Last Updated on October 2, 2023
Chandeliers are not only a source of light but also a source of beauty. They can add elegance to any room, making it feel more luxurious and inviting.
Hanging elegantly from the ceiling, a chandelier can instantly transform a room, adding an air of sophistication and glamour. However, chandeliers are also notoriously difficult to keep clean.
Dust and dirt can quickly accumulate on the intricate designs, making them appear dull and lackluster. For those with chandeliers on high ceilings, cleaning can seem like an impossible task.
If you have a chandelier hanging from your high ceiling, you already know how difficult it can be to clean. But don’t worry, the good news is that there are a few simple tips that can help make the job easier.
Our goal here is to share with you some tips on how to clean chandeliers on high ceilings, both the dos and don’ts. Keep reading to learn more!
How to Clean Chandeliers on High Ceiling Properly?
First, it’s important to gather the right supplies.
You’ll Need
- A ladder
- A soft cloth
- A vacuum with a soft brush attachment
- A gentle cleaner/ a mild soap
- Water
Once you have your supplies, follow these steps:
Dust the Chandelier Regularly
For chandeliers that hang on high ceilings, the best way to dust them is with a long-handled duster. Start by gently dusting the top of the chandelier with a feather duster and lamb’s wool duster, then work your way down.
Be sure also to dust the chain and any other exposed areas. This will help to prevent a build-up of dirt and grime. You can keep your chandelier in good condition by dusting it every 2 to 3 months.
Vacuum the Chandelier
To keep your chandelier looking its best, it’s important to vacuum it on a regular basis. Using a soft brush attachment designed for cleaning high surfaces, gently vacuum the crystals and get rid of any accumulated dust or dirt. Be careful not to scratch or damage the crystals.
You should vacuum your chandelier every few months, or as needed.
Make a Gentle Cleanser
One way to safely clean a chandelier is to make a gentle cleaner at home. Use isopropyl alcohol in a ratio of 1:14 with distilled water. Or, simply mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle, and mist the solution onto the chandelier.
Then, use a soft cloth to gently wipe away any dirt or grime. The vinegar will help to cut through any build-up, while the water will prevent the vinegar from damaging the crystals.
For more stubborn stains, you can mix a mild soap with water and vinegar. Just be sure to rinse the chandelier well after cleaning to remove any soap residue.
If you don’t want to make your own cleaner, plenty of commercial cleaners are safe for use on chandeliers. Be sure to read the labels carefully and follow the instructions provided.
When using any cleaner on your chandelier, it’s important to take extra care not to damage the crystals.
Climb Up and Disassemble
The first thing you need to do is get a ladder and set it up underneath your chandelier. Take your time to take a closer look at your chandelier.
Start by inspecting the crystals and looking for any cracked or broken ones. These will need to be replaced before you proceed with the cleaning.
Also, look at the chandelier’s metal parts and see if there is any rust or corrosion. If there is, you’ll need to clean it off before proceeding.
Then disassemble it completely and very carefully, taking care not to lose any small pieces. If the chandelier has removable parts, such as crystals or candles, be sure to remove them before cleaning. This will make the process much simpler and less time-consuming.
Some crystal chandeliers have quite complex hanging patterns, making it difficult for you to disassemble them. If this is the case, you can simply clean it in place.
But if you need to disassemble it, be sure to keep track of all the pieces and how they fit together. It may be helpful to take a photo of the chandelier before you begin, for reference. So that, you can put everything back together as it was.
Wash the Crystals
The next step is to wash the crystals. You can do this by hand using mild soap and warm water, or you can put them in the dishwasher on a gentle cycle.
If you choose to wash them by hand, be sure to rinse them thoroughly after cleaning to remove any soap residue. It’s also important to let them air dry completely before proceeding.
If you put the crystals in the dishwasher, be sure to remove them immediately after the cycle is complete and let them air dry.
Do not put the chandelier’s metal parts in the dishwasher, as this could damage them. Cover up the light bulbs before washing, to prevent them from getting wet.
Clean the Metal Parts
Once the crystals are clean, you can move on to cleaning the chandelier’s metal parts. If there is any rust or corrosion, you’ll need to remove it before proceeding.
You can do this by scrubbing the affected areas with a wire brush or sandpaper. Once you’ve removed all of the rust, you can clean the metal with mild soap and water.
Be sure to rinse it well and dry it completely before moving on.
Polish the Chandelier
After the metal parts are clean, you can polish the chandelier to restore its shine. You can use a commercial polish or make your own by mixing equal parts water and white vinegar.
Apply the polish to a soft cloth and gently rub it into the metal. Be sure to avoid polishing the crystals, as this could damage them.
Once you’ve finished polishing, wipe away any excess with a clean, dry cloth.
Reassemble the Chandelier
Once all of the parts are clean, you can begin to reassemble the chandelier. Start by attaching the larger pieces, such as the arms or candles, and work your way up to the smaller pieces.
Be sure to take your time and be careful not to damage any of the parts. Once you’ve finished reassembling the chandelier, you can then proceed to clean the ceiling fixture.
Clean the Ceiling Fixture
The final step is to clean the ceiling fixture. This is the part of the chandelier that is most likely to be covered in dust and cobwebs.
You can use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to remove the dust, or you can dampen a cloth with soapy water and wipe it clean. Be careful not to get water on your light bulbs, as this could cause them to blow out.
Once the ceiling fixture is clean, you can replace the light bulbs and turn on the power. Your chandelier should now be sparkling clean!
