Chandeliers are an elegant feature in any home, but they need regular cleaning to look their best. Follow these steps to clean your chandelier:
Turn off the breaker and allow the fixture, bulbs, and crystals to cool before beginning. Place a thick blanket or padded cloth underneath to catch any falling prisms and protect flooring and furniture from cleaning solutions.
Dusting
Chandeliers attract a lot of dust and cobwebs, which can make them look dingy. Regularly dusting the crystals with a feather duster or even a vacuum cleaner helps minimise the buildup of these particles and keeps them looking shiny.
Once a month or so, use a soft microfiber cloth or lambswool duster to remove any loose dirt from the surface of the chandelier. This step will prevent the loose dirt from becoming grime once you apply your cleaning solution.
Before you begin cleaning, ensure that the chandelier is switched off and that it is completely cool to the touch. It is also important to lay a blanket or plastic tarp on the floor underneath the fixture to catch any drops that may damage furniture and carpet. If your chandelier is hung in a precarious location, like over stairs, it is best to call in professional cleaners who have the proper ladders and training to work safely at heights.
Disassembly
Foyer chandelier adds elegance and beauty to any room, but its beauty can be dulled by dirt. While regular dusting with a microfiber duster effectively removes most dirt, a more thorough cleaning is necessary to maintain the optimal appearance of your chandelier. This can be done either with or without disassembling the fixture, but disassembling it allows you to get a better look at the tiny components and clean them more thoroughly.
Dismantling a modern chandelier can be time-consuming, so it’s important to have the right tools and supplies before you start. Make sure you have a ladder or step stool, a screwdriver and Allen wrench (depending on the type of screws used), and some containers for storing the various parts as you remove them.
It’s also a good idea to place a padded blanket or comforter underneath the chandelier to protect the floor and prevent breakage of glass or crystal prisms that could fall during the removal or cleaning process. Finally, turn off the electricity at the wall switch or breaker box and let the chandelier and lightbulbs cool before beginning to disassemble it.
Washing
Chandeliers that are heavily tarnished can be revived with a simple vinegar solution. Wearing a pair of white cotton gloves, rub the cleaning solution into any tarnished areas of the chandelier. Then, gently wipe away the solution with a soft, clean cloth. Rinse with cool water and dry the crystal prisms immediately to prevent smudges or water spots.
To maintain the best appearance of your chandelier, dust it regularly using a feather or lamb's wool duster, and wash it once a year using your preferred cleaning method. Avoid ammonia-based cleaners, as they can remove the finish from gold- or silver-plated metal hooks that hold the glass or crystal prisms in place. To make cleaning your chandelier safer, cover the floor below with a padded blanket or moving pad to protect it from broken prisms during disassembly and to catch drips from the cleaning solution. Likewise, position a sturdy ladder correctly to reduce the risk of falling during cleaning.
Reassembling
Ensure that the electricity is off, either from a switch in the wall or at the breaker box for that light fixture. Work carefully to avoid damage. Dampen a microfiber cloth or white cotton gloves with the cleaning solution and wipe each crystal or glass piece clean. Then polish it dry with the dry section of cloth or glove. Wearing gloves prevents smudges from fingerprints.
If the chandelier is hung over stairs, use a ladder with leg levelers to prevent it from tipping. Cover the floor beneath the ladder with a plastic tarp or drop cloth to catch drips.
Start with a clear photograph or drawings of the original chandelier to help you reassemble it accurately. Strip the ends of the insulated wires to expose the bare wires. Connect the black insulated ceiling wires with the neutral (white) chandelier wire, joining them together with a plastic wire connector. Do not splice the wires, as this can create dangerous connections that may short circuit.
FAQ
1. How Do I Install a Chandelier?
The chandelier is one of the most beautiful and elegant light fixtures that can be found in any home. They are often a focal point in rooms and create a magical atmosphere for gatherings of family and friends. However, installing a chandelier requires careful planning and proper safety precautions to avoid electrical accidents. Before beginning, make sure you have all the necessary materials, including a ladder and screwdriver, and that you turn off the power to the area where you will be working. A voltage tester is also helpful to double-check that the wires are not live.
After you have turned off the power, begin assembling the chandelier following the manufacturer's instructions. It is best to work on a flat surface to prevent the pieces from becoming disoriented. It is also important to consider the ceiling height when choosing a chandelier size. The ideal chandelier size over a table is half to three quarters of the table width.
If the chandelier has chain, use a pair of heavy pliers to open a link and shorten it to your desired length. If you have a lot of extra chain, use a wire connector to connect the bare ends together.
Once the chandelier is assembled, carefully mount it to the junction box on the ceiling. Be sure that the mounting bracket is secure and can support the weight of the fixture. Then, match the wires in the junction box by connecting black to hot, white to neutral, and green or copper to ground. Be sure to double-check that all connections are tight and secure before turning on the power.
