How to clean Crystal

Frequency:
We know people who clean their crystal chandeliers every few months, because they love handling the crystal and admiring it close up. Others do a cleaning every six or nine months.

To stretch the time between cleanings, dust lightly every two or three months with a feather duster, lambs wool duster or make-up brush.

Frequency of cleaning crystal depends on the location of your crystal chandelier, type of crystal and shape of the jewels. For example, Strass crystal manufactured in the last decade has a surface that repels dust and needs cleaning only very occasionally. Hand cut crystal pendeloques tend to show dust, but they are easy to clean because of their size and flatness.

Crystal needs cleaning when it appears dusty or dull. Just look at your crystal chandelier frequently (always enjoyable), and you’ll know when to reach for the white gloves.

Choose among the cleaning methods below, according to the style of your Crystal, and your personal preference.

WARNING: For your safety, follow the directions below explicitly. Extreme care must be taken around any electrical fixture.

White glove method:
This method does not require removing crystal.

Prepare a cleaning solution of one part isopropyl alcohol to three parts distilled water. Put it in a spray bottle.

Wear white cotton gloves. Spray one glove with the above solution and keep one dry. Caress the crystal with the damp glove and wipe it immediately with the dry glove. This can be fun if you love crystal!

IMPORTANT: Do not use packaged cleaning fluids under any circumstances, even if they claim to be for crystal. They may contain ammonia or other chemicals that will eventually degrade the frame finish. The crystal cleaning methods described here are the only methods directlight supports.

If you’re coping with the grime of the centuries, you might want to detach the crystal from your chandelier for cleaning.
Always rinse in distilled water and dry well.