How to Clean a Crystal Chandelier

A crystal chandelier only looks its best when the light can pass cleanly through every crystal. Dust and fingerprints dull the sparkle little by little, so a simple routine keeps it bright for years. Here is how to look after yours.

Before you start

Switch off the power at the wall switch, and for any job that goes beyond light dusting, at the consumer unit too.
Let the bulbs cool completely before you touch the chandelier.
Work safely at height. Use a stable stepladder, or a scaffold tower for a stairwell or double-height ceiling. For large or long chandeliers, work with a second person.
Protect the floor with a thick towel or a dust sheet directly under the chandelier.
Wear cotton gloves. They stop fingerprints from landing on the crystals as you work.

Regular dusting (every 2 to 4 weeks)

Gently go over the crystals and the frame with a soft feather duster or a dry microfibre cloth. Hold each crystal lightly as you wipe it so it does not swing against its neighbours. This takes a few minutes and stops dust from building up.

Deep clean (once or twice a year)

Option 1: clean in place. Spray a dedicated chandelier cleaning spray onto the crystals, never onto the electrical parts, and let it drip dry onto the protected floor. This is the easiest method for high ceilings and stairwells.

Option 2: clean crystal by crystal.

Take a photo of the chandelier from several angles so you know where every crystal goes.
Remove the crystals a few at a time and lay them on a towel.
Wash them in a bowl of warm water with a little washing-up liquid, or wipe them with a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol.
Rinse in clean water and dry each crystal with a lint-free cloth to avoid water marks.
Hang them back in place, using your photos as a guide.

Caring for the frame

Wipe the frame with a soft, dry or barely damp cloth. Gold, brass, chrome and black finishes are easily scratched, so never use abrasive sponges, scouring powder or strong household cleaners on them, and keep alcohol and chandelier spray on the crystals only.

Changing a bulb

Switch off the power and let the bulbs cool first. Always replace a bulb with the same type and the same maximum wattage as the original. The bulb type is shown on the product page of your chandelier. LED bulbs also stay cooler, which helps to keep dust from baking onto the crystals.

What to avoid

Spraying any liquid onto the bulbs, the sockets or the wiring.
Cleaning while the chandelier is switched on or still warm.
Paper towels, which leave fibres and can scratch.
Pulling on the crystals or the chains while you work.
Hanging the chandelier back up or switching it on before every part is completely dry.

Choosing a new chandelier? Our Size Guide helps you find the right size for your room, and our FAQ answers the most common questions about delivery, returns and installation.