Taking Care of Your Chandelier

So you're the proud owner of a chandelier. Now you'll want to take special care to ensure your chandelier lasts a lifetime. For this, you'll need to know about care and maintenance. The following are some tips and tricks to keep your wonderful chandelier shining its brightest.

When to Clean...

Crystal Chandelier need cleaning when the crystal loses its shine and starts looking dull. Clean modern-style chandeliers with glass shades when they begin to look dusty or grimy.

To keep your chandelier clean, dust it lightly every two or three months with a feather duster or wool duster.

Before You Begin...

Be sure you know how your chandelier crystal or glass design goes together before you begin cleaning. We recommend that you:

-Make a quick drawing or diagram of where all the parts go;
-Take a snapshot to get a visual picture; or
-Clean the piece in small sections.

Things to Keep in Mind...

Remember to take care around any electrical fixture and follow basic, common-sense safety precautions. Turn off the chandelier's power at the wall switch and remember to set up a task light nearby so you're not working in the dark!

Don't twirl or rotate any chandelier when cleaning it. Walk or move your ladder around it and clean in sections. When you rotate a chandelier, you stand the chance of loosening the support, which could cause the chandelier or its crystals to fall. Always work slowly and carefully to avoid damaging any of the hanging glass or ornaments.

If the chandelier is hard to get at, it's a good idea to change out all of the bulbs when you are cleaning it.

Tools of the Trade (What You'll Need!)

1. A step ladder is needed to reach the fixture.
2. Pads or a drop cloth should be purchased to go underneath to prevent falling glass or crystal prisms breaking.
3. White gloves and/or soft, lint free cloths.
4. A cleaning solution of one part rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol to three parts distilled water in a spray bottle.

The Cleaning Process

Spritz a small amount of the cleaning solution on a cloth, wipe the crystal or glass, then dry it immediately with another glove or cloth. When in doubt, completely removing the glass or crystal is a safer bet. You'll also be able to better get at the chandelier frame this way.

You can also try hand-washing crystal or glass in lukewarm sudsy water, using a mild dish soap. Rinse immediately in clean water and dry with a clean, soft cloth.

Keep It Clean!

Follow the above directions, and your chandelier will have a special radiance all year long!

Content provided by LampsPlus.com.

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