Check out some simple tips on how to clean crystal chandeliers at home.

Cleaning Your Crystal Chandeliers At Home

Home is not only where the heart is, it is also where the pride is. We all love to look at our homes and swell with pride whenever we find out how beautiful it looks and when people exclaim at its sight. If we have chandeliers at home, chances are the number of praises will increase manifold. In fact, crystal chandeliers add that royal touch to the house that few other items can. They look especially beautiful when lit up and are often the objects of a guest’s awe. Over a period of time, however, they too become dirty and begin to gather dirt. We then begin to look at them with worry rather than pride because we think that it isn’t up to us to clean crystal chandeliers and we need professional help for their maintenance. What most people do not know is that chandeliers can be easily cleaned at home, with or without dismantling and are quite easy to maintain. All you need is time, a little money spent in the right direction, loads of patience, and caution. Here’s how to clean the crystal chandeliers at home.
 
How To Clean Crystal Chandeliers At Home
 
Here’s how to maintain your chandeliers at home, without hiring professional help:
 
Non Dismantle Method
  • First of all set up an alternative lighting nearby the chandelier as you won't be able to use the chandelier.
  • Turn off the chandelier's power at the switch board and place a tape on top of the switch that you are using to operate the chandelier so as to prevent someone from turning it on accidentally.
  • If there are any bulbs that point outwards, cover them with plastic wrap or sandwich bags, fastening them with a rubber band.
  • Do not forget to place a large piece of plastic sheet or drop cloth below the chandelier on the floor. You wouldn’t want to have a huge clean up job to begin with all over again when you have just finished with cleaning chandeliers!
  • Make a solution of one part isopropyl alcohol or ammonia in three parts distilled water. If you don't want to take the risk of messing around with chemicals, however, buy a special chandelier cleaner from a lighting retailer.
  • Pour the solution into a spray bottle and spray every part of the fixture with this cleanser, carefully avoiding wires and other electrical components.
  • Once the crystals have dried up, remove the plastic covers from the bulbs, and wipe down light wells and other lighting parts with a soft cloth dipped in the cleanser you made.
  • These fixtures have to be dried overnight before you can reconnect them to power.
Dismantle Method
If you are not satisfied with just cleaning the chandeliers with the method mentioned above, you could try cleaning it after dismantling the chandelier, for which you will have to detach the whole system and clean each part. However, you can only detach it from the ceiling by removing the trim. Always locate the trim first so that when you need to reassemble chandelier after cleaning, you face fewer problems. When you have removed the chandelier, wash each of the crystal pieces in lukewarm water made soapy and full of foam. Use mild soap for the crystals and dry them afterward by wiping with a soft dry cloth. This method is always better when it comes to complete cleaning; however, once you have cleaned the chandelier, daily maintenance is required to avoid them from getting filthy again. You may use the dismantle method to clean the chandeliers every three months or so and use the non-dismantle method for usual Sunday cleaning.
 
Note of Caution:
Whichever method you choose, remember to handle the crystal pieces with care. Carefully hold all the pieces since everything is easily breakable. By exercising extreme caution in every step you make, you'll avoid breaks in your crystal pieces.

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