How to wash a crystal chandelier quickly: professionally or at home

When cleaning the house, the housewife often glances up and wonders - how to wash a crystal chandelier? After all, this prominent element of the interior requires delicate treatment and special care. Today, the process of cleaning an expensive chandelier is carried out using dry and wet methods, and also has its own specific nuances. Let's look at everything in order.

Preparatory work

How to wash a chandelier with pendants? This crystal product is very fragile, so it is important to know the rules for caring for them. For general cleaning, it is advisable to choose daylight hours, when the room will be maximally illuminated.

You need to prepare:

• Work clothes;
• gloves (rubber and cotton);
• chosen product for crystal chandeliers;
• linen and cotton fabric;
• Duster brush;
• oilcloth;
• stepladder

Before cleaning, it is important to assess the degree of contamination of the item. A relatively clean lighting fixture does not need to be removed.

What means are suitable

The more uniform the consistency of the product, the better it is for cleaning crystal. Avoid baking soda and various powders with crystalline fractions.

Favorite gel dishwashing detergent

Every modern housewife has a favorite gel-like dishwashing detergent. It does not damage your hands, which means it should not damage the crystal. You can apply the drug to the dishes using a soft cloth or your hands. Then the products must be rinsed with running warm water.

Glass cleaner

Fights stains, adds shine and is easy to apply to the surface. As a rule, the substance is presented in the form of a spray and contains ammonia. A small amount of the product is applied to the glasses and wiped dry. A pleasant residual smell is a bonus for using the product. The ammonia included in the composition additionally disinfects the dishes.

Ethanol

Disinfects products. Using a cotton swab dipped in vodka or ethyl alcohol, you can get rid of dirt from the grooved areas. After cleaning with alcohol, there is no need to rinse the dishes further.

Saline solution

You can clean dirt with salt. You cannot rub crystal with dry salt - scratches will appear. It is best to dissolve table salt in water in the following ratio: per 1 liter of water – 4 tablespoons of salt. Products are immersed in the solution for 15-20 minutes, rinsed and wiped.

Starch

Dry potato starch will get rid of yellowness and plaque on glasses. Dry powder is applied to the products and the dishes are wiped with it until a characteristic squeak occurs. After using the product, rinse the dishes.

Mustard powder

A gentle, environmentally friendly product without abrasive particles, suitable for cleaning delicate crystal items. Can be used by dissolving the powder in water. Contaminated items are immersed in the solution for 15 minutes, rubbed with a soft toothbrush, rinsed and wiped.

What should you not do when washing a crystal chandelier?

How to wash a crystal chandelier with pendants without making mistakes? There are certain prohibitions:

• Do not use washing powder or abrasive cleaning agents, as they can damage the delicate product;
• It is not recommended to wash the chandelier with soapy water, since it will have to be rinsed many times in clean water to get rid of stains;
• To wash crystal, you should not use water that is too hot or too cold to prevent the glass from darkening. Optimum temperature -27°C;
• crystal objects cannot be dried. They should be wiped dry with a soft, lint-free cloth;
• To avoid fingerprints, you should use cotton gloves when wiping a glass chandelier.

Before starting work, you must turn off the electricity in the apartment. It is strictly forbidden to wash the device through which current passes.

Rules of care

If you properly prepare for the washing process, it will not take much time and will not seem troublesome. Necessary:

• use only warm cleaning solution;
• work with clean cloth gloves to avoid fingerprints;
• wash lamps more often in the kitchen;
• do not use abrasives;
• Periodically coat the chandelier with an antistatic agent to repel dust.

There are 2 ways to care for chandeliers. When choosing, you need to take into account the type of material from which the lamp is made.

The dry method is recommended for removing dirt from expensive crystal chandeliers. There is no need to remove them from the ceiling hook to get rid of a small layer of dust. All you need is a soft cloth or a brush with long bristles, which manufacturers treat with an antistatic agent.

Wet cleaning . This method requires removing the chandelier or only individual pendants. The remaining part is wiped with a damp fiber cloth. It leaves no streaks, absorbing dirt along with the liquid. The removed elements are washed in detergent and dried.

Methods for cleaning a crystal chandelier

A chandelier with pendants can be cleaned using two methods: dry and wet. There is no need to completely dismantle the lighting fixture. You can use a modern method of cleaning this piece of furniture - this is a non-contact aerosol washing, which will be discussed below.

Dry cleaning method

This method should be carried out once every 7 days. Dry cleaning is used if it is necessary to treat a glass chandelier that is slightly dirty. It is recommended to use an antistatic broom to remove dust. Clean bronze parts with a mixture of tooth powder and ammonia, taken in equal proportions. Remove excess product with a damp cloth and then wipe dry.