2. How to change a chandelier?
Chandeliers are heavy, so the first step is to make sure you can support their weight and hold the ladder. Have an assistant help you remove the old fixture by unhooking it from its mount. This makes it much safer to work with.
Switch off the power to the fixture at your electrical panel. Locate the circuit breaker for the light fixture or remove the fuse connected to it (it’s easiest to use a voltage tester to determine which one is the chandelier). It’s a good idea to tape over the switch or fuse to indicate to others that this is an electrical project and the power should not be turned back on.
Remove any decorative pieces or plates that are attached to the fixture. This makes it easier to see the capped wiring, which you will then disconnect from the ceiling. It is a good idea to write down or take a picture of how the wires are connected so you can recreate the connection when you put the new fixture up.
Decide how low you want the chandelier to hang from the ceiling and shorten its chain if needed. For example, if you’re hanging the chandelier over your table, it should be about 30 to 34 inches above the top of the table so guests can move around without bumping into it.
Using wire strippers, remove the protective coating from each of the bare wires that run down from the ceiling. Each of the strands should be about 8 to 10 inches long.
3. How to clean a crystal chandelier?
Crystal chandeliers are stunning additions to any home, but they require regular cleaning to maintain their dazzling beauty. While most homeowners know to dust their chandeliers regularly, it is important that you take the time to clean these magnificent light fixtures on a schedule that will keep them sparkling all year round.
If your crystal chandelier is very dirty, it may be necessary to take it apart for a more thorough cleaning of small parts and the frame. If so, it is important to turn off the electricity first by turning off the wall switch or shutting off the breaker. It is also important to put a heavy blanket or comforter under the chandelier to provide a soft cushion in case any pieces of glass or crystal fall during disassembly and cleaning. It is also recommended to wear white cotton gloves during the cleaning process, as this will help prevent fingerprint smudges during reassembly.
Start by filling a large tub or sink with warm water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Line the sink with a towel to help prevent any chips or scratches to your crystals. Wet a cloth with the cleaning solution and gently wash each piece of glass or crystal. Rinse well with cool water and dry with a lint-free microfiber cloth. When reassembling the crystals, follow your photos to ensure that you place them back in their correct locations. If you prefer to use a commercial cleaning product, we recommend using one that is non-toxic and does not contain ammonia, which could ruin the non-crystal parts of your chandelier.
4. How high above the table should a chandelier be?
Adding a chandelier to your dining room adds visual impact while creating an intimate ambiance for a seated meal. However, knowing how high to hang your new fixture isn’t as simple as just measuring the table and ceiling height. A chandelier must be properly proportioned for the space to ensure that it doesn’t obstruct views or cast harsh shadows. There are a few key factors to consider, including the size of your chandelier and its design.
Generally, the best chandelier mounting height is 30 to 36 inches from the top of your table. This allows for ample light to illuminate the table surface while maintaining a clear view from any seat in the room. In addition, this distance between the table and chandelier helps to create a link between the two. This is important because lighting should not be treated as a mere utility but rather as a design element.
Chandeliers that are too low will not be properly centered over the table and can also impede on people’s ability to get up from their seats. On the other hand, those that are too high can feel disconnected from the table and can even look awkward when viewed from outside the dining area.
Finding the right chandelier height is a bit like the Goldilocks principle. If your chandelier is too low, it can be overpowered by the room’s ceiling and may cast harsh shadows; if it’s too high, it can feel disconnected from the table.
5. How to decorate a chandelier for Christmas?
Chandeliers are a beautiful focal point for any home, but decorating them with festive cheer makes your space look magical at Christmas. You can adorn it with tree branches, pinecones, flowers, bows, ribbons, and more. This article shares some of the coolest ideas for decorating a chandelier for Christmas that you can try at home.
The easiest and most popular way to decorate a chandelier for Christmas is to use ornaments in different colors. Choose a combination of red, green, gold, and silver ones that match your other Christmas decorations and can be easily attached to the light fixture. This decoration can be done in a matter of minutes and looks fantastic on any type or style of light fixture.
Another option is to cover the whole chandelier with greenery, either faux or fresh. If you choose to go with fresh greenery, be sure to bring them inside a few days before Christmas to acclimate. This way, they'll be strong and sturdy enough to handle the holidays without wilting or falling off during the party.
Evergreens are an excellent choice to decorate your chandelier with because they offer a natural touch and complement the lights. Other good choices are holly branches, mistletoe, or other plant types that work well with the holiday.
You can also add a hint of color to your greenery-covered chandelier with a thin garland made of red berries. These will contrast beautifully against the emerald green and give it a traditional holiday look. Another way to add a pop of color is to drape golden bells around the chandelier.