Maintaining Crystal Chandeliers: Handy Tips from Manufacturers
Crystal Chandeliers are known for having an iconic design and look that will undoubtedly bring that “wow” factor to any room or space. In fact, nothing says “elegance” more than these stunning light fittings. As a result, they have become a favourite among many homeowners across the globe. However, maintaining a crystal chandelier can be quite a daunting challenge. For this reason, our crystal chandelier manufacturers here at EGLO have put together a quick guide to help you keep your chandelier in tip-top condition.
How to Keep Your Crystal Chandelier in Pristine Condition
By following the advice outlined below, you can ensure that your chandelier will remain in top condition and serve you well for many years to come.
1. Safety first
As with any home project, you should always take precautionary measures to protect your safety. Therefore, when maintaining your chandelier, the first thing to do is switch off the electricity supply to prevent any risk of electrocution. You should also remove the chandelier’s lightbulbs before cleaning.
2. Identify the type of chandelier
It is imperative that you identify the type, size and age of your chandelier, as this will dictate how you should handle it. For instance, to avoid the potential for damage, you should treat antique crystal chandeliers with extra care and implement more safety precautions than you would for newer or mass-produced models. If you are unsure how to maintain your lighting fixture, we recommend contacting your crystal chandelier manufacturer for expert advice.
3. Preparation is key
Cleaning a crystal chandelier can be quite a laborious and time-consuming task. However, you can speed it up by taking the following steps. Before you take the chandelier down, you should cover the furniture in the room with a protective sheet and place some old newspapers on the floor to make the clean-up process faster. In addition, to prevent accidents, remember to remove any breakables from the room.
Top tip: If you draw the design of your chandelier on a sheet of paper or take a number of photographs from different angles, it will be easier to put the chandelier back together once the maintenance work is complete.
4. Clean your chandelier
Before starting the cleaning process, make sure you dismantle your chandelier very carefully. Then decide what cleaning method will work best for your fixture. There are two ways to bring back the sparkle to your chandelier, and which one you choose depends on how dusty or dirty the light has become.
Traditional method
The traditional cleaning method involves soaking the crystals in a mixture of warm water and white vinegar. This will allow you to quickly remove any sticky or oily dirt, which will be extremely helpful if you haven’t cleaned your chandelier for a long time. However, one disadvantage is that this method can result in your chandelier having a slight smell of vinegar. If you do not want this to happen, a good alternative is to use modern crystal cleansers.
Remember: Some cleansers may contain harsh chemicals that can cause discolouration, particularly on antique chandelier frames. To avoid using harsh chemicals, use compressed air dusters to blow the dirt away before wiping down the chandelier with your preferred cleaning solution.
Dry method
The dry method is suitable for regular maintenance, and of course, there will also be a reduced risk of accidentally spilling water on the chandelier’s electrical components. You can use a soft cloth such as a microfibre cloth or a cleaning brush with soft bristles to remove dirt and grime from the crystals. Remember to wipe down the chandelier’s main body, as it will result in a better-quality finish.
Consider a professional cleaning service
Cleaning a crystal chandelier is a major task, and it can be even more challenging if the fixture is large or has an intricate design. If you think the maintenance would be too much to handle on your own, our chandelier lighting manufacturers recommend enlisting the services of a professional cleaning company that specialises in chandeliers.
Professional cleaners can give your chandelier that extra shine and sparkle. Furthermore, they can dismantle, reassemble and reinstall the chandelier safely and without any complications. As an added bonus, they will also be able to offer you some expert advice and may even arrange to visit you on a regular basis.
How Often Should You Clean and Maintain Your Chandelier?
As discussed, frequent cleaning and maintenance are key to keeping lighting fixtures beautiful and functional. Crystal chandeliers are no exception and should be maintained regularly to ensure they will provide optimum illumination for as long as you need them. But how often should you care for your chandelier?
Most crystal chandelier manufacturers would agree that these iconic lighting fixtures need to be cleaned and maintained once every one or two months, particularly if they are large or have an antique fitting. Smaller, more modern chandeliers also require some care and attention from time to time in order to retain their functionality and beauty. Besides maintaining the chandelier’s frame and crystals, you should also get into the habit of cleaning and changing the lightbulbs on a regular basis.
Ask the Chandelier Experts
Taking good care of your crystal chandelier is an excellent way of keeping it in pristine condition. Although this may seem challenging at first, it will be well worth the time and effort as it will help protect longevity and functionality. Whether you do this yourself or enlist the services of professionals, by taking the time to have your chandelier cleaned and maintained on a regular basis, you will undoubtedly reap the rewards in the long run.
At EGLO, we offer a wide range of high-quality lighting products and chandeliers that are ideal for every home interior design. If you would like to learn more about our products, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
