Chandeliers are complicated to clean and therefore it is best to adhere to a simple procedure.

1) Frequency to clean the chandelier:
Glass on cleaning done once every six to eight months is highly recommended – wherein you clean only from the glass surface. Glass off cleaning done once a year is important to keep the lights at its brightest – wherein you take the crystals and glasses individually – clean them completely and then place them back on the chandelier.

2) Smart planning:
Certain chandeliers can be vast and the best way to clean would be to make a blueprint of how you will go about cleaning. This helps you to decide before-hand and you will know what part to clean first.

3) Safety Precautions:
This bit is important to remember – It is vital to turn off the wall switch for the chandelier; better way is to switch off the button at the breaker box. You must also place a newspaper or drop cloth below the chandelier to prevent glasses and crystals breaking on the floor. Also have alternate lighting which helps in cleaning efficiently.

4) Items needed:
A ladder depending on where the chandelier is placed. A soft lint free cloth or white gloves (crystal and glasses picks fingerprints easily). A cleaning solution – 4 parts of water for every 1 part Isopropyl alcohol / Chandelier crystal cleaner solutions readily available in stores. A dry cloth to wipe off the solution from the crystal glass after cleaning.

5) Cleaning:
With the glass on method – make sure to spray the cleaning solution on the lint cloth, then clean the crystal glass, immediately after which use the dry cloth to clean the solution off the glass. ( note: do not spray directly on crystal glass ).

With the glass off method – make sure to have every part of crystal glass carefully removed. Spray the cleaning solution on the lint cloth, then clean the crystal glass, immediately after which use the dry cloth to clean the solution off the glass. You can also use soap water to clean stains.

6) Mount the crystal glass back carefully ( after glass off ):
This needs to be done with care. Use screws, wires and other tools to make sure you do not rotate the chandelier. After carefully placing the glass back on the chandelier, do a final check to make sure no place is left unattended.

You may switch the lights back on or in case of breaker box, put the switch back on.

This the correct and safe procedure to cleaning the chandelier also making sure you have not corroded the glass with harmful chemicals – which in turn would destroy the glass.