How To Clean A Crystal Chandelier

Welcome to my article about how to clean a crystal chandelier!

A crystal chandelier makes a terrific centerpiece. It can be the crowning glory of your home.

But when the chandelier gets dusty and dirty, it loses it’s magic. The crystals may lose some of their sparkle and the other components may start to look dull.

A good cleaning will help restore them to their original beauty.

But crystal chandeliers aren’t easy to clean. They hang from the ceiling making them hard to reach. And their various components make it difficult to get into every nook and cranny.

So what can you do to get your crystal chandelier clean? This article will provide a few options so you can choose the one that’s best for you.

Cleaning with the Crystals On

Cleaning with the crystals on may not get your chandelier as clean as removing them (discussed below), but it is a lower maintenance method that will work fine.

Here are the steps you will want to take.

Turn the Chandelier Off

Start by turning the chandelier off and allowing some time for the bulbs to cool.

You can also turn off your home’s electricity as an added precaution, but it’s not necessary and it could cause other inconveniences.

For example, you may want to turn on another light source while you are cleaning. This will be impossible to do if the electricity is not on.

Get the Area Ready

You can prep the area while you are waiting for the bulbs to cool. To do this, place a thick blanket directly under the chandelier to catch and protect any delicate objects that fall.

You will also want to set up a ladder under the chandelier so you can access the various components for cleaning purposes.

An additional step is to cover furnishings with a protective tarp. This will prevent them from getting scratched if any sharp objects from the chandelier end up falling.

Clean the Crystals

The chandelier can be cleaned with a spray glass cleaner and a few soft cotton cloths.

Spray the cleaner on one cloth and use it to wipe down the crystal. Then dry off the cleaner with a separate cloth.

You can also use soft gloves instead of cloths. Wear the gloves you are using and spray one with a cleaner to remove dirt from the crystals. Use the other glove for drying. This will provide additional dexterity.

Clean the Frame

You can clean the frame with a soft dry cloth or use a cleaner. Make sure the cleaner you are using is made for metal.

Avoid using the cleaner on hooks or fasteners as it can tarnish or strip the finish.

Dust the Bulbs

The bulbs can be cleaned with a dry cloth. If the bulb is stained, you may have to use a cleaner or you may have to replace it entirely.

Cleaning with Crystals Off

The first two steps in this process are identical to the method above – start by turning off the lights and prepping the area.

An added measure will be taking a picture of the chandelier before it is dissembled. This will serve as a guide for when it needs to be reassembled.

Next, you will want to do the following.

Disassemble the Chandelier

Remove the crystals from the chandelier and place them on a protected surface where they won’t get damaged.

You may need a needle nosed plier to remove them depending on the chandelier design. Once crystals are removed, you can reshape their fasteners to strengthen them.

Clean the Crystals

Clean the crystals by placing them in a sink with warm water and a bit of mild dish soap. Line the sink with a towel or cloth to provide extra padding.

Rub each crystal with your fingers to spread the soap around. Then rinse them and dry them off to minimize spots.

Place them on a soft, clean towel and leave them there until you are ready for reassembly.

Clean the Frame

You may be able to use the same soapy water you used on your crystals to clean your frame.

Just make sure that the cleaner you are using is safe on metal or whatever material the chandelier is made of.

Make sure all electrical components are completely dry before reassembling the chandelier. Air them out for a few hours to ensure all moisture is gone.

Reassemble the Chandelier

Work from photos to reassemble the chandelier ensuring it is in the same configuration it was in originally.

How Often Should I Clean My Chandelier?

Your chandelier should be dusted off regularly. If it’s easy enough to reach, swipe it with a feather or lambswool duster during weekly cleanings.

If you need to get on a ladder to access it, dust it off every 2-3 months.

Deep cleaning should occur once a year or more often if your chandelier is in an area that tends to gather dirt like a kitchen or entryway.

You may also want to clean it if you see obvious signs of dirt.

Other Cleaning Tips

Here are some general cleaning tips to keep in mind regarding your chandelier.

Don’t twist the chandelier to access hard to reach spots during cleanings. This can cause the supports to weaken and increase the risk of the fixture falling and breaking. It’s best to move up and down the ladder or reposition yourself to get to the places you need to clean.
If your chandelier is hard to reach or features a complex design that’s difficult to work with, you may be better off calling in a professional for your cleanings.

Avoid ammonia-based cleaners that can damage crystals and other parts of the lamp.
Consider changing your bulbs and servicing other parts of the lamp while you’re up there.