You know how I love my crystal chandeliers! I love how they shine and sparkle. But what’s the point of having sparkly chandeliers if they don’t sparkle? Here are a few tips on how to clean a crystal chandelier…
I’ve bought my fair share of crystal chandeliers over the years. A few have been in pristine condition, but mostly not. Which is why they are a good deal! A little elbow grease is always worth the effort in my opinion. Usually they are just dirty from neglect.
Years ago I researched how to clean brass chandeliers. Apparently cleaning them with WD-40 is a “trade secret”. (I love those!) Simply spray it on and let it soak in for about an hour and then buff it off. Others use lemon and baking soda but the WD-40 route is much easier and less messy. It removes the dirt and grime without stripping the beautiful patina. My latest chandelier has gone to the electrician to have the wiring inspected and put on a plug. I removed the crystals and sleeves for safe keeping and used WD-40 to clean it up. It looks pretty great, right? Here it was before hanging in my Treasure Room:
And after taking off the crystals:
And after a good cleaning and buffing using WD-40:
In order to clean the crystals I use a product aptly called “Sparkle Plenty”. It is a crystal and fixture cleaner. It is available on Amazon for $12.42 for a 32 ounce bottle. Trust me, this bottle lasts forever! You can use it on a hanging light fixture too. You don’t even need to remove the crystals, just protect the floor or furniture underneath and spray away! It drips dry and leaves clean crystals behind. Caution: you should turn off the power and cover the sleeves and light sockets so the cleaner doesn’t seep into the electrical parts. For this chandelier I took the crystals off because it was going to the shop. The crystals were filthy! I spread them on paper towels and sprayed both sides. I shined them up with a lint free towel. So shiny and pretty!
Now the hard part is waiting to get my chandelier back! The shop I’m using is a few weeks behind so hopefully by Thanksgiving I’ll have it back. I’m pretty sure it is heading South to Happy Hill! Thanks for stopping by! Here are a few more of my posts that will help cure your unhealthy chandelier obsession!: =D
Ebay Chandelier – A Cautionary Tale
Family Crystals – Where It All Began…
Antique Chandelier of The Week
7 comments
I would like to see the “after” all put together
Thank you! I have this exact chandelier hanging in my dining room – inherited with the house – and absolutely HATE how dingy it gets! Going to try your tips pronto!!
Good luck Nancy!
Do you know the name of the manufacturer? Mine has to be the same……
I’m sorry Connie, but I don’t know the name of the manufacturer. These brass chandeliers can be found in a variety of places and many of them look quite similar. I’ve used this cleaning technique on most all of them and it works really well. You can also use Rub ‘n Buff to spruce up the brass on the chandeliers as well. Best of luck to you! xox Dell
Hello, all this information was very helpful. Thank you very much! Keep posting such kind of info on your blog. I’m really impressed by it.
Thank you Elijah! So glad you enjoy the blog!