If you’re lucky enough to own any of Schonbek’s crystal chandeliers, then you’ll want to know how to properly and safely clean them to keep them sparkling. How often you’ll need to clean them will depend on the area they’re in and how much dirt, dust, or smoke seeps into the area.
Basically, you’ll want to clean all crystal chandeliers the same way you clean Schonbek crystal chandeliers. You can also use a duster between cleanings or any type of duster with an extension handle, if needed, that repels dust. When it’s time to clean the chandelier, you’ll want to wear white cotton gloves as the crystals will show fingerprints.
Schonbek recommends using one part isopropyl alcohol to three parts distilled water. Once you have combined the mixture, pour it into a spray bottle. Now all you have to do is spray one of your gloves with the mixture and use that hand to clean the chandelier. You can use the other hand to dry the crystals.
If your chandelier is very dirty, you may need to remove the crystals to clean it properly. If you do this, be sure to write down where each piece goes so that when you reassemble the chandelier there won’t be a problem. With some styles of chandeliers you may have to remove the trim to get to the crystals. You want to do this very carefully and make sure you know how to put it back together. Some people find it helpful to draw a diagram of their Schonbek crystal chandeliers before disassembling them. You may also have received a diagram when you originally purchased your chandelier, and if so, this is one of the reasons you want to keep it.
If your crystals are very dirty, you can also gently wash them in a pan of soapy water, as long as you use only a mild detergent. Although there are some commercial glass cleaners on the market, Schonbek and other glass chandelier manufacturers do not recommend using them because they may contain harsh chemicals that could degrade the glass over time.
The beauty of crystal chandeliers is that they sparkle and shimmer in the light, but they also show fingerprints, dirt, and grime, so you’ll want to keep them clean. However, it is relatively easy to keep your Schonbek crystal chandeliers sparkling, and if you take care of the crystal, you can enjoy your lamps for a long time.