Content

• Steps
• Tips
• Warnings
• What do you need

Cleaning a crystal chandelier is usually one of the lengthy activities because it seems so uncomfortable and requires concentration. However, it has to be done, and it is a methodical, rhythmic kind of cleaning that, when finished, will leave you feeling proud of a job well done, and the first step (to those who decide to do it) will be the hardest indeed!

Restore the brightness of your crystal chandelier by washing it well; your dinners will be brighter thanks to this!

Steps

1. 1 Disconnect the chandelier from the power source. Remove the appliance and turn off the electricity in the room you are working in. While the light bulbs are cooling, move all furniture and breakable items out of the work area.
2. 2 Place a blanket on the floor. Place a thick blanket on the floor under the lamp to cushion the fall if you accidentally drop the crystal chandelier pieces.
3. 3 Before you disassemble it, take a few pictures of your chandelier so that later you can easily assemble it.
4. 4 Unscrew the bulbs. Climb the ladder and remove any bulbs in the chandelier that can be removed without the use of tools.
   • Set them aside.
   • If you can remove the entire chandelier from the ceiling, then do so and carefully place it on a table or surface covered with a blanket.
   • Be careful with old and fragile parts. Usually the branches of the chandelier are fixed with screws to the central part. To do this, you need a screwdriver. Loosen these screws and guide the branches to one side as much as possible with little force.
   • It can be difficult to detach the tiny wires that connect the prisms to the frame. A pair of needle-nose pliers will help you. Be careful not to bend or unbend the wires unnecessarily, as they may break.
5. 5 Cover the bottom of the sink. Place two large bath towels on the table, one for the dirty crystals and one for the clean ones.
   • Placing the prisms in a plastic colander inside the sink is another way to protect them before washing.
6. 6 Wash in sections. Carefully remove the prisms from the chandelier section, and place them on the first towel.
   • Wash them in soapy water.
   • Rinse in hot water and pat dry.
   • Then place them on a second towel.
   • When you're done with one section, replace the prisms before moving on to the next. Repeat until all crystals are washed off.
7. 7 Wipe and polish the frame. Dampen a cloth with soapy water, wipe the chandelier frame and wipe it dry. Be careful not to get the wiring wet. Metal frames must be cleaned with an appropriate metal cleaner.
   • Let the framework dry completely.
8. 8 Assemble the fixture, try not to twist the chandelier too much, as this can weaken its connection to the ceiling. Plug in the chandelier and admire the sparkling new ambiance of your room.
   • Reconnecting the lamp to the power source is best left to an electrician if you have gone too far when disconnecting the wires.

Tips

• Don't worry about water in small gaps if they are not actual electrical parts; these must also be completely dry before reassembling.
• Brass and glass will not rust.
• If your chandelier looks worn out even after cleaning, you can find several sites that sell replacement prisms.
• You can wash the chandelier frame in the dishwasher and this should be done at the lowest setting, but this is recommended only for modern chandeliers and only after carefully studying the instructions that came with the chandelier.Do not use regular dishwasher powder, it may be too aggressive for brass. Washing powder for delicate washing is the best choice. After the machine has finished, lay all items on a towel and wait until they are dry. You can use a hair dryer to speed up the process. The most important parts are the lamp base. They must be completely dry.

Warnings

• Working with high voltages is dangerous - consult a qualified electrician if you intend to remove electrical items from the outlet, etc., or handle wires.

What do you need

• Thick blanket
• Ladder
• Two bath towels
• Large bowl of warm soapy water
• Clean rags or tea towels
• Digital camera (optional)
• Plastic colander (optional)
• Scissors (optional)
• Assistant (highly recommended)