Cleaning tips to make your glass lighting fixtures shine

The sun shining into the house is a welcome change from the gray days of winter, but when it hits your lighting fixtures, do you cringe? If so, follow these cleaning tips from chandelier and lighting fixture maker Crystorama.

Crystal

• Use a soft, water-dampened cloth to clean crystal. If needed, a crystal cleaning solution is available at many lighting stores.

• Never wash crystals in the dishwasher which will cause permanent damage.

• If crystals were removed for cleaning, wear gloves when reinstalling to avoid smudges and fingerprints.

Glass

• Most glass fixtures can be cleaning with a soft, water-dampened cloth.

• If using a commercially available glass cleaner, be sure that it doesn't touch any metal accents.

• To circumvent smudging and fingerprints, wear gloves.

Wrought Iron

• Use a soft cloth and wipe down the frame with plain or soapy water.

• If soapy water is used, be sure that all soap residue is wiped off when finished.

Cast

• Dust or wipe down using a soft cloth.

• Many lighting retailers carry specialty brass finish cleaning products.

General Tips

• Regular maintenance will help support a thorough annual cleaning. Once a week, or as needed, lightly dust fixtures to remove debris or other particles.

• For safety purposes, never work on a lighting fixture with an active electrical current. The best bet is to unplug fixtures or turn off the breaker prior to cleaning for wired in pieces. Never allow liquid to touch wiring.

• As always, check the manufacturers' recommendations before using any cleaning products on your light fixtures.

-- Bridget A. Otto