Antique chandeliers are not supposed to be spotless, but it is possible to clean away years of dirt, dust and grime to make the crystals sparkle again. Chandeliers collect a lot of dust over time, so frequent cleanings is necessary. When you are cleaning an antique piece, never use abrasive or harsh chemicals on it. It can cause serious damage to the piece. Basic maintenance will keep your antique chandelier clean and looking good for many more years.
1. Switch off the circuit breaker for your chandelier. Remove the chandelier from the light source if it’s installed on the ceiling.
2. Lay down an old towel in the kitchen sink or bathtub. Bring the chandelier into the bathtub or kitchen sink and gently set it down.
3. Take off every crystal and bulb that you can remove. Carefully lay them aside.
4. Use a steel wool pad to remove any visible signs of rust. Don’t scrub too hard, or you might remove the finish. Wash away the dirt and dust with a damp sponge or cloth.
5. Dry off the chandelier and set it away from the crystals and bulbs.
6. Fill the sink or tub with warm water. Add some mild dish detergent, like Dove.
7. Scrub the crystals with the soapy water and a soft toothbrush. Dry off each crystal and set them aside to dry completely.
8. Wipe down the bulbs with a damp cloth and let them dry.
9. Replace all the crystals and bulbs back on the chandelier. If you are sure that it is completely dry, hang it back up on the ceiling and flip the circuit breaker.
You may need to repeat this cleaning procedure once a month if you notice a lot of dust buildup. Otherwise, you can relegate the chore to a yearly spring cleaning session.
Tags: antique chandelier, antique chandeliers, antique piece, crystals, dust buildup, frequent cleanings, mild dish detergent, soapy water, spring cleaning