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Cleaning Crystal Chandelier: Having a beautiful crystal chandelier hanging in your home is something special. Chandeliers add elegance that is never surpassed. Years ago, homes would boast a crystal chandelier as a common light fixture but today, having this type of lighting is unique. While some of the newer chandeliers are made from materials a little sturdier from what you would find with authentic pieces, even those need to be cleaned the right way to avoid damage.
How to Clean a Crystal Chandelier
If you have a chandelier, regardless of the size, style, or age, you want to treat it with respect. When cleaning crystal chandeliers, you will need to make sure it is always void of dust and grime. To clean your it, you want to have some type of other lighting nearby to help you see since you need the crystal chandelier turned off prior to cleaning. Also, you will want to make sure the breaker for electricity to the crystal chandelier is turned off. This is important in that simply turning the light switch off will not shut off the power. Next, make sure everyone in the house knows you have turned the breaker off so it is not accidentally turned back on while the chandelier is being cleaned. Place a drop cloth or old sheet underneath the crystal chandelier to protect the floor. In a bucket, mix a solution of one part of ammonia or isopropyl alcohol with three parts of distilled water. If you prefer not to mess with mixing the solution, you can purchase a special cleaning product from most high-end lighting fixture stores. Whichever option you choose, pour the cleaning solution into a spray bottle. Cover the light fixtures where the light bulbs would be placed with plastic to protect them. Using the spray bottle, mist all the parts of the crystal chandelier with the exception of any electrical components, including the wiring. Allow the solution to coat the crystals and then let it drip dry. Sometimes a crystal chandelier will be so dirty that the drip-dry method does not work. In this case, each of the crystals would have to be removed and hand-washed. While some experts may suggest your crystal chandelier could be washed by placing the crystals in the dishwasher, we do not recommend this. If you use the misting option when cleaning a crystal chandelier, once it has dried, remove the plastic cover over the lights and wipe down the light bulbs well with a dry cloth. To clean other small areas of the crystal chandelier, you can use a clean, soft cloth dipped in a little bit of solution. Allow the crystal chandelier to dry overnight before turning the breaker back on and enjoy the magnificent sparkle. |
Chandeliers