Quick guide to caring for your vintage chandelier

An antique chandelier is an authentic piece of history that, with a few correct precautions, can maintain its splendor over time.

Before starting the cleaning, always disconnect the power supply from the main panel and wait until light bulbs and glass are completely cool to avoid thermal shock and breakage.

Never rotate the chandelier on itself: move yourself with the ladder around it to avoid stressing the hook or chain.

Protect the floor and underlying furniture with a cloth or sheet.

Prevent water or cleaners from penetrating the lamp holders: if this happens, do not turn the chandelier back on until it is completely dry.

For regular maintenance, periodically dust the chandelier with a long-bristled brush.

For a deeper clean, wear cotton gloves or use a microfiber cloth. Slightly dampen a glove or cloth with water and alcohol and gently rub each crystal. With the other hand, using the other glove or a dry cloth, dry and polish each pendant.

For stubborn dirt, you can disassemble the pendants and wash them in warm water with white vinegar, drying them well before reassembling.

Before disassembling any element, take a photograph of the chandelier to remember the exact position of each crystal and decoration.

If your chandelier is made of Murano glass, it requires special care. You can remove the flowers and leaves that allow it and wash them with water and vinegar, or water and neutral soap, but be very careful not to wet the final part in plaster, which must always remain dry. For the arms and parts that cannot be disassembled, use a soft cloth with warm water and a drop of neutral soap or vinegar. Remember to never wet the plaster where the glass components are inserted: if it gets damp, the plaster weakens and the chandelier can become unstable. If it accidentally gets wet, dry the plaster part immediately.

Finally, for metal parts such as brass or bronze, use only a slightly damp cloth with very little neutral soap. Absolutely avoid metal polishing products found in supermarkets or acidic substances: they are too aggressive and could ruin the antique patina and the special protection we applied during restoration.

Taking care of an antique chandelier with these simple precautions means preserving its integrity over time, enhancing its beauty, and maintaining its original charm.