How to Clean Your Chandelier without Damaging It

chandelier image

The sparkle of a chandelier lends unmatched ambience to a room. Cleaning these light fixtures, while less romantic, is critical to their appearance. Here are a few tips for helping them look their best while ensuring the fixture is not damaged from inappropriate cleaning methods:

Dusting your chandelier every two or three months with a small feather duster or fine micro-fiber duster will allow more time to pass between serious cleanings.
To clean a chandelier more thoroughly, mix one part isopropyl alcohol with three parts distilled water, and fill a spray bottle with the mixture. (Some people suggest using ammonia in place of alcohol, but professionals advise against this, as ammonia can damage or discolor metal parts permanently).
Shut off the chandelier and tape the switch to prevent anyone from accidentally turning it on while you are working.
Establish another light source nearby so you can see what you are doing.
Place thick towels and a drop cloth under the chandelier to catch drips and in the event you accidentally loosen and drop a length of crystals or bulb.
After first dusting your chandelier, put on a pair of clean white cotton gloves. Spray each piece of the chandelier lightly with your solution, then gently rub it with your glove-clad hand until it sparkles. You can gently clean light bulbs in this way, too. Just make sure bulbs are cool to the touch and you do NOT spray bulbs. Just use the moisture on the gloves to wipe them down.
Let dry for several hours or overnight before turning chandelier on again.
In the event your chandelier is quite grimy, it may be best to call in a professional for the job.

did u know

To remove musty smells from a cabinet, fill plastic containers with white vinegar and punch holes in the top. Putting one container in each drawer overnight absorbs odors.