Cleaning Your New Chandelier
Crystal
Prepare a cleaning solution of one part isopropyl alcohol to four parts distilled water in a spray bottle. Spray a small amount of the solution on a white cotton glove or lint free cloth. Wipe the crystal or glass with the damp cloth, and then dry it immediately with another glove or cloth.
Wood
Dust the furniture to remove surface dirt. Now you’re ready to remove light soiling. Start with the gentlest cleaner and move up to stronger ones as needed. Try mixing a weak solution of water and dish washing soap. Dip a soft cloth in the solution, wring it out and wipe the entire piece. You want a damp cloth, not a wet one. Don’t saturate the wood, and rinse your cloth often. Take a second, clean cloth and dry the piece thoroughly.
Metal
Use mild, non-phosphate dish detergent. Thoroughly wipe all of the chandelier's gold-plated surfaces and dry them with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub away stubborn grime.
- Clean your fixture regularly with a soft cloth using plain water or a mild detergent soap.
- Use a non abrasive paste or liquid wax to provide extra protection (Turtle Wax or other non abrasive car wax)
- Make sure any cleaning or polishing cloth is free of abrasive material.
Plastic
Step 1
Turn off the electricity to the chandelier and wait several minutes for the bulbs to cool before handling the light fixture.
Step 2
Place a sheet or blanket under the ladder where you will clean the plastic chandelier to catch dripping glass cleaner. The blanket will also protect the chandelier's decorative accessories if you accidentally drop a piece while cleaning the fixture.
Step 3
Carefully position the ladder underneath the chandelier so that you can easily reach it.
Step 4
Saturate a regular washcloth with glass cleaner and rub the chandelier clean. Dry and polish the chandelier with another cloth. Do not spray cleaning agents directly onto the chandelier, as it may seep into the electrical wires. Take the time to rub down each individual piece and strand of the ornate chandelier to remove the layers of dust.
Acrylic
Use clean lukewarm water, mild detergent and a soft microfiber cloth to clean acrylic or fine surface scratches could appear, causing the acrylic to become cloudy.
Porcelain
Vinegar and water mixture (1 part vinegar to 2 to 3 parts water) using a soft rag and lots of patience to clean each part. Since it's a delicate old porcelain chandelier I would personally not use any harsh chemicals on it.
Glass
Cleaning the glass part is relatively simple. In many cases, an eco-friendly glass cleaner composed of one part isopropyl alcohol and combined with four parts of distilled water can be applied to each glass part. This will restore luster and remove any accumulated grime. Keep lint-free cloths on hand to wipe off the solution and avoid leaving any fingerprints on the delicate crystal.
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