3 easy cleaning tricks for chandeliers, candlesticks and pewter

What do chandeliers, pewter and candlesticks have in common? Well, they may all be part of a pretty dinner party set-up, but they're also all things in the home that can be cleaned in surprisingly easy ways.

To clean all the pendants and bangles and bits on a crystal chandelier, do you have to go to the trouble of taking it apart? Not if you use this relatively easy method and don't mind standing on a ladder.

1. First, make sure the ladder is secure and that your shoes have good, gripping soles.
2. Second, flip out the tray at the top of the ladder and set a small bowl of diluted rubbing alcohol on top (one part alcohol to three parts water).
3. Slip an old cotton glove over your hand, dip your fingers into the alcohol and wipe the glass clean with your forefinger and thumb.
4. Then soak a second cotton glove in fresh water and go over the same areas.
5. Dry all of the parts of the chandelier with a clean, soft cotton cloth.

You might have more than romantic memories to remind you of your candlelight dinner: a table full of wax-encrusted candlesticks, perhaps? Gather up the candlesticks and head to the kitchen, where you have several cleaning options.

• Hold the candlesticks under running hot water and rub the wax off with a soft cloth. Wash them in hot soapy water until any wax residue is gone.
• If the candlesticks are glass, lay them in the microwave on a paper towel and run the oven at its lowest setting for three minutes. When you open the door, you'll find the wax on the towel, not the candlesticks.
• Pop candlesticks of any material into the freezer for a couple of hours. When you take them out you'll probably be able to lift the wax right off.

Pewter bowls and candlesticks are not only attractive but also easy to clean — you can usually restore the gentle sheen by simply wiping pewter pieces with a damp cloth. If smudges and smears remain, head for the fridge or fireplace. A rubdown with cabbage leaves or moistened wood ashes will make pewter look like new.

With these easy cleaning tips, you'll be able to keep your beautiful dinner party accessories shiny, bright and clean and ready for your next special evening.