“Chandeliers are marvels of drop-dead showiness, the jewelry of architecture.” – Peter York
Admirers of chandeliers will gladly agree with Peter York, as they believe that the sheer presence of a chandelier can embellish any room. However, a lot of people oversee the maintenance work required to keep the chandelier shining.
Hence, to keep your chandelier glowing – we will teach you how to clean a chandelier.
Things to Remember
Turn The Power Off
Just like every electrical fixture, turn off your chandelier before you start cleaning it, as you will not want to get wiped off the face of the earth while wiping your chandelier!
Required Equipment
- Ladder
- Pads or Drop Cloth
- Soft Gloves
- Lint Free Cloth
- Cleaning Solution
- Spray Bottle
Glass On vs Glass off Method
Keeping the glass on will save you time. However, taking the glass off will ensure that every nook and corner is crystal clear. Remember that some chandeliers might have a complicated hinge pattern, and ensure that you are well versed with the method required to remove the glass from your chandelier.
Do Not Rotate the Chandelier
The temptation to rotate the chandelier to make your job easier should be resisted, as you would not want the chandelier to come down crashing on your face! Instead, shuffle carefully on the ladder while cleaning the chandelier.
Do Not Use Ammonia Based Solution
Solutions containing ammonia can take the sheen off your chandelier, especially from the gold or silver-plated hooks that keep the crystals in place. However, it is better to opt for an isopropyl alcohol cleaning solution.
Consider the Height at which the Chandelier is Placed
If your chandelier hangs too high or if you feel unsafe even for a moment about getting on your ladder to reach the chandelier, call a professional to clean the chandelier.
Now that we have taken care of the prerequisites, the primary task’s time has arrived.
Glass Off Method
Step 1: Place the pads around your ladder to prevent your chandelier from shattering in case they fall.
Step 2: Prepare a cleaning solution of one part isopropyl alcohol with four parts distilled water in the spray bottle.
Step 3: Wear soft gloves and spray the required cleaning solution on a lint-free cloth. Clean carefully to protect the chandelier and yourself from any damage.
Step 4: Wipe the chandelier entirely with a lint-free cloth.
Glass On Method
The glass-on method is a better option, as it helps in the thorough cleansing of your chandelier. The steps to be followed are the same as those mentioned in the glass-off method. Additionally, you can clean the chandelier with sudsy water and wipe it immediately with a dry cloth.
To avoid excessive accumulation of dirt and grime, keep dusting your chandelier every two months.
A chandelier can turn out to be the center of attraction. However, if it is not maintained well, it can prove to be an eyesore. Therefore, looking after your chandelier is as integral as hanging it to your ceiling.
Checkout the beautiful collection of chandeliers at The White Teak