For a chandelier with small elements, prepare an old toothbrush soaked in ammonia. Rub the crevices and small parts of the lamp. Then moisten a microfiber cloth with a weak solution of table vinegar and treat the parts with it to make them shine. The final stage is polishing the lamp with velvet.

It is strictly not recommended to clean crystal with dry soda ash, as well as detergents that contain abrasive substances. There is a risk of scratching the surface with small particles.

Wet cleaning method

How to wash a chandelier with pendants if dry cleaning does not give the expected effect? It is easier to work with a structure that has been previously removed from the ceiling. It is advisable to photograph the device before dismantling it. The image will record the location of all parts. To prevent puddles from forming under the chandelier, lay an oilcloth on the floor.

Cleaning a crystal chandelier at home is easy. Be sure to seal the cartridges to prevent moisture from getting in. Suitable for this purpose:

• pharmacy rubber fingers;
• cling film;
• cellophane.

How to wash crystal chandeliers with various decorative elements? Wipe down the frame first. Treat removable parts with a ready-made or homemade cleaning solution, then rinse with water acidified with a bite (3 liters - 1 tablespoon). After wiping everything thoroughly, place it on a linen cloth.

Until the crystal chandelier is completely dry, do not turn on the electricity in the apartment. Make sure that there is no soapy residue left on the lamp, otherwise it will burst when heated.

What not to do

There are hundreds of opinions on the Internet regarding the effectiveness and safety of various crystal cleaning methods, but you can be sure of the following facts:

1. Under no circumstances should you use abrasives such as chalk, toothpaste, ash, salt, etc. Of course, the abrasive effect speeds up the process of cleaning heavily soiled surfaces, but after a few years of this practice the glass will certainly become cloudy. The metal surfaces of the device are also often covered with a thin layer of coating. In the case of gold plating, there is no need to talk about the use of abrasives at all.
2. Ordinary dust has the same effect, so it is also not recommended to dry clean crystal with a cloth or hard brushes.
3. It is better to avoid using solutions of salts and alkalis, as they leave white marks after drying.
4. Soap solutions are used only as a last resort, as their sticky residues quickly collect dust.

Regarding safety precautions, it is worth noting that there are frequent cases of falling from a height due to electric shocks and dizziness when working for long periods with the chin raised high.

Naturally, one can neglect the presented facts, but then there can be no talk of either the safety of the person cleaning or the durability of the precious crystal.

How to wash a crystal chandelier at home

You can prepare your own detergent to clean your crystal chandelier.

Potato

Chandelier shades with a yellow coating are cleaned using cut raw potatoes. They rub the product with it, which is then rinsed in a weak blue solution. If the glass pendants are very dirty, then first you need to immerse them in potato broth for 5 minutes.

Vinegar and salt

You can wash the chandelier with a solution of vinegar and salt. Even an LED lamp can be treated with the composition. It will remove even heavy dirt:

• 1 liter of water;
• 1 tbsp. l. vinegar (9%);
• 0.5 tbsp. l. salt.

Please note: iodized salt causes crystal objects to become cloudy.

Mix these ingredients well (until the salt crystals dissolve). Wash the pendants with other decorative elements in the resulting liquid, then rinse everything with clean water and wipe dry.

How to wash a crystal chandelier with pendants using a soda solution? Dissolve 30 g of baking soda in a glass of warm water. Stir the alkaline liquid well and wash the pendants in it, then wipe dry.

Ammonia (ammonia)

Dip crystal pendants in a solution of ammonia: 30 ml per 800 ml of water. After 5 minutes, place the treated pendants on a cotton cloth. When they are dry, rub them with a microfiber cloth.

You can wash a crystal chandelier using a budget option. Disassemble the structure and wash the removable parts using dishwashing liquid, which is pre-diluted in water (45 ml per liter). Beat the solution until foam forms. After rinsing the removable parts in clean water, rinse them with a vinegar solution and wipe dry.

The homemade composition can be poured into a spray bottle and then sprayed onto the surface of the chandelier without removing it.

Prevention

Antistatic agents are used as a preventative against pollution.

These substances are sprayed in a thin layer on the surface and prevent the adhesion of small particles of dirt and dust. But in the case of Swarovski crystal and stones, it is difficult to talk about the practicality of their use, since a barely noticeable antistatic film still reduces the shine of the chandelier. Although for some this is not critical, and many prefer to clean a little less often at the expense of beauty and shine.

Ready-made products for cleaning crystal chandeliers

Professional household chemicals for cleaning lighting fixtures are sold in all hardware stores. Many products are expensive, but they effectively cope with any contamination.

A product for contactless cleaning of crystal chandeliers is in particular demand.

