How to Maintain/Clean your Chandeliers

An often forgotten consideration in purchasing chandeliers is how to clean it. A lot of money is spent on these pieces, so it is important to take care of them. Improper maintenance can ruin its beauty and appeal.

Chandeliers are typically cleaned every six months, but areas that are exposed to the outdoors or grease need frequent cleaning. As a general rule, if the chandelier fails to reflect light or it appears dusty or dull, then it should be cleaned. Also, they can be dusted every two to three months with a feather duster or even a make-up brush.

Always be careful when cleaning chandeliers as they can easily get damaged, especially crystal chandeliers. Before cleaning, some precautions need to be made. Make sure that there is an alternative source of light when you clean. We wouldn't want any accidents to happen. Unplug or turn off the light's circuit. Place a towel or blanket under the chandelier in case any pieces fall off to prevent them from breaking. Do not rotate the chandelier because this could loosen suspension. Using a ladder, go around the low/high ceiling chandelier and clean it in sections.

Begin cleaning! Remove the bulbs. Wipe them with a cloth but make sure that they are cool and never touch them with anything wet. For the crystal, have a lightly sprayed dry and wet soft cotton gloves and cloths. Wear soft cotton gloves or cloths and spray the cleaner on the cloths, not directly on the crystals. Then, immediately wipe them with the clean and dry cotton cloth. Clean them one by one.

Instances where the chandeliers have not been cleaned, oftentimes they are taken apart. Before taking them apart, take photographs of each section so that it is easier to put back. Always place the crystals on soft surfaces such as cotton cloths to prevent the finish from getting scratched. After cleaning, use the photograph to put the chandelier back together.