Ceiling Lights and Chandeliers

Regularly dust ceiling lights, track lights, canister lights, and sconces with a feather duster. Removable shades usually can be washed in warm soapy water. Rinse and dry thoroughly before replacing them.

For fixtures such as sconces and track lights, turn off the electricity at the breaker box. Wipe the fixtures with a slightly damp cloth. Dry thoroughly before turning on the power.

See chandelier cleaning tips below.

 

• Use a feather duster to regularly dust chandeliers.
• For deeper cleaning, turn off the power at the breaker box and follow the steps below.
• Remove and wipe the bulbs.
• Move the dining table or other furniture from beneath the chandelier if possible, and protect the floor with heavy-duty plastic drop cloths.
• Thoroughly dust the entire fixture with a clean cloth or duster. Do not use commercial dusting agents because they may leave a residue. Inspect for problems such as loose wiring.
• Gently wipe with a barely damp soft cloth or sponge.
• Cover sockets with plastic sandwich bags held in place with rubber bands.
• Spray one crystal with your homemade cleaning solution (see recipe below), avoiding wires, hangers, and electrical components.
• Allow to drip dry. Rinse crystal with a spray of distilled water, avoiding wires.
• If you are satisfied, spray and clean the remaining crystals and allow to air-dry overnight.
• Remove the bags from sockets. Wipe with a soft dry cloth to ensure that there is no seeping moisture before turning on the power.
• Homemade Crystal Cleaning Solution: Mix a solution of 1 part rubbing alcohol OR 1 part non-sudsing ammonia to 3 parts water. Use distilled water if your tap water is hard.
• Tip to Catch Those Drips: When spraying crystals, you can hang a lightweight oversize umbrella, such as a golf umbrella, upside down under the fixture to catch dropping.
• For brass, metal, and other chandeliers: Dust with a feather duster or lamb's-wool duster. Turn off the power at the breaker box and remove the bulbs. Clean the chandelier following the instructions given for table and floor lamps. Replace the bulbs and restore the power.