You may need to hire someone who specializes in reaching chandeliers if it is impossible for you to reach the chandelier. Not only do they know how to do it, but they also have the tools and equipment needed to do a good job.
Safety Tips to Avoid any Accidents
Spread a blanket on the floor to prevent pieces from falling apart or breaking if they do.
Ladder safety tips: In order to clean your chandelier on a high ceiling, you will need to use a ladder. Make sure that the ladder is set up on level ground and stable before attempting to climb it.
Don’t use a stepladder. Stepladders are not stable enough and can be dangerous.
Always use a tripod ladder instead. When you are climbing the ladder, always face the ladder and keep three points of contact with the ladder at all times.
Once you are at the top of the ladder, be careful not to lean too far to one side or the other. You should also avoid reaching too far out from the ladder, as this could cause you to lose your balance and fall.
- Always use a mild cleaner: When you are cleaning the chandelier, don’t use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. These can damage the finish of the chandelier and even the glass. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using any cleaning products.
- Don’t use a pressure washer: The high-powered water spray can damage the chandelier.
- Before you start cleaning, be sure to turn off the power to the chandelier. This will prevent you from accidentally electrocuting.
- Dust before you vacuum: If you vacuum first, you could end up scratching the surface of the chandelier.
- Wear white cotton gloves to prevent fingerprints from being transferred to your crystal prisms.
- Don’t clean the chandelier when it’s hot: The heat can cause the cleaner to evaporate too quickly, leaving streaks and spots.
- Clean the lamp during the day: Make sure you have ample light, you can use an alternate light source.
- Cover the bulbs: Cover with plastic bags or a sheet of plastic wrap. It will prevent the cleaner from getting inside the bulbs and causing them to blow out. Wipe in the direction of the metal grain to avoid scratching.
- Wear protection: Wear gloves and a dust mask when cleaning the chandelier, as this will protect you from the harmful chemicals in the cleaning products.
Consider installing a motorized lift to avoid the dangers of working on a ladder. When cleaning chandeliers on high ceilings, it’s important to take safety precautions to avoid accidents. One way to do this is to install a motorized lift that will allow you to reach the chandelier without having to use a ladder. This will also make it easier to clean the chandelier, as you won’t have to worry about balance or stability.
Cleaning a chandelier on a high ceiling can be challenging, but it’s definitely doable with the right supplies and know-how. Just follow the safety tips above and avoid the mistakes, and you will be a pro at cleaning your chandelier on a high ceiling without incident.
Tips for Keeping Your Chandelier Clean in the Future:
- Regular dusting with a soft, dry cloth
- Wiping down with a damp cloth as needed
- Using chandelier cleaner and polishing monthly
- Hiring a professional to clean your chandelier every few years
- Take extra care when cleaning if your chandelier has special finishes or is an antique piece.
FAQs
How Often Should I Clean my Chandelier?
Ans. Depending on the type of chandelier, it may need to be dusted once a week or once a month. If the chandelier is frequently used, it may need to be cleaned more often.
Can I Use a Pressure Washer to Clean my Chandelier?
It is not always recommended to use a pressure washer to clean a chandelier. While this can be an effective way to remove dirt and grime, it can also damage delicate crystals.
For this reason, it is important to use caution when pressure washing a chandelier. When choosing a pressure washer, be sure to select one with adjustable settings. This will allow you to use a lower pressure setting, which will reduce the risk of damage. Also, always hold the pressure washer nozzle at least 12 inches away from the chandelier.
How Do I Protect the Finish of my Chandelier While Cleaning?
Assuming you have a chandelier with a finish that you would like to protect while cleaning there are a few key things you can do.
- Make sure that your dusting cloth is clean and free of debris that could scratch the fixture as you are dusting it.
- Use a mild soap and water solution applied to a clean soft cloth to remove any fingerprints or other spots from the metal surfaces.
- Take care when cleaning the crystals or other glass parts of the chandelier so as not to damage them.
- Be sure to dry the chandelier thoroughly after cleaning to prevent water spots from forming on the finish.
What if my Chandelier is an Antique?
Antique chandeliers can be found in many homes. Many people inherited a chandelier from their grandparents that have been passed down through the family for generations.
These chandeliers are not only beautiful, but they are also valuable antiques. While these pieces can add a touch of elegance and history to any room, they also require special care and attention.
Antique chandeliers are often made of delicate materials, such as lead crystal or glass, and may be adorned with intricate metalwork. As a result, they can be susceptible to damage from dust, humidity, and temperature changes.
To keep your antique chandelier looking its best, it is important to have it cleaned and inspected regularly by a professional. In addition, you should avoid placing the chandelier in an area where it will be exposed to excessive heat or direct sunlight. With proper care, your antique chandelier will continue to grace your home for many years to come.
Final Words
Over time, chandeliers can become covered in dust, cobwebs, and even grease. While this may not be noticeable on a lower ceiling, on a high ceiling, it can be quite unsightly. If the chandelier is not properly cleaned, the build-up of dirt and grime can shorten its lifespan.
Now that you know how to clean a chandelier on a high ceiling, you don’t need to be afraid to tackle the task yourself. Just follow our safety tips and avoid making common mistakes, and you’ll be able to get the job done quickly and easily.
Plus, by using some of our tips for keeping your chandelier clean in between professional cleanings, you can extend the life of your chandelier and keep it looking its best for years to come.