Over time, the crystal chandelier can become covered with dust and greasy deposits. But it is difficult to wash it, especially if the product has numerous pendants and decorations. In fact, you can clean the lamp without removing it from the ceiling. We will talk about how to clean a crystal chandelier and clean it from various stains in this article.
How to wash a chandelier suspended from the ceiling
It is better to allocate a whole day for the process of cleaning and drying all parts. Before starting the procedure, the chandelier must be disconnected from the power supply network in order to avoid electrical shorting of the wires when water drops fall on them.
After that, you can start the washing process, let’s look at it in detail:
- Wipe the chandelier with a microfiber cloth to remove dust.
- Detach the elements that can be removed from the chandelier and place them on a pre-spread terry towel. Place the parts so that there is a small distance between them, so they do not scratch each other.
- Prepare a cleaning solution. The simplest recipe: fill a basin with a volume of 5-7 liters with warm water and add ammonia at the rate of 30 ml per 1 liter of water. You can also use a special detergent for crystal.
- Wash in the solution all the crystal elements that have been removed. You can do this using a soft cloth. After that, spread them on a towel to dry.
- With a washcloth dipped in the solution, wipe the parts of the chandelier that cannot be removed. Then remove the remaining moisture with a dry cloth.
- To remove traces of insects on a crystal chandelier, use ethyl alcohol or simply wipe the parts with vodka. Apply a cotton pad soaked in alcohol or vodka to the dried spots and leave it for a minute, then wipe away the dirt.
- To clean metal elements, use tooth powder and ammonia. Take equal proportions of both means and mix. Apply the composition to the chandelier using a cotton pad or gauze. After processing, wipe the parts with a damp and then a dry cloth.
- Clean hard-to-reach areas with an old toothbrush. To remove soot, dust and grease, dip the brush in ammonia or ammonium hydroxide and process the elements.
- Dip a microfiber cloth in table vinegar and wipe the chandelier. After the procedure, you can wipe off excess moisture with a dry cloth.
- After you have washed all the elements of the chandelier, assemble it in its original position.
- Apply antistatic for windows to it, so that dust will stick to the glass less.
- Wait until the chandelier is completely dry, and only then turn on the electricity. This will prevent shorting.
In the store of lighting devices, you can buy a special composition for washing crystal chandeliers. It is usually sold as a spray or aerosol. It is applied to a chandelier suspended from the ceiling, laying down a polyethylene film. The instructions indicate the exposure time of the composition. Next, spray the chandelier with plain water from a spray bottle.
How to remove various impurities from crystal
Whichever agent you choose, it must be dissolved in clean warm water, the temperature of which is about 30 degrees. Hot water can darken the crystal, and cold water makes the chandelier dim.
Let’s consider the ways by which you can get rid of various stains:
- Soda + dish detergent
A solution of water and dishwashing liquid will cope with light pollution, it will not leave a white film on the crystal, unlike soap. After washing, the elements should be wiped with a woolen cloth.
- Potato starch
It will help to wipe off muddy spots. Pour a little powder on a rag and treat the surface.
- Vinegar + salt
For thorough cleaning of the crystal, a solution of vinegar and salt is suitable. It is prepared from 1 liter of water, 1 tablespoon of vinegar and half a tablespoon of salt. The parts that were removed can be put in it for 10 minutes.
- Potato broth
Removes even heavy pollution. It must be cooled and all parts washed in it. Do not forget to wipe them dry after the procedure.
- Raw potatoes
Eliminates yellowness well. Potatoes are grated and applied to problem areas for 15 minutes. After that, the chandelier is treated with a weak blue solution. Divorces are cleaned with a dry napkin. Potato peelers can also be used to clean stains.
- Coca Cola
It copes very well with various pollution. Carbonated water can be used to wipe away traces of wine and other stains.
- Sea salt
A salt bath will refresh the crystal. In 3 liters of water, you need to dilute half a pack of sea salt. The disconnected elements are kept in this solution for 2 hours. After soaking, the parts dry naturally, there is no need to wipe them.
- Rice + soda
To remove dark spots. It is necessary to dilute 3 spoons of baking soda in water and add the same amount of rice. After processing, the product is washed with clean water.
- Acetic, oxalic or citric acid
Cope with white plaque. A couple of spoons of any product per 10 liters of water – and the crystal will shine again. Leave the removed elements in the solution for an hour.
Good to know
When washing a crystal chandelier, use the following tips:
- To avoid streaks, use distilled water to rinse the elements. It can be found in a building materials store or in departments with household appliances, it is inexpensive. This is water that is purified from impurities and salts. They are present in ordinary running water and leave white discharges.
- Do not touch crystal pendants and shades with bare hands. Use cloth gloves to avoid leaving finger marks on the surface.
- The use of ammonia and acetic acid also helps to get rid of white plaque.
- Before starting to remove the parts, take a photo of the chandelier to show their locations. This will help you when assembling the items after washing.
- Pay special attention to metal elements. After washing, wipe them thoroughly to prevent rust.