How to properly wash a crystal chandelier with pendants without removing it from the ceiling

Crystal pendants on the ceiling light make it appear airier, and the light that refracts through them enlivens the room lighting. But if you do not wash the crystal chandelier with pendants in a timely manner, the transparent decorations begin to turn yellow, the shine fades and disappears completely. In order not to completely remove the lamp from the ceiling, you can wash all the parts directly while hanging. We’ll figure out how to do this correctly in the article.

Features of washing a crystal chandelier

Different options for crystal chandeliers require a special approach. Here you should pay attention to the design and additional types of material of the lamp.

All types of decorative light sources can be divided into three groups:

• With pendants. Such decorations are usually connected to the body with metal fasteners. And if necessary, they can be easily detached from the base. If the crystal decorative elements are removable, they can be washed in a deep container with warm water.

Do not wash many elements at once; they will rub their edges and scratch the surfaces. They will become dull and will not shimmer in the light.

In addition to a deep container or basin, decorative elements are washed immediately in the sink. To do this, the bottom is covered with cloth so as not to spoil the crystal.

To dry, the crystal elements are laid out on a dry cloth so that they do not come into contact with each other and dried with a hairdryer at low temperature.

If you have a dishwasher with a porcelain washing mode, with a heat exchanger container, then you can wash the decorative pendants in the machine.

• With two or more tiers. To avoid mixing up all the suspensions, remove each step one by one. Also, alternately fold the elements of each tier separately, rinse and dry without mixing with each other.

Attach the pendants to the base in the reverse order. To avoid confusion, before disassembling the decor, take a photo of the lamp from both sides.

• With metal body. The frame is usually made of metal, which also becomes dirty from dust. To clean it, take a thick cloth and wipe it with the solution you used to clean your crystal pendants.

Do not use abrasive solutions or fabrics; they may damage the top, protective layer of the metal. It protects the base from rust formation.

Do not use a cloth that is too wet to prevent liquid from seeping into the light's wiring.

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.

Preparing to wash the chandelier

To clean a crystal ceiling light without removing it from the ceiling until it's shiny and safe, you first need to prepare it.

• Blackout. It is necessary not only to turn off the chandelier itself, but also to turn off the power to the room so that someone does not unexpectedly turn on the lighting. This will prevent electric shock when washing the lamp. Then unscrew the light bulbs and put them away.
• Cotton gloves. Even if your hands are clean, stains from sweat and grease remain on the crystal, which can only be washed off again. Therefore, prepare cotton gloves for handling clean elements.
• Floor protection. Before washing your crystal lamp, spread a thick blanket underneath it. It will prevent fragile elements from breaking if they fall on the floor. Lay polyethylene on top of the blanket; it will protect the blanket from getting wet when splashed.

How to protect sockets and save light bulbs

• If the light bulbs are removed, the sockets can be protected from moisture getting inside by putting regular finger guards on them. They are easy to purchase at any pharmacy. This secret will not only reduce the drying time of the device, but will also eliminate the risk of a short circuit due to a drop accidentally remaining inside the cartridge.
• Energy-saving light bulbs, which save a lot of money, do not tolerate mechanical stress well. There is no point in removing them every time during wet cleaning. The problem can be easily solved - put plastic bags on them that will protect the lamp, and ordinary tape that secures them at the base.

Lighting is an important condition in creating a beautiful and cozy interior. For a chandelier to shine like the first time, it requires regular and competent care. By following our recommendations and advice, in just a few hours you will enjoy its cleanliness and sparkle, and you yourself will not collapse from fatigue and exhaustion.

Basic ways to clean a crystal chandelier at home

The method of treating a chandelier from dirt depends on the type of crystal and the intensity of the dirt. The most expensive types of crystal require special cleaning. To avoid damaging the pendants, follow the manufacturer's recommendations. If there are no special instructions, then there are two ways to restore transparency and shine to the lamp.

Dry

For regular cleaning and with slight contamination from room dust, you can transform a crystal lamp with pendants without removing the ceiling using a brush with a long handle and long bristles. Use a brush to carefully remove accumulated debris from fragile elements so that they do not knock on the surfaces.

To wash the chandelier instead of a brush, a clean flannel cloth will do. In this case, each part of the lamp is wiped separately.

Wet

This method is suitable for serious contamination, when simply removing dust accumulations is not enough. Wet cleaning is carried out on a sunny day so that the room is well lit.

• The pendants are removed and placed in water at room temperature or lukewarm 25–29˚C with the addition of detergent. In this case, it is better to take a plastic container or basin, so the parts will be less scratched.
• Each part is wiped with a soft sponge.
• Then all the elements are placed in a bowl of cool water to rinse off the detergent.
• To add shine, crystal pendants are rinsed in a vinegar solution and dried on a towel.