The fastest way to wash

Photo from Instagram. Author evrosvet_centrsveta

Effective cleaning of a crystal lamp is possible thanks to an invention such as a spray.

It is expensive, but it saves a lot of time and simplifies the task.

It is enough to spray all the corners of the lamp with the solution and leave for 5-10 minutes.

The product will pick up all the dirt and flow down.

The chandelier is also de-energized before such cleaning, and then given 3-4 hours for it to dry completely.

Washing a non-removable crystal chandelier

How to wash a crystal chandelier without removing it from the ceiling? It is advisable to get to it using a stepladder. You can also use a table. For safety reasons, the chandelier should be in front of your eyes. The light bulbs should be unscrewed. Secure the cartridges covered with napkins with tape. Cover the floor with rags and prepare a container where dirt from the chandelier will drain. Fill it with water. If any part suddenly falls, it will sink into the liquid and will not break.

Method 1: washing a chandelier with pendants

You can wash a crystal chandelier without removing it from its mounts as follows. First, you need to carefully rinse the elements with a soft sponge soaked in the selected solution. Next, wipe everything with a damp cloth to remove any remaining detergent, then treat it with a clean cotton cloth.

Method 2: touchless washing

Contactless washing is carried out using a special aerosol, which treats the entire structure. Do not touch the device for several minutes until the cleaning liquid has dissolved all the dirt. At this time, the foam will flow onto the fabric. When the device is dry, turn on the electricity.

Method 3: Dry Cleaning

How to quickly wash a crystal chandelier if the dirt is minor? Pick up a dusting brush. Very carefully shake off any dirt from the lampshade. Wipe a minor stain with a flannel cloth or raw cotton.

Preparation

Photo from Instagram. Posted by do.clean

It is better to clean a crystal lamp while cleaning the house. There will be less dust, which means the result will last longer. You need to prepare everything you need in advance and don’t forget about safety precautions.

Safety precautions during cleaning

Ceiling lamps, like any electrical appliance, require careful handling. Therefore, before cleaning a crystal chandelier, you must:

• turn off the electricity at the switchboard, since flicking the switch is not enough, in case someone turns it on accidentally;
• prepare a stable stepladder;
• place something soft on the floor in case some crystal parts fall down;
• Prepare detergent, rags, brushes in advance.

To achieve an ideal result, you should remove the pendants and rinse them in a separate basin, and then wipe them until shiny. To avoid breaking the pendants, it is better to wear rubber gloves when removing parts. Then they won't slip off your hand. How to protect sockets and light bulbs

It is better to unscrew the sockets and bulbs. We carefully put them in a safe place and start processing the chandelier. This will protect them not only from accidental damage, but also from moisture.

What do we need

To clean a crystal chandelier you will need:

• gloves made of fabric so that your fingers do not leave marks on the pendants;
• ladder;
• a soft blanket to spread on the floor;
• a soft cloth for wiping and a separate absorbent cloth to wipe the parts dry;
• detergents.

You may also need a box for storing light bulbs and sockets. You can also prepare a towel to let the crystal pieces dry on.

Bonus: how to prevent dust on a chandelier

Is it possible to avoid washing the chandelier at all? Don’t spend money on sprays, don’t cut off the power in your apartment? Yes!

• every week, go over the lampshade with a brush and sweep away the dust, and if a midge is stuck to the crystal, a cotton pad moistened with alcohol will solve the problem;
• Treat the lamp with a specialized antistatic agent at least once every two months - it will prevent the accumulation of dust;
• If you leave home for more than a week, cover the lighting fixture with a fabric cover.

We hope the tips below will help you quickly and easily wash a crystal chandelier of any complexity.

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How to wash ceiling lights?

The ceiling fabric is washed with a soft cloth or sponge dipped in soapy water. Important: do not use abrasive cleaners or caustic compounds with high acidity or alkalinity. To make it easier to remove dirt, do this procedure more often, not allowing foreign substances to have time to eat into it.

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How to clean a non-removable lighting fixture

Sometimes a chandelier installed on the ceiling has to be cleaned of dirt and plaque without removing the shades or individual elements. After turning off the power supply, set up a stepladder and cover the floor with newspapers or oilcloth. Standing on the stairs, the lamp will be treated with a product produced for cleaning crystal. In 10 minutes the composition dissolves dirt and removes dust.

In the absence of a professional liquid, ammonia is sprayed with a spray bottle and the parts and pendants are wiped with a rag.

Cleaning the chandelier with pendants

Decide right away whether you will disassemble the lamp. If yes, then lay down a blanket and heat the water. By the way, if the chandelier has a complex configuration, take photos of it on your smartphone. They will help you remember exactly where this or that element should be attached.

