Undoubtedly cleaning your crystal chandelier is a time consuming task. There are things you can do to make the task more organized, thus less frustrating.

Safety First

• Clean during the daytime because the electricity should be turned off.
  
• Please turn off the electricity at the circuit breaker. You can also just turn off the light, but be sure to tape it so no one accidentally turns it on.
• Let the bulbs cool off before beginning to work.
• Never rotate the chandelier as you work on it because it can bend or break electrical wires. Instead, you must rotate around your chandelier.
• If you know the manufacturer, you should check for their specific cleaning instructions.
• If you have an antique chandelier, I recommend talking to an antique dealer for advice on cleaning it.

Supplies You Will Need

• Cotton gloves - for handling the crystals & light bulbs when drying.
• Plastic bags - 1 for each socket/bulb.
• Rubber bands - To secure the plastic bags around the light bulbs.
• Mild detergent such as Ivory.
  • Note: Some people recommend using one part alcohol or ammonia with 3 parts distilled water. I don't recommend it because some crystals may be fracture filled and ammonia can discolor the filling. Another option is buy a product specifically made for cleaning your chandelier.
• A plastic colander, plastic tub or a soft cloth in the bottom of your sink to protect the crystal from scratching.
• A secure folding step ladder.
• Lint free cloth, paper towels or newspaper for drying.
  • (I'm not a fan of newspaper for my crystals or window glass cleaner)
• A drop cloth for placement under your chandelier
• A very soft brush.(Optional)

Before you Begin

• Make a diagram of where all the crystals go, otherwise you may be puzzled when your ready to put them back on.
  • If making a diagram isn't for you then you can start working at the very top and only take a certain row and/or type of crystal to clean, dry and hang.
• Put your drop cloth under your light.
• Make sure your electricity is off.

Begin!

• remove the bulbs.
• use a slightly damp cloth to clean the light bulbs.
  • DO NOT PUT THE LIGHT BULB BACK IN IF THE BULB OR YOUR HANDS ARE WET.
• Put on your cotton gloves.
• Put the bulbs back in.
• Cover the bulb/socket with a plastic bag.
• Secure with a rubber band.
• Remove the crystals you intend to clean.
• Soak them in steaming hot water.
• While the crystals are soaking, dampen a cloth and clean the body of the chandelier.
• Have a dry cloth handy to polish the body so it shines.

Warnings

~~~If are using ammonia, I am warning you now, do not get this water solution on any brass or metal as it will change the patina.

~~~If you are using a spray cleaning product, DO NOT SPRAY DIRECTLY ON THE CHANDELIER. Spray your cloth instead and proceed cleaning.

Washing and Shining The Crystals

Wash each crystal individually by hand. Scrub with the soft brush if needed. You want them as clean as possible because grime is a dust collector. The slicker the glass, the harder it is for dust to adhere. Rinse them in the hottest water you can stand. Lay them on a cloth or paper towel. Dry and shine each crystal.

Now for my trick. I recommend this for inexpensive chandeliers ONLY. Do not use this trick on expensive or antique chandelier crystals. Here goes, I use car polish on my crystals. The kind of polish you wipe on, let dry and then buff off the residue. It makes the crystals so slick dust just refuses to stick to them and wow, do they shine! If you use this trick on your expensive or antique crystals you do so at your own risk, because I just don't know what the long term consequences will be.

Now your ready to put them all back in place. Remove all the plastic bags. Replace the crystals on the chandelier. Turn on the circuit breaker or light switch. Stand back and admire the sparkle!

Maintenance