several minutes for the bulbs to cool before handling the light fixture.

2. Place a sheet or blanket under the ladder where you will clean the plastic chandelier to catch dripping glass cleaner. The blanket will also protect the chandelier’s decorative accessories if you accidentally drop a piece while cleaning the fixture.

3. Carefully position the ladder underneath the chandelier so that you can easily reach it.

4. Saturate a regular washcloth with glass cleaner and rub the chandelier clean. Dry and polish the chandelier with another cloth. Do not spray cleaning agents directly onto the chandelier, as it may seep into the electrical wires. Take the time to rub down each individual piece and strand of the ornate chandelier to remove the layers of dust.

Tip

If you feel tired from the strain of standing on a ladder and cleaning the complex dust-catching chandelier, take a break and return to finish the project. Take down the chandelier and clean it in a more comfortable position if you are unable to work while standing on a ladder for long periods of time.

Warning

Using water to clean a chandelier connected to a power source is extremely dangerous. You should unplug the chandelier and protect the bulbs, plugs and electrical sockets by wrapping them in plastic if you insist on using water to clean it. Allow the chandelier to completely dry before plugging the fixture in again.