Without taking off

And here again there are “two ways”. The first scenario is that you bought an expensive spray for cleaning chandeliers. The algorithm for working with it is simple:

1. Lay old newspapers or a piece of film (preferably film) on the floor.
2. Spray the lamp generously, even the smallest and most distant parts.
3. Wait 10-15 minutes according to the instructions. During this time, the spray will “corrode” the dirt and, along with it, will flow onto the carefully laid film.
4. Let the chandelier dry for 3-4 hours and turn on the light. Beauty guaranteed.

The second scenario is a partial disassembly of the chandelier. The body itself remains in place, but small parts are removed and washed. The algorithm is like this:

1. Take a photo of the location of the pendants on the lampshade. This will make it easier to return them to their original state.
2. Climb onto the stepladder and carefully remove all the hangers. Immerse them in a bowl of diluted detergent (or simply pop them in the dishwasher). For 30 minutes you can forget about them.
3. Wash what's still hanging on the ceiling. To do this, use a cloth soaked in the solution, and for hard-to-reach places, use an old toothbrush. If the frame is metal, after washing, wipe it dry with a clean cloth.
4. Check how the pendants feel in the basin. If they have insect stains on them, don't worry. Pour alcohol into a small spray bottle, spray the stain and wipe it with a rag (by the way, pure alcohol and moonshine perfectly dissolve any organic contaminants on the floor and walls).
5. Place clean pendants on a towel and let dry.
6. Polish them with a cloth and hang them in place.

After the lamp has dried (the same 3 hours), you can turn on the electricity and admire the results of the work.

Taking off

If the lamp is small or you chronically do not like to work on weight, simply dismantle the chandelier before washing! Then you can lay it out on the floor, clean all the elements and return it to its place. And there will be no electricity at home for only half an hour.

If you decide, you need to act like this:

1. Disconnect the apartment.
2. Disconnect the power wires and carefully remove the chandelier from the hook (it is better to recruit free “labor” in the person of your spouse to help).
3. Separate all removable parts and pendants from the lampshade.
4. Wash both the frame itself and the pendants.
5. Let dry. Polish the pendants until they shine.
6. “Assemble” the chandelier and mount it back on the ceiling.

This will make washing much more convenient - at least your hands won’t get numb.

Types of contaminants and methods for eliminating them

Depending on the purpose of the product, the types of contaminants and methods for removing them usually differ. Let's look at the main ones.

White deposits from stagnant hard water

We think that almost every housewife has encountered a similar phenomenon. They give you a bouquet of flowers, you put it in an elegant crystal vase and admire it. And over time, you discover an unpleasant whitish coating at the bottom of your favorite vase. How should such contamination be washed away?

It is necessary to prepare an acidic solution based on any of these acids:

• citric (lemon juice/citric acid);
• acetic (vinegar, any percentage);
• oxalic (technical).

The proportion for preparing the solution is simple: take 1 tbsp for 1 liter of water. l. table vinegar or lemon juice or 2-3 tbsp. l. oxalic or citric acid powder.

Pour this composition into the container in which you plan to wash the product and begin cleaning. It is better to carry out treatment with washcloths and brushes of medium hardness.

What to do if it was not possible to remove the plaque the first time? We recommend pouring some vinegar or lemon juice into the vase and leaving it for several hours. Next, you need to pour some coarse grains (for example, rice or peas) inside the vase. Then you need to cover the neck of the vase and shake it properly. The grain will break up and can be easily removed from the surface of the vase. After completing the procedure, do not forget to thoroughly rinse off the detergent composition with running water.

If you do not have any of the above acids in your home, we recommend another method. Boil a few potatoes as usual. Remove the tubers and let the “potato water” cool completely. Then immerse the dishes in this liquid for 10-15 minutes, then rinse the items under running water using a soft sponge.

Green coating on the bottom of products

This situation can be encountered if the water in the vase with the bouquet was not changed in time, as a result of which it “bloomed”. What help can a crystal container provide in this case?

This is where soda comes to our aid. It is necessary to pour a small amount of alkali inside, then add a little water. After this, you need to vigorously shake the vase for about 1 minute. Remains of plaque and soda should be washed off with a slightly acidic bite solution.

Fatty coating

Such stains can most often be found on crystal products with a large number of openwork carved elements. Old crystal can also be covered with a layer of greasy dust.

Grease easily penetrates the grooves of the thread and remains there for a long time. In order for crystal dishes to continue to delight the eyes of the hostess and guests with a dazzling shine, we recommend using the following method. You will need glass cleaner and a clean cloth. Soak the material in the composition and wrap the crystal product for several hours. After time has passed, unwrap the dishes and remove the soaked residue with a sponge or soft brush.

White deposits on the bottom of crystal vases are common. You can remove it with vinegar or citric acid.