I get some pretty interesting calls at the USU Extension Office and often ones whose application serves many of us. One such request that many people have called on through the years and didn't know "how to" was clean their chandeliers. Cleaning a chandelier can be an intimidating and mind-boggling proposition. Here are a few tips to consider.
Choices for cleaning:
1. Do it yourself by keeping the chandelier in tack and in place — either dry or wet method.
Advantages to this option: You don’t have to come up with a place to clean, only a cleaning solution and supplies. And only supplies if you choose the dry method. Basically a microfiber cloth and a ladder are all you need for the dry method. Oh, and time.
Disadvantages: Which solution to use and the time it takes to clean in place. Getting up and down the ladder is another disadvantage and the possibility of damaging the housings/arms for the crystals by bending or breaking.
2. Take the chandelier apart and individually hand clean.
Advantages: You can usually get the chandelier cleaner this way.
Disadvantages: Getting it back together is a real challenge — you need a “map” of where pieces go and how to detach and reattach. Chandeliers nowadays come with a diagram. You may want to take some digital photos. You need to set up a place conducive to taking it apart and laying out the pieces for cleaning. Putting a towel across the bottom of the sink while washing is also very helpful in case you drop any pieces or strands.
3. Hire a professional to clean it.
Advantages: Saves you time and hassle.
Disadvantages: Cost — $200 or more depending on the size and style and how difficult it is to access your chandelier.
Cleaning Solution for the wet “in place” method
- 3 parts distilled water
- 1 part isopropyl alcohol
- Spray bottle
- White gloves
(Some folks actually use gin as the alcohol and swear by it! Maybe the gin is just to get you through the experience.)
Place a glove on each hand. Spray one glove with the cleaner and wipe down and rub each crystal. With the other glove, dry clean the crystal.
Word of Caution for DIY folks:
Put some kind of padding down under your plastic or drop cloths … a heavy quilt folded up, etc. It softens the blow if some crystals should be knocked off. Turn the breaker off to the switch for the chandelier. Do not use acid or ammonia in your cleaning solution—these can corrode the metal in the frame. Cover the light bulbs themselves with some sandwich bags and an elastic band—or take out of housings altogether. There are those who propose spraying the crystals directly and letting them drip dry, or hand rub dry. There are others who say not to. Good luck with that decision.
Resources:
Schonbek Chandelier Manufacturer: cleaning tips
Kings Chandelier Manufacturer www.chandelier.com/care.asp
