How to Clean a Chandelier

Written by Amy Gordon (last updated September 9, 2024)

Chandeliers and central light fixtures make beautiful, intricate additions to your home. Since most items in these categories have many parts, it is difficult to thoroughly clean the chandelier, especially while it's still hanging from the ceiling. The good news is that you do not have to take a chandelier or central light fixture apart to clean it. Instead, you can follow these steps for the best results.

  1. Make sure to switch off the light and let it cool completely. Most lights can be very hot and can easily burn you if you are not careful.
  2. Cover the light sockets and bulbs with plastic sandwich bags and secure them with rubber bands or twist ties. Make sure the bags are secure enough that liquid will not be able to leak into the light sockets or touch the bulb, since a leak can lead to a ruined chandelier or light fixture, or even an electrocution.
  3. Cover half the chandelier with a plastic sheet and spread another sheet on the floor to catch any drips from the chandelier.
  4. Spray the uncovered half with window cleaner or a commercial chandelier cleaner.
  5. Carefully wipe each piece of the chandelier clean.
  6. Repeat steps 3 through 5 for the other half.

Even though you are not taking apart the chandelier, it is clearly still a time-consuming job, since each individual piece needs to be cleaned. If the thought of wiping each of the chandelier parts individually sounds intimidating, you can instead use a solution of two teaspoons rubbing alcohol in a pint of water. Spray it liberally on the chandelier (after doing steps 1 and 2) and allow it to drip-dry. This will still leave a very clean chandelier, but it will not quite be as good as cleaning each individual part, since you won't be wiping off any dust or grime.

Author Bio

Amy Gordon

Amy Gordon loves keeping things simple, natural, and safe so she can spend more time having fun. Every day she learns new things about making life at home easier and she loves to share it with you! ...

MORE FROM AMY

Removing Stains from Fingernails

You can protect your nails with lemon juice. For natural relief from fungus stains, try Vicks Vapor Rub or grape seed ...

Discover More

Gardening in Pots

Gardening in limited spaces can be done easily by planting in pots. Make sure you have good containers that will not ...

Discover More

Clean Houseplant Leaves with Banana Skins

Houseplants can be very useful in decorating your home, but you must keep them looking good. Make sure to clean any dead ...

Discover More

Remove Stubborn Stains Quickly Get everything looking clean again: Walls, floors, baseboards, counters, blinds, appliances, and more. Micro-scrubbers easily reach into surface grooves, lifting dirt away. This low-cost 8-pack is great for stubborn stains and touble areas. Check out Mr. Clean Magic Eraser 8-Pack today!

More Cleaning Tips

Cleaning Outdoor Light Fixtures

Cleaning outdoor light fixtures is a chore that is often forgotten. Follow these tips to help your outdoor lights sparkle!

Discover More

Cleaning a Ceiling Fan

A ceiling fan can help keep the temperature of a room just right and with proper maintenance ceiling fans can last a ...

Discover More

Clean Your Light Bulbs for a Brighter Day

For some reason, a dimmer house just doesn't look as clean and nice as a brighter house. To keep your house looking ...

Discover More
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in Cleaning Tips from Tips.Net. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

View most recent newsletter.

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 2 + 8?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)

Newest Tips
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in Cleaning Tips from Tips.Net. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

View the most recent newsletter.

Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.