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In order for a crystal chandelier to maintain elegance and brilliance, a certain amount of light must be refracted by the crystals. Dirt, dust, or other coatings upon the crystal can ruin the chandelier’s brilliance, making it appear old and dull. To refresh your chandelier’s original shine, you will need to give it a thorough cleaning once or twice per year.
Getting Started
The first time you attempt to clean your chandelier, the task will probably seem quite intimidating. The good news is that it’s not as hard as you may think, and the results are well worth the effort.
Before you do anything, you should make a diagram of your chandelier and note where all of the removable pieces belong. Even if you think you know where everything goes, chances are there will be moments of confusion when it’s time to put everything back together.
To get started, find a stable ladder/stepladder to stand on. Try to choose a sturdy ladder that is sized appropriately. Crystal is very fragile and easily broken. You will want to make sure that you can comfortably reach every section of the chandelier while standing on the ladder.
Cleaning Techniques
There are many different ways to clean your crystal chandelier. The most traditional method of cleaning involves removing all of the crystal trimmings from the fixture and polishing each piece individually. Though this can be time consuming, it is the best (and safest) method of cleaning.
Begin by making sure the chandelier is off. Hot bulbs are impossible to clean properly. Next, carefully remove each crystal pendant and rinse them individually in hot water. If necessary, use a small amount of mild detergent on the crystal. Whatever you do, stay away from harsh chemicals. Some chemicals may react and damage the pinning.
Once the crystal pieces have been rinsed and cleaned, wipe them with a towel or allow them to air-dry. If you will be using a towel, make sure that it is lint-free. You don’t want to leave any particles behind as you are cleaning. Before re-hanging the crystals, dust the rest of the chandelier, including the light bulbs themselves.
Jack Taylor is a freelance writer who uses Litte Giant Ladders. More information about other uses for this ladder can be found at Little Giant Ladder Systems.
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