To keep a crystal chandelier shining its brightest, give it a good cleaning once a year or so.

Most chandeliers can be handled by the weekend do-it-yourselfer, but if your fixture is hung too high or is just too elaborate, call in a professional cleaning service to handle the job.

Many chandeliers are rather complex, so always make note of how your design goes together before you begin cleaning. Make a quick drawing, or get out the camera and take some snapshots.

Extreme care must be taken around any electrical fixture, so work slowly and follow basic safety precautions. To be completely safe, turn off the power at the breaker box. You’ll need to set up alternative lighting; otherwise you’ll be working in the dark!

Taking all crystal and glass off is a more complete cleaning process, allowing you to reach each nook and cranny of the frame. Leaving the crystal or glass attached is a much faster process.

Never twirl or rotate your crystal chandelier. Walk or move your ladder around the chandelier and clean in sections. By rotating a chandelier, you risk loosening its support. If the chandelier is difficult to reach, you should replace the bulbs while you’re at it.

Prepare a cleaning solution of one part isopropyl alcohol to four parts distilled water in a spray bottle. Spray a small amount of the solution on a white cotton glove or lint free cloth. Wipe the crystal or glass with the damp cloth, and then dry it immediately with another glove or cloth.

For chandeliers with more dirt and grime build-up, you can also try hand-washing the glass in lukewarm sudsy water, using a mild dish soap.

To stretch the time between cleanings, dust your chandelier lightly every two or three months with a feather duster or lambs wool duster. Follow these directions and your chandelier will have that special sparkle all year long!