Learning how to clean a chandelier may seem like a simple job, but often it’s more complicated than you’d think. From disassembling the pieces of the chandelier to stepping on a ladder to get at the delicate parts, it all takes some time and effort.
Not to mention the gentle cleaning needed to carefully remove dirt and grime that can collect over the years, and of course the safety aspect.
That’s why it’s important to learn how to precisely clean your delicate hanging lamps the right way. And here in this article, we’ll do our best to show you some of the most effective ways to accomplish just that.
To learn how to clean a chandelier, you must use a gentle method that prioritizes your safety. It’s important to choose a method that is gentle on the fragile crystal pieces and won’t scratch the glass. Choosing a polish with a high shine factor is important so your chandelier remains a focal point.
If you’ve already read our article on the best chandeliers for your home, then you’re going to need to learn to clean them like a pro! Keep reading for tips on how to clean a chandelier, including best practices and suggestions for ensuring your safety.
When to Clean a Chandelier
First of all, it’s important to learn when it’s actually necessary to give your chandelier a good cleaning.
To know when to clean a chandelier, first, understand your environment. The location of your lamp as well as having a high-traffic home or lots of pets often means more cleaning. Under normal circumstances, it’s best to clean your chandelier once a year, although every six months will keep it looking its best.
Under usual circumstances, it’s recommended to clean a chandelier about every six months or so. That will get rid of most of the dust and prevent any spotting and unwanted debris. If it’s located in a place close to a kitchen, then you’ll also want to address any issue with grease collecting on your chandelier.
But not all cleaning should be the same. That’s why we also recommend doing both deep and shallow cleanings. One deep cleaning a year and one superficial cleaning every six months is a great routine to follow.
If you don’t have any problem doing so, then dusting from time to time can also be a great help. Just try to do it gently to prevent any damage.
Supplies You’ll Need
There are several supplies you’ll need before learning how to clean a crystal chandelier effectively. With this list, you’ll make sure that your cleaning is not only deep and effective but also safe and relatively quick.
Here are some of the supplies you’ll need for cleaning a chandelier along with helpful links to Amazon if you need any of them:
- Cloth gloves
- Lint-free cleaning cloths (microfiber)
- Warm water
- White vinegar
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Spray bottle
- Ladder
- Bucket
- Blanket or pads
This will be enough to handle the cleaning process without problems but also prevent possible accidents from happening (the pads will prevent crystals and/or metal parts from breaking if they fall).
When getting on a ladder, always exercise caution.
And when you clean anything that plugs into an outlet, make sure you unplug the device and allow it to cool down.
How to safely clean a chandelier
When learning how to clean a chandelier, common sense is key.
To safely clean a chandelier, unplug and allow it to power down. Turn off the circuit breaker if you can. Use care when getting on a ladder. Consider cleaning with a partner, and clean in the daytime if possible so you have plenty of light. Place a mat down to catch drips or crystals if they fall.
Here is a convenient, bulleted list of our best safety tips for cleaning a chandelier.
- Unplug chandelier
- Turn off circuit breaker
- Light room with natural light or alternate source
- Climb ladder with care
- Place ladder close to chandelier
- Do not lean into a chandelier while on a ladder
- Place mat or blanket below chandelier
Now that you’ve provided for your personal safety and the safety of your beautiful chandelier, let’s dig in and talk about the cleaning process.
How to clean a chandelier without taking it down
We don’t know about you, but personally, we prefer to leave the chandelier up to clean it. It’s less hassle and less potential for damage to those fragile crystals.
To clean a chandelier without taking it down, make sure you have a ladder tall enough to reach. Bring your cleaning supplies up with you, and be careful while working. If you can, work with a partner, and make sure your space is well-lit. Keep up with cleaning and you’ll never need to take it down.
Methods for cleaning a chandelier
There are a few different methods for cleaning a chandelier.
To clean a crystal chandelier, decide whether you will be taking the crystals off or leaving them on. Mix or purchase a cleaning solution, and gather two rags, cloth gloves, and your ladder. If you plan to take the crystals off, take photos of the chandelier to reference when reassembling.
The first method, the glass-on method for cleaning a chandelier isn’t going to do as deep of a job, but if you are meticulous and careful, you’ll get your chandelier looking spotless.
Spot cleaning a chandelier – glass-on method
This process is straightforward and shouldn’t take you more than an hour. To clean a chandelier with the glass-on method:
- Go through safety steps
- Prepare the cleaning solution: 1:4 ratio of either isopropyl alcohol or vinegar.
- Use 2 cloths: one for the solution, one to dry.
- Rub crystals carefully with wet cloth. Do not shake or twist crystals.
- Always spray onto cloth, never onto chandelier.
- Clean chandelier frame
- Dust bulbs with the dry cloth
The glass-on method for cleaning a chandelier is great for that six-month clean. You can either spray the solution onto another cloth, or you can spray directly onto the fingertips of your cloth gloves. Using your fingers will allow you to reach more nooks and crannies.
Deep cleaning a chandelier – glass-off method
Our second method for cleaning a crystal chandelier is the glass-off method. Here, you’ll disassemble the chandelier and really give it some TLC.
To clean using the glass-off method:
- Take photos of your chandelier to help with reassembly.
- Go through safety steps.
- Prepare the cleaning solution: 1:4 ratio of either isopropyl alcohol or vinegar.
- Use 3 cloths: one for solution, one to dry, and one to lay crystals on.
- Remove crystals and bulbs – place onto a dry cloth.
- Always spray onto cloth, never onto chandelier.
- Clean chandelier frame
- Dust bulbs with the dry cloth
- Replace crystals – reference the photo.
For extra dirty glass and bulbs, use warm water and mild dish soap. Check out this great video to see this method in action.
This deep-cleaning process should keep your chandelier sparkling for the year. It’s great to be able to remove crystals to access little nooks and crannies.
Cleaning a chandelier frame
The frame of your chandelier doesn’t always need special attention, but of course, that all depends on the kind of frame you have.
When cleaning a chandelier frame, most of the time, you can use the same method as the crystals. Vinegar or alcohol and water solution is gentle enough for crystals and chandelier frames. However, know what your frame is made of, and plan accordingly if it needs a specialty cleaner.
The best way to ensure you’re doing a proper cleaning job is to know where you bought your chandelier. If it was a high-ticket item, you’ll want to call the store and ask them about best practices.
Best cleaners for a chandelier
We’ve provided the recipe for a simple home cleaner that uses either isopropyl alcohol or vinegar, but there are plenty of cleaners on the market.
The best cleaners for a chandelier all have a few things in common. The best chandelier cleaners on the market will be gentle enough to prevent scratches during cleaning, and many store-bought cleaners will be formulated for high shine. A good cleaner keeps your glass safe while doing a thorough job.
You don’t need to buy special glass polish for a chandelier. You can even use window cleaner if you prefer to clean with chemicals. We stand by humble vinegar or alcohol in water, since it does an amazing job while being cheap.
How to clean a chandelier – final thoughts
Now that we’ve gone through all of the steps and supplies needed to clean a chandelier, you’re ready to give your chandelier the attention it needs to look its best. Though it can seem intimidating at first, learning how to clean a chandelier is simple.
Put some music on while you clean your chandelier or turn on a television show in the background so you won’t be tempted to rush through it. All of our tips aside, the best cleaning methods will always be beat by an impatient cleaner.
Let us know your thoughts on the article and tell us how you like to clean your chandelier at home.