Ways To Clean Crystal Candlesticks
To keep your crystal candlesticks looking sparkling new it is best to wash them by hand in luke warm water.
Hot water and dishwashers are not recommended as the candlesticks could break or get permanently scratched in a dishwasher.
First remove all the wax residue using a suitable technique.
There are several techniques for washing crystal candlesticks. Both lemon juice and white vinegar work very well. Take a piece of cut lemon and rub the crystal inside and out, leave it for a few minutes. Fill it with luke warm water and let it stand for 1-2 hours. Hand rinse the candlesticks thoroughly and dry with a lint free cloth. Do not air dry as crystals get water spots very easily with the calcium and mineral deposits in water.
Ways To Clean Crystal Candlesticks
Add a little white vinegar can also be added to the warm water with a light liquid detergent and soak the crystal candlesticks in them for about an hour or two. If the candlesticks have got really foggy, you may need to soak them in undiluted white vinegar for a couple of hours. Then rinse in water and dry with a lint free or microfibre cloth.
If you are washing more than one delicate item, you could set up the sink first to create a soft padding for the crystal. Plug the sink, then lay a few old tea-towels to cover the bottom and sides. This would give the crystal candlesticks added protection and prevent accidental breakage. A large plastic bowl can also be similarly used.
Fill the padded basin with luke warm water before adding a light detergent and some lemon juice or white vinegar. The pieces can be left to soak for a few hours. If the items are intricately patterned, a camel-hair brush or a soft make-up brush or a soft bristle toothbursh that has been pre-soaked in water or even a shaving brush can be used to clean out the edges and crevices. Rinse in warm water and dry straightaway with a lint free cloth or microfibre cloth.
A mild solution of ammonia in water can also be used instead of vinegar and lemon to clean crystal candlesticks. If the candlepieces have any gold or silver or metal rims or decoration on them, do not use any harsh chemicals including strong soaps, vinegar, lemon, ammoniaor borax. Also do not use hot water either. When washing and rinsing always use luke warm water. Do not use either hot or cold water, as either temperature could crack the glass. Let the items return to room temperature before using.
Store them upright with enough room between them so they don't get bumped and scratched and also have enough room to expand with the temperature.
