apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I don't know the best cleaner to use, but I do remember hearing somewhere to hang an upside down umbrella from the chandelier to catch drips.

hmr, i will remember that tip when i have to clean mine.

The best way is to fill a spray bottle with ammonia (or use windex) Put a towel on the floor under it and spray it like crazy and let it drip dry. It will sparke.

Just put it in the dishwasher...
;-)

http://retrogradedesign.blogspot.com/2008/01/hello-chandelier.html

I used to work for a lighting showroom that sold fine crystal chandeliers. We were taught by the manufacturer to never use the chandelier cleaners sold in stores, as they may contain chemicals that will degrade the frame. Also, never spray directly onto the chandelier for the same reason. The best method is to wear two white gloves. Spray a solution of one part isopropyl alcohol to three parts distilled water onto one of the gloves. Wipe a crystal with the damp glove and then dry with the dry glove. It takes a long time, but if you have an expensive crystal chandelier, it is worth it.

OOoo, a bungalow Heather! Congratulations. Very exciting!

as a kid my mother would wash our chandelier from a ladder and a white cloth and a damp cloth with windex. Much like the showroom person, it takes a long time...i would just take the time and make it sparkle. Our's always looked great...it's still in mint condition - after 30 years.

Westhenry is correct. You never want to spray anything directly onto a "good" crystal chandelier or any light fixture for that matter. And most cleaners are too harsh for anything but glass. You want to wash and dry immediately for best results and the mixture of alcohol and water works great and won't cloud the crystals even if they aren't real "crystal". Also you don't want harsh cleaners to tarnish or rust the metals especially the fasteners for the crystals themselves.