If the chandelier is too bulky and it is not possible to disassemble it into parts, you can clean the crystal chandelier until it shines at home without removing it from the ceiling. To do this, moisten a microfiber cloth with a solution of water, vinegar and ammonia and wipe each part of the lamp. There is no need to wipe the pendants dry, the microfiber leaves no streaks, and the ammonia evaporates without leaving a trace.

Cleaning glass products

How to clean a glass chandelier without removing it - similarly with the crystal variation. In this case, observe the precautions listed above. How to clean a glass chandelier:

• aqueous ammonia solution;
• vinegar-salt composition;
• soap and soda mixture;
• dish liquid.

The products listed above, suitable for crystal, are also suitable for cleaning glass products. However, you can use less ceremony with the latter, since glass is not so susceptible to damage and clouding, and it costs much less.

It is recommended to always follow the rules when washing a crystal chandelier and safety precautions. This is the only way to tidy up your luxurious ceiling lamps. They will thank the owners with the play of light, filling the space of the rooms with life-giving energy.

Types of detergents

Store-bought cleaning products don't always clean better, and homemade solution recipes often do just as well.

Professional

In order to quickly wash a large chandelier with hanging parts, you can use a professional cleaner. This is a foam or spray that comes in a spray can. It can be found in showrooms where chandeliers and lamps are sold for 250–350 rubles.

Such foam or spray is applied to all parts of the lamp.

Before you start cleaning, do not forget to turn off the power to the room and cover the space under the chandelier with plastic film to avoid splashing with spray.

You need to wait 10–15 minutes until the spray is distributed over the entire surface and breaks down the mud layer. After this, it flows down onto the polyethylene. There is no need to wipe the parts; they will dry on their own.

If contaminants still remain, repeat the procedure.

After using the spray, ventilate the room thoroughly.

Home Remedies

The better way to properly wash a crystal chandelier without using professional products. These funds have helped our mothers and grandmothers for years:

• Ammonia. The most common home remedy is aqueous ammonia. To do this, add 1 tsp. alcohol in half a liter of water. Then soak the crystal chandelier pendants in alcohol or wipe them directly on the frame with microfiber.
• Vinegar and salt. In addition to ammonia, to refresh the chandelier, you can make a solution of table vinegar and salt. Take 15 ml per liter of cool water. ordinary vinegar (not essence) and add 10 g of fine “Extra” salt.

Stir well until the salt is completely dissolved, and use it in the same way as ammonia solution.

• Dishwashing liquid. If, in addition to the usual dust, soot and particles of grease have accumulated on the crystal chandelier (this usually happens in the kitchen), then you can dissolve them with dish soap. To do this, drop a little soapy liquid into a bowl of water for washing pendants and then rinse well with plain water.
• Potato decoction. This method allows you to get rid of yellowness. Boil the potatoes without skins, drain and cool the broth. Place crystal chandelier pendants in it for 15–20 minutes, wipe with a soft sponge, then rinse the parts in the blue solution.
• Sprite or Coca-Cola. Both of these drinks contain acids that dissolve all types of contaminants well. Pour lemonade into a plastic bowl and soak your crystal jewelry in it for 20-30 minutes. Then pour a solution of water and acid over them.
• Oxalic and citric acid. They cope equally well with dirt accumulations, and the parts do not need to be washed additionally. Mix 3 l. water and 2 tbsp. acids of your choice. Soak decorative pendants in the solution for 20–30 minutes. Then wipe them dry with a lint-free cloth.

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 is strictly prohibited to use

Crystal is a fragile material and requires careful handling, so if decorative pendants are not washed correctly, they may crack or fade.

• Do not use hot or cold water. Temperature changes can cause crystal cracking. It is optimal if the water or solution is slightly warm.
• Do not wipe the chandelier elements with abrasive powders or hard dishwashing sponges. This will leave micro-scratches on the surface and the crystal will become dull.
• Do not use toilet soaps with fragrances and glycerin. In this case, a film will remain on the elements of the chandelier, on which even more dust will accumulate.
• Do not wash parts in the dishwasher normally. High temperatures and strong water pressure can damage decorative pendants.

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.

Can glasses be washed in the dishwasher?

Today, most families who are accustomed to frequently welcoming guests have dishwashers. As a rule, such families have a lot of festive crystal glassware for various celebrations. And here the question arises: can crystal items be washed in the dishwasher?

Many dishwasher models have modes for washing different types of products, including crystal. However, even with specialized equipment, such processing hides a number of dangers.

Using a dishwasher will expose your product to a number of hazardous conditions, so it is important to know a few things:

1 Temperature difference. This effect is detrimental to the crystal and can lead to tarnishing of your product. In a dishwasher, the temperature changes several times during a session.

2Crystal glassware is often lead-based. Crystal made exclusively from barium can be washed in the dishwasher. You can find out this nuance by referring to the composition of your crystal product. Otherwise, if lead-based cookware gets into your machine, you'll have to say goodbye to it. Lead reacts with specialized detergents, which leads to damage to products.

