You can disconnect the electricity as an extra precaution, but only do this if you are confident in operating your home’s circuit breaker or have assistance from a knowledgeable electrician. You should not need to adjust any electric wiring in this process.
To prevent any parts dropping and breaking, you can lay down a thick blanket to absorb the fall. Make sure your ladder is at a height that is comfortable to reach all parts of the chandelier. [3] X Research source
Try wearing an apron with pockets while you work, so that you can keep the cleaner, cloths, and any other supplies easily on hand. [4] X Research source Instead of two cloths, you can wear two soft cotton gloves for better control and dexterity. Spray one glove with the cleaner to wipe crystals down, and keep the other glove clean to dry them. If you have a lot of crystals, you may want several pairs of gloves. [5] X Research source
When cleaning the crystals, always spray cleaner onto a cloth first, rather than directly onto the fixture. While cleaning, don’t twist or rotate the chandelier to access each side or part. This could damage or weaken its parts or supports, risking falling and breakage. Instead, carefully descend and move the ladder to position yourself in the right spot to reach and clean each part separately. [7] X Research source
Ensure that you use a cleaner that is intended for the type of metal or other material that your chandelier frame is made out of, otherwise you run the risk of discoloring or tarnishing it. Clean any metal hooks or fasteners for the crystals with a dry cloth only, as cleaner can tarnish or strip the finish off of them. [8] X Research source
If any light bulbs are dim, burnt out, broken, or missing, take this opportunity to change them out with new bulbs of proper wattage. [9] X Research source If a bulb appears to have more stubborn stains, you can very gently clean it with a cloth damp with cleaner, or replace the bulb entirely.
You do not need to disconnect the electricity, but you may as an extra precaution since this step involves disassembling the fixture. Disconnect power from the room only if you are confident in operating your home’s circuit breaker or have assistance from a knowledgeable electrician. You should not need to adjust any electric wiring in this process.
A heavy, thick blanket or cloth is essential for underneath your workspace, as it will soften the landing and prevent breakage in the case of pieces falling during disassembly. If you don’t have one, fold over another cloth several times to make it thicker. [12] X Research source Make sure your ladder is at a height that is comfortable to reach all parts of the chandelier. [13] X Research source Inspect your chandelier and take photos from several different angles and distances so you will remember how to reassemble it later. [14] X Research source
You may disassemble other larger parts of the chandelier or take down the whole fixture entirely if it is possible to do so safely and without affecting wiring or the fragile parts of the chandelier. You may need needle-nose pliers or a similar tool to unfasten each crystal piece, depending on your chandelier. You can also use them to reshape the crystal fasteners during reassembly to strengthen them. [15] X Research source
Take care to prevent crystals from hitting against each other or against hard surfaces of the sink to avoid cracking or chipping. There is no need to use a sponge or brush to clean crystals with the soapy water, and in fact this could end up scratching them. Dry the crystals with a soft, absorbent cloth immediately after rinsing. This is essential to preventing dried water spots from forming. [17] X Research source
You may be able to use the same soapy water or other cleaner on the frame or other parts of the chandelier. Check first about the variety of metal or other material they’re made out of to find the right cleaner for it. Be sure to thoroughly dry any moisture that has remained in light bulb sockets or other areas of electrical connection. Dry as best you can with a cloth, then leave parts out to dry further for several hours before assembly if necessary.
While assembling, work from the top down and from inside to out to put all the pieces back together easily. [18] X Research source
Observe your chandelier periodically for visible dust, cloudy crystals, or spots. These are all indications that you should clean your fixture right away. Clean more often if your chandelier is located in a kitchen, as it will build up more grease and grime than in other areas of the house. Entryways are another area in which a chandelier may need more frequent cleaning. [19] X Research source
Choose a deeper clean particularly if there are stubborn spots or a cloudy, milky quality to the crystal that isn’t removed by a simple dusting.
A good general rule is to dust every few months, or whenever you notice a visible layer of dust or haziness on the crystals, frame, or bulbs. It’s also a good idea to dust before any wet cleaning, as you can remove larger dust and dirt particles ahead of time. [21] X Research source
