Housekeeping House Cleaning Cleaning Tips How to Clean a Chandelier This delicate task can be performed with or without disassembling the light fixture. By Jolie Kerr Jolie Kerr Jolie Kerr is a cleaning expert and the author of the New York Times bestselling book, My Boyfriend Barfed In My Handbag ... And Other Things You Can't Ask Martha. Her work has appeared in GQ, Cosmopolitan, The New York Times and Town & Country. A graduate of Barnard College, Jolie lives in a tiny Manhattan apartment with her five vacuum cleaners. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Published on February 24, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Paul Dyer Project Overview Total Time: 2 hours Skill Level: Beginner Chandeliers are a beautiful addition to any home, but their good looks can be dulled by dirt, dust, and other pollutants that build up over time. While regular cleaning with a microfiber duster keeps chandeliers free of visible dirt, when you want your fixtures to really sparkle, a deeper cleaning is called for. Deep cleaning a chandelier is a straightforward task that doesn't require specialty cleaners or tools. However, it can be time-consuming and it will require some patience. In addition, there are some important safety considerations to be aware of before undertaking the task of cleaning a chandelier. This guide will explain how to clean a chandelier with the glass or crystal attached or unattached, as well as what cleaning agents are safe to use and which to avoid. What Type of Cleaner to Use—and What to Avoid There are a number of cleaning agents that are safe to use on both glass and crystal chandeliers, and the choice is one of preference and availability. One choice is a 1:3 ratio of white vinegar to water; similarly, a 1:3 ratio of isopropyl alcohol and water may also be used as a cleaning agent on crystal or glass chandelier pieces. For those who prefer a fragrance-free cleaning solution, diluting a few drops of dish soap in water is another good choice. Avoid the use of ammonia and ammonia-based cleaners, including commercial glass cleaners that contain ammonia, which can strip the finish from the fixtures. Regardless of what type of cleaning agent you use, do not spray it directly on the chandelier. How to Clean Lampshades What You'll Need Equipment / Tools Ladder Camera Needle-nose pliers Materials Spray bottle Cleaning solution Microfiber cloths White cotton gloves Thick blanket or towels Instructions Werner Straube How to Clean a Chandelier with the Glass On Cleaning a chandelier with the glass pieces attached to the fixture is the faster and easier choice. Regardless of whether you clean a chandelier with the glass on or off, always turn the electricity off before cleaning a chandelier, either by turning off the wall switch or turning off the electricity at the breaker box. Prepare Cleaning Solution In a spray bottle, mix the cleaning solution of your choice. Prepare the Area Turn off the electricity and allow the lightbulbs to cool. Place thick blankets or towels on the floor under the chandelier to provide a cushion in the event a piece of crystal or glass becomes loose and falls off during the cleaning process. Set up the ladder, following appropriate safety protocols. Don white cotton gloves to keep fingerprints from marring the glass or crystal; they can also be used to clean crystal or glass pieces. Apply Cleaning Solution to Cloth Spray the solution on a microfiber cloth or onto white cotton gloves, so that it is damp but not soaked with the cleaning agent. If using a cloth, leave half of the cloth dry. Do not spray the cleaning solution directly onto the chandelier. Wipe and Dry the Pieces Working slowly and carefully to avoid damage, use the damp cloth or glove to wipe each crystal or glass piece, then polish it dry with the dry section of cloth or the other glove. Erin Little How to Clean a Chandelier with the Glass Off Removing the glass from a chandelier allows for a deeper clean of small parts and of the chandelier's frame. Before removing the glass, take a photo of the chandelier so you have a guide when putting it back together again after cleaning. And be sure to turn the electricity off before disassembling a chandelier, either by turning off the wall switch or at the breaker box. Prepare Area Turn off the electricity and allow the lightbulbs to cool. Take a photo of the chandelier to assist in reassembly. Place thick blankets or towels on the floor under the chandelier to provide a cushion in case a piece of crystal or glass falls off during the removal or reassembly process. Set up the ladder, following appropriate safety protocols. Remove Pieces and Dust Working in sections, remove the glass or crystal pieces from the chandelier with needle-nose pliers. After removing the pieces, use a microfiber cloth to wipe dust and dirt off the fixtures and bulbs. Prepare Cleaning Solution In a spray bottle or small bowl, mix the cleaning solution of your choice. Wash Pieces Wear white cotton gloves to prevent fingerprints from transferring to the pieces during cleaning. Dampen the microfiber cloth or cotton gloves with the cleaning solution, and wipe each crystal or glass piece clean. Dry All Pieces After washing each piece, polish it dry with a dry section of cloth or the other glove. Place a thick towel on the surface where you're working and set the pieces on the towel once they have been cleaned and polished dry. Reassemble Chandelier Don a clean, dry pair of white cotton gloves to prevent smudges from fingerprints from marring the freshly cleaned crystal or glass pieces. Using the photos you took as a guide, reassemble the chandelier.