3If the detergent you use for your dishwasher is abrasive, your crystal glassware will most likely be damaged and scratched

If you really want to resort to using a dishwasher, then pay attention to the choice of product - choose a delicate one.

Crystal items can be washed in the dishwasher if:

1. 1Use the machine with a special mode that does not involve temperature changes.
2. 2Use a non-abrasive detergent.
3. 3Crystal products are made based on barium, not lead.

Secrets of caring for crystal products:

1. 1Crystal glassware should be stored separately, not stacked on top of each other.
2. 2Crystal dishes do not tolerate temperature changes well. Do not serve very hot or cold food in it.
3. 3Crystal glassware is not intended for use in microwave ovens or ovens.
4. 4Do not use powder or strong detergents.

Simple recommendations

Before washing an old crystal chandelier with pendants, you need to turn it off, remove it from the ceiling, unscrew the light bulbs, and put it aside.
Be sure to take a photo of how the piece of furniture looked before the washing process. Place a cotton blanket on the floor in case parts fall. Remove the pendants and prepare a cleaning solution. This will require ¼ part ammonia and ¾ part water. Place the product in a deep container, preferably a plastic basin, first cover it with a towel in several layers. This will help avoid scratches on the pendants.

Polish the pendants until they shine with a lint-free cloth. You can dry them with a hairdryer. Then collect all the crystal elements, hang the chandelier on the ceiling and connect it to the network.

Be sure to make sure that there is no moisture on the lamp. Do not connect to the network for 2-3 hours. This will prevent short circuits and possible electric shock.

A crystal chandelier is the dream of many housewives, but once realized, a small problem associated with washing it is inevitable. Below we will tell you how to achieve the original shine of crystal after prolonged use of the chandelier, using various detergents and cleaning products.

Here are some tips to make cleaning and washing your crystal chandelier safer, easier and faster:

• Before washing the chandelier, make sure that the device is de-energized. Since the phase wire can be connected directly to the chandelier (not to the switch), it is advisable to use a tester to check the voltage
• To ensure shine, use a solution of 145 ml table vinegar and 3 liters of water. Place the removable element in water and wait 10 minutes, then dry and rub with a piece of velvet cloth
• To prevent corrosion on the metal elements of the lighting fixture, wipe the surfaces dry.

By listening to some simple tips, you will be able to enjoy the cleaning process in addition to ensuring safety.

The properties of crystal are such that when washing it, you must follow several rules so that it does not darken and there are no streaks or fingerprints left on its surface.

1. Detergent temperature. The solution should not be too hot or cold, otherwise the crystal will darken. The optimal temperature is about 28°C.
2. At the final stage of wiping clean parts, it is necessary to work with clean cloth gloves to avoid fingerprints.

There are two ways to clean crystal - dry and wet. For the dry method, you will need a special Duster brush, which will effectively and delicately sweep away dust from the pendants. It is recommended to clean chandeliers with Swarovski crystal only using a dry method. If you don't have a special brush, you will need a cleaning solution and a clean rag.

Buy a special solution for crystal at a hardware store or prepare an equally effective solution yourself, there are 3 options:

• Dilute ammonia in warm water, 1 tablespoon per 1 glass of water.
• Dissolve salt and vinegar in warm water, 1 tablespoon per 1 glass of water.

The most universal answer to the question of how to clean crystal to make it shine is to use vinegar. Whatever you use to wash the product, if at the end of the procedure the shine is not enough, rinse the parts again in a weak vinegar solution and polish with velvet.

Prepare a spray bottle with clean, warm water. Spray the chandelier with sharp, intense pressure so that the pressure of the water washes away the dust. Before doing this, you need to prepare a container into which the dirty water will drain.

1 way

Place a wide plastic bowl of water under the chandelier. If some pendants fall, they will sink into the liquid and will not break.

Method 2

Hang an open umbrella from the chandelier, which will collect all the flowing liquid. The umbrella will also prevent parts from falling onto the floor.

If the parts are too small and fragile, you will have to wash each of them manually, using the prepared solution and soft rags, and then wiping dry until shiny. Make sure that during the washing process the pendants do not hit each other - they do not get scratched or break.

Some useful tips

1. carefully wipe dry all metal elements of your chandelier - this will prevent the occurrence of corrosion;
2. if you bought a special product that you are not sure about, first spray it on the glove and treat the crystal elements yourself - by doing this you will neutralize the possible negative impact of the ingredients of the product on the surface of the crystal;
3. if there are bronze fragments in the chandelier, then they can be easily washed with tooth powder and a certain percentage of ammonium hydroxide - apply the resulting mixture to a toothbrush with soft bristles and wipe - but without unnecessary fanaticism, in order to prevent scratches;
4. It is advisable not to clean high-quality crystal with wet cleaning - it will be enough to restore its former shine with the help of an ordinary toothbrush wrapped in gauze.