Caring for Waterford Crystal Lamps--Cleaning Waterford Lamps

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Keep Water Away from Waterford Crystal Lamps - Morguefile/Clarita
Keep Water Away from Waterford Crystal Lamps - Morguefile/Clarita
Cleaning a Waterford Crystal lamp or lighting fixture requires special care. Water and cleaning solvents will damage polished lacquered finishes.

Waterford Crystal chandeliers illuminate Washington, D.C.'s John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Westminster Abbey in London chose Waterford Crystal for its hanging chandeliers to mark its 900th anniversary celebration. Waterford Crystal Lamps sit in places of distinction throughout the world, having provided elegant lighting for discriminating tastes for over four centuries.

When true craftsmen know their art and create crystal that "makes light sparkle and dance," the result is magical. A Waterford Crystal lamp can transform a room, adding grace and beauty to homes and offices. A collection of Waterford Crystal lamps, especially those designed for entrances, foyers and special venues, creates magic in action. Sunlight reflects from multi-faceted crystal parts, painting rainbows in the air. Crystal Waterford lamps capture nighttime illumination to add a special kind of glow to evening events.

Caring for a Waterford Lamp

A Waterford Crystal lamp is made up of its crystal body, electrical wiring, metallic parts and lamp shade. According to the manufacturer's instructions, dusting frequently with a soft, dry cloth works best to keep lamps clean.

If a damp cloth is required, it should never touch any metallic surfaces. Water will break down lacquers on the metal's surface, resulting in discoloration and possible pitting.

Instead, wipe metal parts of the lamp with a soft, dry, clean cloth. By no means use cleaning solvents on the metal surfaces of a Waterford Lamp.

Waterford Crystal Table Lamps, Floor Lamps and Lighting Fixtures Require Attention to Cleaning

Waterford Crystal lamps come in various sizes. Crystal accent lamps, Waterford table lamps, tall buffet lamps, floor lamps and Waterford ceiling fixtures combine lacquered, polished metal with beautiful, sparkling crystal.

If the lamp being cleaned is sitting upon a surrounding table or desk, care should be taken not to spray furniture polish around it. Instead, polish should be applied directly to the dusting cloth. Moving the lamp from the area before cleaning will protect it from stray cleaning solvents or polish.

Lamp shades should be dusted with a soft, dry cloth or vacuumed gently using a small brush with bristles. They should never be washed or wet.

Caring for a Waterford Crystal Chandelier

Just as when cleaning a Waterford lamp, the manufacturer suggests that each piece in a Waterford Crystal chandelier be carefully hand-dusted with a dry, soft cloth. Use a lightly dampened cloth only if needed, being careful not to touch any of the chandelier’s metal surfaces with water. Cover any items beneath the chandelier, or move them if possible, before attempting to clean the lighting fixture.

Chandelier cleaners on the market are not suited for cleaning Waterford chandeliers because their “drip-dry” methods can damage metal parts electrical components of the fixture.

Sources:

Waterford Crystal: Worthy of the Moment for Over Two Centuries. Waterford Wedgwood USA, Inc., 2004.

Debra Winstead, D Winstead

Debra Winstead - Debra Winstead combines over three decades of teaching experience with a love of learning new things. Writing online is currently a new ...

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