Friday, November 26, 2010

Restore An Antique Crystal Chandelier

The crystals on an antique chandelier should be cleaned regularly.


Antique chandeliers should be cleaned regularly to maintain their luster or shine. One type of antique chandelier that you may have in your home is a crystal chandelier. The crystals can get covered with dust and dirt, but you can return them to their original brightness by washing the individual crystals by hand.


Instructions


1. Unplug the chandelier from the electrical outlet or turn off the breaker at the breaker box so that it is not getting power.


2. Remove all of the light bulbs from the chandelier and set them aside where they won't get broken.


3. Place a folded towel or rubber mat in the bottom of the sink or plastic container to protect the crystal.


4. Fill the sink or plastic container with two to three inches of warm water while adding a few drops of dish soap.


5. Repeat step 3 with another plastic container, but fill it with hot water and 1/4 cup of ammonia.


6. Remove a few of the crystals from the chandelier and place them in the container or sink with the soap and warm water.


7. Wipe each crystal with the cloth to remove any dirt. Place the piece of crystal in the ammonia and water solution and then dry it with a clean towel.


8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 until you have cleaned all of the crystals. Replace each cleaned crystal on the chandelier.








9. Soak a cloth in the soap and water solution and then wring it out. Wipe down all of the bulbs to remove any surface dirt. Ensure the bulbs are dry before you replace them in the chandelier.


10. Wipe down the entire chandelier with the soapy cloth and then restore power to the chandelier to see how well it looks.

Tags: plastic container, antique chandelier, cleaned regularly, crystal chandelier, from chandelier, should cleaned