Knowing how to clean chandeliers and how often to do it is crucial for taking care of these items. They are not just lighting elements; they also serve an important decorative function. Here are some tricks and tips on how to clean chandeliers and how often to do it.
How Often and How to Clean Chandeliers
Before discovering the correct cleaning methods, it’s essential to specify how often to clean chandeliers. According to experts, cleaning them just twice a year is sufficient, provided that the items are not excessively exposed to factors such as dust, cigarette smoke, or high humidity. In these cases, more frequent cleaning is advisable.
There are various methods to clean chandeliers, depending on the material they are made of. For modern glass suspensions, we recommend using a swiffer weekly to remove dust. In general, you can proceed either by dismantling the chandelier or leaving it hanging. Let’s first consider the former, taking into account the fundamental actions to be taken.
How to Clean Chandeliers Based on their Material
Not all chandeliers are the same, and each deserves special treatment based on the material it’s made of.
Step-by-Step Cleaning of Chrome Chandeliers:
For optimal cleaning, first, remove all removable parts of the chandelier, such as bulbs and crystals.
To eliminate dust, a soft cloth or a swiffer is sufficient, while for thorough cleaning, several methods can be used. Our recommendation is to use a soft cloth dampened with diluted degreaser in water (preferably distilled) to clean the metal parts. After cleaning, we advise wiping with a cloth with water to rinse thoroughly.
If the chrome decoration has dark spots or is damaged, use a cotton ball soaked in a polishing product (like Sidol). After this, let it dry completely and then reassemble the chandelier before turning it back on as usual.
Cleaning Chandeliers with Crystal Drops: Tips and Recommendations
For chandeliers with crystal drops, such as our crystal chandeliers, it is advisable not to dismantle them, not only because they are particularly delicate but also because it could be challenging to reassemble them. Dusting this type of chandelier is recommended every two months, while deep cleaning can be done approximately every two years.
If possible, it’s better to lower the chandelier to an appropriate height for cleaning. If a ladder is necessary, we recommend placing a blanket under the chandelier to avoid crystal breakage in case of a fall. Before cleaning the crystals, ensure that all brass hooks they are attached to are not broken or detached, as otherwise, the crystal or glass drop might fall.
An effective solution for cleaning these chandeliers is to start by cleaning the crystals with a degreaser. If there are dirt deposits, it is advisable to wipe them with a soft cloth to avoid any scratches. At the end of the operation, simply pass a cloth with distilled water to rinse or a solution of water and ammonia (50% each) to avoid leaving streaks.
How to Clean Glass or Crystal Chandeliers
For glass or crystal chandeliers, the best solution is a mixture of water and white vinegar. If it can be dismantled, simply leave the chandelier soaking in a basin where a tablespoon of vinegar has been poured for each liter of water. After pulling it out, the dirt will be gone, and you just need to dry the chandelier with a soft cloth, even a regular microfiber one.
Cleaning Modern Glass Suspensions with Metallic Decorations or Lusters
For glass diffusers in glossy colors, it is advisable not to use abrasive or alcohol-based products. To clean these glasses, all you need is:
- A soft cloth, or even a piece of cotton fabric like a T-shirt;
- Warm water, preferably distilled because it doesn’t contain limescale.
It’s important to avoid excessive rubbing, as otherwise, the glass could scratch. Also, our advice is to add a few drops of neutral soap, like dish soap, to the water, avoiding water from entering the glass. For metallicized glass diffusers, the process is the same, but it’s better to avoid using soap and it’s recommended to dust them frequently with a dusting brush.
Tips for Cleaning Brass and Wrought Iron Chandeliers
Brass and bronze cast chandeliers can be easily cleaned after removing surface dust with a brush, using a little straw-colored oil. After cleaning, it is advisable to let them dry and then pass with a soft cloth to revive the old color.
Wrought iron chandeliers, after removing dust, can be cleaned with a brush dipped in a bit of transparent wax. Immediately after, let it dry and then polish with a cloth.
Rubber Trick for Cleaning Fabric Lampshades
Cleaning a fabric lampshade can be a bit more complex. If there are small dark marks on the lampshade, try using a clean eraser. Many times, this trick is enough to remove the stain.
It often happens that yellowish stains form on fabric lampshades over the years. Unfortunately, it is very challenging to eliminate them because the risk is that, even by cleaning the stain, the color difference mark will remain. There aren’t many remedies for cleaning fabric lampshades, but the good news is that many years pass before the fabric deteriorates or yellows. Our advice, when the point of no return arrives, is to redo them, perhaps also changing the type or color of the fabric to give a more original tone to the lamp. In our company, we offer our customers the opportunity to choose from a wide range of customizable fabrics and lampshades in terms of shape and colors: we can even create lampshades using the fabric provided by the customer.
How to Clean Chandeliers Without Dismantling
Another piece of good news when it comes to cleaning chandeliers is that it’s possible to clean them without disassembling the object. Here’s how to do it safely:
- Turn off the light and make sure the chandelier is cool before proceeding;
- Remove the bulbs, covering the empty sockets with newspaper to prevent water and detergent from getting inside;
- Clean with your preferred cleaner, preferably formulated specifically for your type of chandelier. Note: in chandeliers with crystal drops, clean each drop one by one.
