How to Clean Glass Chandeliers

Clean your glass chandelier with an ammonia mixture.

A glass chandelier can bring elegance and beauty to your home for many years if treated with care. Glass can catch dust easily, so use a lint-free cloth to dust your chandelier in between deep cleanings. Regular cleaning and dusting can make it easier to maintain upkeep on your chandelier and cut down on cleaning time later.

Things You'll Need

• Sandwich baggies
• Rubber bands
• Double sink or deep pans
• Microfiber towels
• Gloves
• Dish soap
• Water
• Ammonia
• Ladder
• Long-handled duster
• Spray bottle

Instructions

Removable Chandelier

1. Unplug the chandelier or turn off the circuit breaker to make sure the power is off before you begin cleaning.

2. Unscrew the light bulbs and set them aside in a safe place. If that is not possible, cover each bulb carefully with a sandwich bag and anchor it in place with a rubber band.

3. Lay a towel in the bottom of one side of the sink. Fill the sink with warm, soapy water.

4. Fill the other side of the sink with hot water. Add 1/4 cup of ammonia.

5. Remove crystals in small bunches and clean them with the soapy solution in the first sink. Rub the crystals with a soft cloth, removing all of the dust.

6. Rinse the crystals in the second half of the sink with the ammonia mixture. Wipe them dry.

7. Wipe down the fixture itself with a damp, soapy cloth before reattaching the crystals.

8. Wipe light bulbs carefully and allow everything to dry thoroughly before putting the chandelier back up and turning it on.

Nonremovable Chandelier

1. Turn off the circuit breaker to cut power to the chandelier. Get on a ladder, and dust the chandelier with a long-handled duster.

2. Mix a solution of ammonia and distilled water in a spray bottle. Follow directions on the ammonia bottle.

3. Place some towels underneath the chandelier to catch drips.

4. Spray the entire fixture, including the crystals, with the solution. The cleaner should drip down, cleaning the fixture as well as the crystals.

5. Allow the chandelier to air-dry for a day or two before turning it on again.

References

• Home Tips: How to Clean a Glass Chandelier
• Bella Online: How to Clean a Chandelier Properly