Few things in life are as beautiful and relaxing as a crystal chandelier. Any room gains an air of luxury when crystal chandeliers are present. Modern abstract designs in acrylic, glass, or real crystal have replaced many conventional fixtures' teardrop-shaped crystals. But like any other jewels, it will eventually be tested by time. Whatever the style or construction of your chandelier, it will eventually become soiled and dusty.
Although cleaning is typically simple, it takes time and effort. Give yourself plenty of time to complete the task because you probably want to do it all at once. Here are six tips for cleaning a crystal chandelier:
Tip 1 Before disassembling your chandelier, take photos of how it looks like. This may seem weird, but taking photos from different angles will be a life saver when you're done cleaning and you need to re-assemble your chandelier.
Tip 2 Start by removing any crystal pieces from the frame of your chandelier and placing them in a small box or other container. Then use a soft-bristled brush or a gentle duster like the Swiffer® 360° Duster Comparable Starter Kit by Lola® to initially remove any visible dust or dirt from each individual piece.
Tip 3 Next, spray the entire chandelier with a glass cleaner to remove any dirt and debris that has stuck to the metal parts. Pay special attention to the joints where the frame meets the arms and the tubing that houses the electrical wires. Avoid spraying the glass pieces themselves; instead, wipe them with a soft cloth like the Lola® Jumbo Microfiber Cleaning Cloth.
Tip 4 After you've cleaned the metal parts of the chandelier, it's time to remove all of the dust and dirt from the glass panels. You can do this by hand or by vacuuming the panels with a soft brush attachment. Be sure to turn the vacuum on the lowest setting to avoid damaging the glass. An alternative to this step is to also use the Swiffer® Sweeper® Compatible Dry Sweeping Cloth Refills by Lola® to completely remove any residual dust or dirt in from each glass panel. If you have a lot of time to kill, you may also opt to wash each crystal using a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse well with cool water and dry with a lint-free microfiber cloth.
Tip 5 Once the chandelier is clean, it's a good idea to apply a protective sealant to the metal frame. This will help prevent future dust and debris from sticking to the surface.
Tip 6 Finally, you'd be glad that you did not skip Step 1 above. Replace the crystal pieces in the frame and hang your chandelier back up on the wall. Admire its beauty and relax in your newly sparkling room!
Expert tip: Dust your chandelier regularly to prevent heavy dust accumulation. When dusting your chandelier, try to do so while it's turned off so that you won't knock any of the glass pieces out of alignment or damage the electrical wires. Also, avoid using harsh cleaning solutions (like ammonia-based cleaners) on your chandelier, these chemicals could damage the delicate crystal pieces and dull their shine.
Crystal chandeliers have come a long way from the days as traditional, stately pieces only enjoyed in the most formal of spaces and positioned to impress guests in the dining room or the foyer. More crystal means more cleaning, but it does not have to be too taxing. By following the simple guidelines above, you can keep your crystal chandeliers looking their best all the time.
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