Dirt and dust can often clog the movable, sliding parts and affect the features of any delicate mechanism, therefore keeping your antique clock clean is an essential part of owning such a unique and wonderful item.Below we have collated five top tips which you can carry out at home, for keeping your clock clean and ensuring your antique looks and functions in the very best way.
1) Dusting Delicate Areas
Using a soft bristle brush is the perfect instrument for dusting lenses. You can find such an item in popular photography and/or art stores. The small bristles on the brush are soft enough to ensure that the delicate parts of you clock can be cleaned without damage. This method of cleaning is also perfect for general dusting of clocks with wooden or metal frames.
2) Wiping Your Clock
For less fragile areas on your clock a soft, linen cloth can be used for wiping. Make sure your cloth is clean before use and is free from dirt, water and/or cleaning products.
Most antique clocks have a wooden finish to the case. If you are looking to wipe the case itself you need to use a high-quality wax such as Briwax. Most wooden cases have a shellac finish which water and other cleaning products often remove. Therefore, using the correct product is essential to keeping your clock’s original finish intact.
3) Removing Stubborn Marks
For any irritating, stubborn marks on the glass covering the clock’s face using cotton wool lightly dampened with a mild detergent is best. Most house-hold cleaner is safe for cleaning the glass however, for detergents containing alcohol, make sure you spray the cleaner on to a paper towel rather than applying to the clock directly. This will avoid causing any damage or erosion to the face of your antique.
4) Giving your clock a fantastic finish
Buffing your clock provides a wonderful finish to your antique. A chamois leather is a fantastic item to gently buff the face and the casing of your clock. Most high street stores such as Screwfix and B&Q sell the item, as do online retailers Amazon and Ebay. The item sells for between £10-£30 depending on the store, but it is definitely an item worth having in your cupboard.
5) Cleaning metal parts and cases
Avoid using metal polishes and WD40 for any metal parts and framing on your clock. Metal polishes are known for seeping in to the moving mechanisms of your clock and, in more serious cases, have been known for destroying and eroding valuable parts.
It is always recommended that you contact a clock specialist for any cleaning of major parts as dismantling and oiling the clock is often involved. This is a delicate procedure and is best carried out by an experienced person.
For any antique clocks currently not in use remember: the best way to keep dirt and dust from spoiling the item is to place them in a box or display cabinet.
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