Tips to Maintain your Chandelier

Crystal and glass chandeliers are used as much for decoration as they are for light, so it is important they remain looking their best. A lot of people may love their look, but shy away from the upkeep, particularly if they have intricate and detailed components. Cleaning your chandelier, however, doesn’t have to be as laboursome a task as you may think.

Crystals, and even glass, are highly durable and, so can last for a very long time if cared for correctly. And, with regular maintenance, your chandelier will also shine. Here, we provide you with a few simple tips to make sure your chandelier is always looking it’s best.

A Quick Guide to Cleaning your Crystal or Glass Chandelier

Some chandeliers will come with a special coating applied that is designed to repel dust and dirt, so don’t require as much cleaning, and may even only require a simple dusting with a feather duster once a month to keep dust from settling and becoming sticky.

If this is not the case, however, there are a few things you can do to maintain it.

1. First, and most importantly, before cleaning any light fitting is to make sure you have switched off your power. Water and power do not mix! If you have not made the switch to LED, it is also important to allow a little time for your chandelier globes to cool down. Safety is always first!
   
2. There is a simple and quick method to cleaning your chandelier without removing each individual droplet or crystal. It will, however, require you to be on a ladder, so it is important you take a little time to prepare the area to ensure you can safely climb, and that your furnishings that sit underneath your fitting will not be damaged by water or cleaning solution. Simple drop sheets will do the job nicely.
   
3. Prepare your tools and solution. There are many glass cleaning solutions on the market, but for a simple, non-toxic mix that can be used for glass and crystal, we recommend combining 2 cups of warm water, 1/2 cup white vinegar and 2 tablespoons of dishwashing liquid in a spray bottle. Once your solution is prepared, have two cloths ready. We suggest using a non-fibrous cloth, such as a microfibre cloth that will not leave fibres behind. Spray your solution onto each droplet of your fitting, and immediately wipe with your dry cloth.
   
4. Spray your solution onto one of the cloths and wipe over each individual droplet. Once you are satisfied any dirt or grime has been removed, wipe each droplet with your dry cloth to ensure no liquid is left behind. A good trick is to use two soft cotton gloves, one hand with the cleaning solution, and the other dry. This can be particularly handy when up a ladder! Work your way around the fitting cleaning each droplet in a methodical order, so as not miss any.
   
5. Clean the arms of your chandelier by wiping with a dry cloth or a cloth with an appropriate metal cleaner solution. If using a solution for the arms, be sure to follow the same process as the droplets, and wipe dry after applying any solution. Ensure that you use a cleaner intended for that material to avoid any discoloration.
   
6. Dust the light bulbs gently, with a clean dry cloth. This will also give you the chance to change any light bulbs that have blown and make sure that all light bulbs are screwed in properly.

A Few Tips to Consider

1. Ensure you do not twist or rotate the fitting to access each side, as this may damage parts of your chandelier, take the time to re-position your ladder to a better angle. This also applies for reaching across your chandelier to access the other side. While chandeliers are durable, no light fitting will withstand supporting your weight should you lose balance while reaching.
2. Consider placing small pieces of ribbon or twine at your starting point. It is often difficult to tell what you have or have not cleaned until you turn the power back on and your chandelier is lit up.
3. To eliminate regular deep cleaning, we recommend going for a “little and often” approach by giving your chandelier a light dusting once a month to help keep the dust from sticking to the crystals, or glass, and avoiding a build-up.

Owning a crystal or glass chandelier does take a little work, but doesn’t have to be a huge job if you maintain it regularly.

Speak to the lighting experts at Rovert Lighting & Electrical if you are looking to make a statement with a chandelier. They can guide as to the different types and the maintenance that will be required.

Or, read a little more about chandeliers in our other posts Traditional Chandelier Do’s and Dont’s or A Quick Guide to Choosing your Glass Chandelier.