How to Clean a Chandelier on a High Ceiling?

Chandeliers are now common in many modern homes. These light fixtures consist of multiple light bulbs hanging from the ceiling. However, some chandeliers are suspended from ceilings over 12 feet high. They are mounted higher up and add visual appeal. However, many don't know how to clean a chandelier on a high ceiling.

Interestingly, chandeliers on lower ceilings are much easier to clean. You can easily reach all their components, including the metal frame, crystals, and arms. However, chandeliers installed at higher heights can pose serious cleaning challenges. In this article, I will discuss practical ways to clean chandeliers in high-ceilinged rooms. 

Things to Consider When Cleaning a High Ceiling Chandelier

As I said earlier, cleaning the chandeliers, especially those at higher heights, can be difficult. Therefore, you should take some precautions before cleaning them. Here are some key things you must know before the cleaning process:

• Chandeliers on high ceilings are difficult to reach. Many people consider using a stick with a microfiber cloth on one end to clean such a chandelier. I don't recommend it as it won't clean chandeliers effectively. Instead, you should use extension ladders.

• Chandeliers are decorative light fixtures that focus on aesthetic appeal. They are not strong enough to withstand harsh cleaning. Therefore, you must clean them gently. A slightly harsh approach can affect the proper functioning of lights or bulbs. 

• There is no doubt that chandeliers can accumulate dust, which can stick to their parts. So you will have to use a wet microfiber cloth to remove such sticky dust. However, you must turn off the chandeliers to prevent electrical shocks. 

• Unlike a simple lamp or bulb, a chandelier is heavier and has multiple bulbs and arms. Therefore, if you use a harsh approach, the chandelier may move or shake. These movements can cause the ceiling mounts to break due to an imbalance in weight. You should ensure that chandeliers remain steady and stable during cleaning.

How to Clean a Chandelier on a High Ceiling?

If you follow the above precautions, you'll be able to clean the chandeliers safely. In the section below, I will discuss a step-by-step guide for cleaning chandeliers on a high ceiling:

Step 1: Turn off & Allow Chandelier Bulbs to Cool

First, you must turn off the chandelier bulbs before cleaning. If the chandelier bulbs have been on for a long time, turn them off and let them cool for at least 30 minutes. This cooling of the chandeliers' bulbs is crucial for safety. If you start cleaning the chandelier without cooling it first, it can affect the bulbs' performance. Additionally, the bulbs can break immediately when a wet microfiber cloth comes into contact with them.

Step 2: Arrange a Stable Ladder

As I mentioned earlier, the high ceiling chandeliers are very high. Their height from the ground is over 12 feet. This means reaching such chandeliers can be problematic. For this, I recommend using a ladder to reach the chandeliers easily. There are different types of ladders available, each with a different size. However, you should use an extendable ladder that offers excellent height accessibility. You can extend the ladder to reach even the highest chandeliers.

Step 3: Remove Loose Dust Using a Soft Microfiber Cloth

The chandeliers remain exposed to dust and debris. If chandeliers are left uncleaned for a long time, they can accumulate a lot of dust. Before cleaning with a wet cloth, use a dry microfiber cloth to remove this dust. Remember, a soft cloth will not cause abrasion when wiping dust from the chandeliers' components. It is highly advised not to use a wet cloth immediately without removing the dust. If you do so, the dust will get damp and may stick to the chandelier's components. 

Step 4: Use a wet cloth to Wipe Crystal or Glass Parts Gently

Once you've removed the dust, it's time to clean and wipe the chandeliers. For this, make a solution of water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Remember, the water in this solution should be slightly warm. Why? This will help clean the chandeliers more effectively. Now, use a microfiber cloth and dip it into the solution.

After wringing it out, wipe the chandelier's crystal and glass parts gently. It's key to wipe and clean with a gentle approach to ensure the safety of the chandeliers' glass parts. I don't recommend wiping the bulbs when they are installed. If you clean the installed bulbs, the solution can affect the bulb holders and impact performance. Instead, you should clean the bulbs after removing them from the fixture.

You can do it by rotating the bulb counterclockwise. Once removed, gently wipe the glass covering with the microfiber cloth. After cleaning, you should ensure the bulb is dry before you reinstall it in the chandelier. This will ensure the bulb mounts don't get moisture, which can cause short circuits when you switch the chandeliers on after cleaning. The moisture that reaches the mounts may not dry completely, which is dangerous.

Step 5: Clean the Metal Frame Carefully

Once the bulbs are cleaned, the last step is to clean the metal frame of the chandelier. Remember, chandeliers have many metal components, including the frame and arms. Some modern chandeliers can have crystal arms. 

You should clean the metal parts, such as the frame and arms, carefully. Use a wet microfiber cloth to remove dust and other contaminants from the metal frame. You should wipe the frame repeatedly to ensure it is thoroughly cleaned. Once cleaned, the metal frame of chandeliers must be dried. If left wet, the metal parts can corrode over time.

Quick Note: After cleaning, you should keep the chandeliers off for at least two to three hours. Why? This will ensure the moisture present on the chandeliers, crystals, and other parts dries completely. If this moisture does not dry, and you switch on the chandelier, it can affect the chandelier's performance. It may even cause damage if the mounts or holders are moist.

Conclusion

Let's conclude: chandeliers are valuable, especially when you need aesthetics with functionality. These decorative fixtures consist of multiple bulbs. These bulbs can provide excellent illumination even when installed in high-ceiling chandeliers. However, if the chandeliers are not cleaned, their lighting can be affected. 

For example, dust on the chandelier bulbs can affect their lighting. Additionally, uncleaned chandeliers can deteriorate quickly. Therefore, you must clean them periodically to keep them in good condition. In this article, I outline five easy-to-follow steps for cleaning high-ceiling chandeliers.