A brass chandelier can be cleaned with soap and water, as long as no stains appear. If there are, it is better to use products that are a little more acidic. However, caution is still required and you need to make the right mixtures. Enough to make your light shine!
Soapy water: the basic technique
After dusting your chandelier , you can wash it with soap and water. Yes, the soap solution remains the simplest and most practical for routine maintenance. However, you should use a mild soap to avoid creating a chemical reaction.
Black soap with water would be perfect, for example. Marseille soap is also a nice option as well as all other pH neutral soaps .
After washing the chandelier with water, dry it with a soft cloth and in the open air. The process should not be slow, so go quickly without forcing too much. You should also not scratch the chandelier since its golden color is its main asset.
Baking soda and soda crystals
Baking soda is the most "standardized" cleaning product of all. It removes bad odors, dirt and even grime.
You can use it if the brass loses its shine and changes color. The same goes for soda crystals which have the same effect. The aim is to eliminate anything that has formed as a result of wear.
Obviously, you should always dilute them in water or at least use them with water. The proportion of bicarbonate and soda crystals should be much lower than that of water. Usually, one or two pinches are enough for a glass of water.
How to clean a medium-sized chandelier. For larger models, you can use a medium-sized basin of water. Then, add two or three tablespoons of one of these cleaners.
Alcohol diluted in water
Denatured alcohol , that is, alcohol diluted in water, is another solution. It can remove scale from a brass chandelier . Since brass can be stained, oxidized or flaking, this cleaner is very well placed.
It is gentle and acidic at the same time. It will clean and even make your beautiful light fixture shine. It is especially recommended on old models that are starting to change color.
The water must be lukewarm for it to work. So you should dilute about 1 liter of alcohol to 4 liters of water. If you are using a basin, do the math to keep the proportions right.
Otherwise, the mixture will be too acidic or not acidic enough. Afterwards, rinse with hot or lukewarm water, before scrubbing. This is how your chandelier will regain its best years.
Consumables
You can also use consumable products to clean your brass chandelier. Just like for a bronze chandelier, you can apply:
- Lemon ,
- Vinegar ,
- Coca-Cola ,
- Ketchup ,
- Toothpaste …
You will only have to put a hazelnut or a cap of the product and rub directly. No need for a setting time. Their acidity is enough to descale and remove stubborn dirt .
If you think it is necessary, scrub with a toothbrush. This is because it is much gentler than a hand, foot or laundry brush.
Make your brass chandelier shine
After cleaning, you should always rub the surface of the chandelier with a soft textile . In fact, prolonged oxidation of the brass should be avoided . This is why rubbing should be quick and energetic.
Also wear gloves even if you are only using soapy water. This will keep your fingers from the chemical reaction. It is inevitable since there will be some, but you should limit it by acting quickly.
Remember to always turn off the power before removing the light fixture from the ceiling . You should do this at the source, at the meter. Also check the switch, as electrocution could be fatal.
It is better to use a stepladder to ensure balance especially for a large chandelier. A chair could fall and you will fall. So the real risk is to hurt yourself.
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