18. How do I clean my Geometrix®

Geometrix® by Schonbek is unique in the world of lighting, and we recommend specific methods for cleaning Geometrix® designs.

See separate instructions for Da Vinci™, our new dishwasher safe chandelier.

Frequency of cleaning crystal

We know people who clean their crystal every few months, because they love handling the crystal jewels and admiring them close up. Others do a cleaning every six or nine months.

To stretch the time between cleanings, dust lightly every two or three months with a feather duster, lambswool duster or make-up brush.

Frequency of cleaning depends on location of your Geometrix® and other environmental factors. Geometrix® designs are composed of Swarovski Strass® crystal, which has a protective coating and requires less frequent cleaning than any other crystal in the world. Yet even Strass® crystal will look its most spectacular if you clean it regularly.

Crystal needs cleaning when it appears dusty or dull. Just look at your Geometrix® frequently (always enjoyable), and you'll know when it's time for a cleaning.

WARNING: For your safety, follow the directions below explicitly. Extreme care must be taken around any electrical fixture.

Spray method

This cleaning method is for Geometrix® only. It should not be used for traditional crystal chandeliers.

1. Turn off the power of the chandelier, pendant or sconce at the wall switch. Tape over the switch so it can’t get turned on by mistake. Let bulbs cool completely.

2. Set up alternate lighting and focus it on the crystal.

3. Put a drop cloth under the chandelier to protect the surfaces below from the cleaning solution and to soften the fall of any crystal you might accidentally dislodge.

4. Lightly dust the crystal with a feather duster, lambswool duster or make-up brush to remove superficial dust.

5. If there are upward-pointing bulbs, make sure they’re completely cool, then cover them totally with small sandwich bags or paper cups to prevent liquid from getting into the sockets.

6. Mix a solution of one part isopropyl alcohol to three parts distilled water and put it in a spray bottle.

IMPORTANT: Do not use packaged cleaners under any circumstances, even if they claim to be for crystal. They may contain ammonia or other chemicals that will eventually degrade the frame finish. The cleaning method described here is the only method Schonbek supports for Geometrix™.

7. Spray the fixture thoroughly, avoiding wires and other electrical components.

8. There may be some crystal you need to remove for cleaning. If so, follow instructions in section below.

9. After spraying your Geometrix® with the cleaning solution, spray-rinse with plain distilled water.

10. Allow the crystal to drip dry. Pat dry with a soft cloth.

11. Remove plastic bags or paper cups from the bulbs once crystal has dried.

12. Allow your Geometrix® to dry thoroughly overnight before you turn on the light switch.

If you remove crystal for cleaning...

There may be some crystal you wish (or need) to remove for cleaning, such as the bottom grid of Matrix or Edges® or the outer chains of crystal in Matrix.

1. Have your trim diagram handy for disassembly and reassembly. Lost it? See below.

2. Remove crystal and hand-wash in lukewarm sudsy water, using a mild dish soap like Palmolive®.

3. Rinse in clean water. Dry chains with a soft clean cloth. Use a hairdryer to dry the crystal grids.

CAUTION: Never put crystal in the dishwasher. Except Da Vinci™!

Lost your trim diagram?

Always locate your trim diagram before removing crystal, so you’ll know how to reassemble your Geometrix®. If you’ve lost it, the nearest showroom that carries Geometrix® or other Schonbek products can probably give you a replacement on the spot. Or you can call Schonbek at 800-836-1892.

Emergency method for removing construction dust from Geometrix®

This method should only be used in cases where your Geometrix® is dusty from construction. It will only remove dust and is not appropriate for regular cleaning using liquids.

1. Turn off the power of the chandelier, pendant or sconce at the wall switch. Tape over the switch so it can’t get turned on by mistake. Let bulbs cool completely.

2. Set up alternate lighting and focus it on the crystal.

3. Lightly dust the crystal with a feather duster, lambswool duster or make-up brush to remove superficial dust.

4. Blow off remaining dust with a spray can of compressed air. This product can be found where electronics or photo supplies are sold.

IMPORTANT: Beware of any product that is not pure compressed air, as it may be flammable or otherwise harmful to your Schonbek. Check the label carefully.

Keep crystal clean during trimming

Always wear finger cots when dressing or cleaning your Geometrix®. Fine crystal picks up fingerprints. In the Schonbek factory, we never handle crystal with our bare hands. Geometrix® packaging includes finger cots.

Additional technical support
Feel free to talk directly with a Geometrix® technician in the Schonbek factory for technical support. Call 800-836-1892
.