How to clean a crystal chandelier

How to clean a crystal chandelier

A crystal chandelier gives the room it adorns a touch of luxury, but you shouldn't let it gather dust, unless you want your home to look like a haunted house. That means cleaning your chandelier regularly. It may look like a daunting task, but if you go about it the right way, it won't give you the slightest trouble.

What you need to clean your chandelier

To clean your chandelier, you will need water, methylated spirits or bicarbonate of soda, a soft cloth, a white cotton glove, washing-up liquid and, of course, a feather duster.

A few precautions

You also need to take a few safety measures, both to protect yourself and to avoid damaging the chandelier. First, make sure you switch off the power. Next, use a stepladder that you can move around the chandelier depending on the part you are cleaning. Above all, don't move the chandelier while you are polishing it, as you could pull it loose.

How to go about it

First, dust the chandelier with the feather duster, then mix a tablespoon of methylated spirits with a litre of water. Soak a soft cloth in this solution and clean the body of the chandelier. Next, mix one part bicarbonate of soda with three parts water. Spray the solution onto your gloves and gently wipe each crystal part of the chandelier. As for the crystal drops, unhook them and simply wash them in hot water with washing-up liquid. Only put them back once they are dry. There you go: your chandelier is as good as new!