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How to Clean Crystal Figurines

Crystal is a type of glass produced with lead. This process makes it sparkle, shine and create light reflection. The lead in crystal figurines also makes them softer and more likely to scratch, so you have to use care when removing dust, dirt, smudges and stains. Many crystal cleaning specialists recommend storing crystal in enclosed curio cabinets or display cases lined with weather stripping to eliminate dust and cleaning figurines with a micro-fiber cloth or a soft cloth dipped in mild glass cleaner that does not contain ammonia or bleach. This usually works, but sometimes crystal figurines need more intense cleaning.

Things You'll Need

Micro-fiber cloth
Ammonia-free mild glass cleaner
Soft cloth
Blow dryer
Compressed air can
Soft toothbrush
Auto detail brush
Make-up brush
Photo lens blower brush
Distilled white vinegar
Water
Plastic tub
1 cup crystal chandelier cleaner
Towel
Cotton swabs

Instructions

- 1
  Remove dust from crystal figurines with a blow dryer on the cool setting or a can of compressed air. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, auto detailing brush, new make-up brush or photo lens blower brush to remove dust and dirt from small crevices.
- 2
  Dip newspaper in a solution made of 1 part vinegar and 3 parts water. Carefully wipe your crystal figurines with the wet newspaper. Repeat if necessary. Wipe with a soft, lint-free cloth.
- 3
  Fill a plastic tub with lukewarm water. Add 1 cup crystal chandelier cleaner, available at hardware, home improvement or cleaning supply stores. Clean crystal figurines one at a time to avoid scratches and chips. Dip a soft cloth into the tub and wipe off the figurine. Avoid submerging or soaking your figurines as it could loosen the glue that holds them together. Rinse in tepid water and lay figurines on a towel. Remove water in fine crevices with a cotton swab.

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