How to Clean Your Modern Chandelier

Giving your chandelier a deep clean is relatively simple and doesn't require any special products or equipment. However, it can be a bit of a lengthy process and demands careful attention. Additionally, there are key safety precautions to keep in mind before starting the cleaning process.

This guide will walk you through the steps of cleaning a chandelier, whether you choose to leave the glass or crystal pieces attached or remove them. It will also cover which cleaning solutions are safe to use and which ones you should avoid.

What You’ll Need

Some materials that you may need during the cleaning process include:

• Cleaning Cloth
• Ladder or Step Stool
• Duster
• Sink or large plastic bucket
• Spray Bottle
• Tarp/Large Cloth/Towels
• Glass Cleaner (for glass chandeliers)
• Dish Soap and Warm Water (for crystal chandeliers)
• Pine Oil / Vinegar-Based Cleaner (for brass or metal chandeliers)
• Lemon Oil / Lemon Juice (for brass or metal chandeliers)
• Commercial glass cleaner
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Distilled water
• Dishwashing liquid

Cleaning with the Glass On

Cleaning a chandelier with the glass pieces still attached is generally quicker and more convenient. No matter how you decide to clean your chandelier, it's essential to turn off the electricity beforehand, either by switching off the wall switch or shutting off power at the breaker box.

Step One: Prepare Your Cleaning Solution

Begin by mixing your chosen cleaning solution in a spray bottle.

Step Two: Prepare the Area

Ensure the electricity is turned off, and allow the lightbulbs to cool down. Lay thick blankets or towels beneath the chandelier to cushion any pieces that might accidentally fall during cleaning. Set up your ladder securely, adhering to safety guidelines. Wear white cotton gloves to prevent fingerprints from smudging the glass or crystal; these gloves can also double as cleaning tools.

Step Three: Apply Cleaning Solution to Cloth

Lightly spray the cleaning solution onto a microfiber cloth or directly onto your gloves, making sure they are damp but not saturated. If using a cloth, keep one side dry. Avoid spraying the solution directly onto the chandelier.

Step Four: Wipe and Dry Each Piece

Carefully and slowly, wipe each glass or crystal piece using the dampened cloth or gloves, then dry and polish it with the dry side of the cloth or the other glove.

Cleaning with the Glass Off

Detaching the glass from a chandelier allows for a more thorough cleaning of both the small components and the chandelier's frame. Before you start disassembling, take a photo of the chandelier to use as a reference when reassembling it after cleaning.

Always remember to cut off the electricity before starting, either by switching off the wall switch or by turning off the power at the breaker box.

Step One: Prepare the Area

Begin by turning off the electricity and letting the lightbulbs cool down. Take a photo of the chandelier to guide you during reassembly. Lay thick blankets or towels underneath the chandelier to cushion any pieces that might fall during the removal or reassembly process. Set up your ladder securely, following proper safety procedures.

Step Two: Remove and Dust the Pieces

Using needle-nose pliers, carefully remove the glass or crystal pieces section by section. Once the pieces are removed, use a microfiber cloth to wipe dust and dirt from the fixture and bulbs.

Step Three: Prepare the Cleaning Solution

Mix your preferred cleaning solution in a spray bottle or small bowl.

Step Four: Clean the Pieces

Wear white cotton gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints on the pieces while cleaning. Dampen the microfiber cloth or gloves with the cleaning solution and gently clean each glass or crystal piece.

Step Five: Dry Each Piece

After cleaning, use the dry part of the cloth or the other glove to polish each piece until dry. Lay a thick towel on your workspace and place the cleaned, polished pieces on it.

Step Six: Reassemble the Chandelier

Put on a fresh, dry pair of white cotton gloves to prevent fingerprints from marring the cleaned pieces. Using the photos you took earlier, reassemble the chandelier.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of cleaners should I use and avoid on my chandelier?

Several cleaning agents will work over glass or crystal chandeliers, so it becomes a question of personal preference or what is available.

One is a mixture of white vinegar and water in the proportion of 1:3. Similarly, the mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water, also in a ratio of 1:3 mixtures, has been found to clean quite efficiently. If you would rather go for fragrance-free solutions, a mild solution of dish soap, when rinsed in water, will do wonders too.

Knowing this, it's best to avoid using ammonia or ammonia-based products since they can damage the chandelier fixture finishes. Regardless of the cleaning solution used, one thing you should never do is spray it directly onto a chandelier.

How often should I clean my chandelier?

Dust your chandelier regularly, just like you clean other objects around the home, to enable it to keep shining. Clean the base and glass or crystal parts at least annually, so they never lose their shine.

When should I get my chandelier professionally cleaned?

If your chandelier hangs from a vaulted ceiling or over stairways, it is highly recommended to seek professional cleaning services. They have proper ladders and gears to do the job effectively and in an extremely safe way.