Cleaning Crystal Chandeliers in Hard to Reach Places

Cleaning crystal chandeliers is important, since in most homes the chandeliers constitute the center piece of the room. If you are cleaning crystal chandeliers, the difficulty of the task will depend on the complexity of the chandelier's design. Regardless of the design of the chandelier, you will encounter hard to reach places, which also require cleaning. In some cases, you will need to take the chandelier apart.

Step 1 – Use a Ladder

When cleaning a crystal chandelier, it’s more practical to have the chandelier at the eye level, so you can see where you are cleaning. If you are unable to see, you may end up damaging the chandelier or have pieces fall off. Use a side ladder to reach to the level of the chandelier.

Step 2 – Dust the Chandelier

When you are at the level of the chandelier, use a dry piece of cloth to dust the surfaces. This will make sure you eliminate dust and possible cobwebs that may accumulate in time. Turn off the light when you clean the chandelier.

Step 3 – Use a Wet Cloth

Use a wet piece of cloth and start cleaning the chandelier. You may employ a bit of mild detergent or chandelier cleaner. You may prepare your chandelier cleaner as well, using ammonia, water and isopropyl alcohol.

Clean each individual piece of the chandelier in part, avoiding wires and other electrical components. Move the ladder as you clean, so that you have better access to the crystal pieces. Cover all the hard to reach places as much as possible. Use baking soda diluted in water for areas that are particularly dirty. Baking soda will not damage the crystal pieces. 

Step 4 – Use Cotton Swabs

In areas that you cannot reach with a piece of cloth, use cotton swabs to remove the dirt and dust. Dip the cotton swabs into water and wipe off the hard to reach areas. If you cannot remove all dirt, you will need to take the chandelier down.

Step 5 – Take the Chandelier Apart

Take the chandelier down. Study how the chandelier is made up and take some pictures of it, so that you have some guidance when you put the pieces back together. Take some of the pieces of the chandelier apart and clean using a wet cloth or cotton swabs. Be extra careful when handling the chandelier, as crystal is very delicate and may be easily damaged.

If you use baking soda, make sure you rinse, using a clean piece of cloth.

Step 6 – Put the Pieces Together

Wipe the wet pieces of crystal before you put the pieces of the chandelier back together. Use the pictures you’ve taken to ensure you place the pieces in the same order as before the cleaning.

The cleaning of crystal chandeliers is recommended at least every second month.