How to Easily Clean a Crystal Chandelier

You can clean crystal chandeliers without having to remove the crystals.

Crystal chandeliers are a beautiful addition to any home, but their beauty is seriously diminished if they are covered by dirt and grime. Neglected chandeliers need to be taken apart to be cleaned, which is a time-intensive process. Thankfully, there is an easier way to clean a chandelier if you are willing to do it regularly. By routinely wiping and polishing the crystals and hardware, you can keep your chandelier sparkling and clean.

Things You'll Need

• Isopropyl alcohol
• Spray bottle
• Lamp and extension cord
• Ladder
• Two microcloths or soft cotton gloves

Instructions

1. Mix 1 part isopropyl alcohol with 3 parts water. Pour the solution into a spray bottle.

2. Turn off the circuit breaker that provides power to the chandelier. Plug a lamp or other light source into an outlet on another breaker and bring it into the room where the chandelier hangs, using an extension cord if necessary. Remove any light bulbs screwed into the chandelier.

3. Place a ladder underneath the chandelier so that you can work and an angle where you can safely reach all of the dangling crystals. Bring two microcloths or soft cotton gloves and the cleaning solution to the top of the ladder with you.

4. Spray one cloth or glove with the cleaning solution and leave the other one dry. With the wet cloth, carefully clean one crystal, wiping away any dust or grime. Use the dry cloth to buff and polish the crystal. Repeat this step until all the crystals are clean. Clean your gloves or cloths as necessary or replace them with a fresh pair.

5. Dust the frame of the chandelier and the links that hang the crystals with the dry glove or cloth. Do not use the cleaning solution on any of the hardware.

6. Wipe any dust off the light bulbs and return them to the chandelier. Turn the power back on to the chandelier.

Tips & Warnings

• This method only works for chandeliers that are moderately dirty. If your chandelier is covered in years of grime you will have to remove the crystals and soak them.

• Clean your chandelier at least twice a year.

• Ensure that the power to the chandelier has been properly shut off. Never use a wet cleaning solution on a light fixture that is connected to a live power source.

References

• House Cleaning Central: How to Clean Your Chandelier
• Bella Online; How to Clean a Chandelier Properly; Kathryn Weber
• How to Clean It: How to Clean a Crystal Chandelier

Resources

• Read this Article in Portuguese