How to Clean Antique Clocks
Antique clocks are older in age so they must be handled with care. Most people believe that they cannot be cleaned but they can with the proper instructions. They become dirty on the inside as well as the inside. The dirt can render the clock inoperable if they are not maintained on a regular basis.
How to Clean Antique Clocks
Materials Needed
- Gloves
- Mask
- Clean cloths
- Lint free towel
- Air duster
- Bowl
- Water
- Mild liquid dish detergent
- Cotton balls
- Cotton swabs
- Clock lubricant
- Wear gloves when handling the clock so the parts are not damaged from the oil or dirt on your hand. The clock is very fragile so care must be taken. Wear a mask so you do not inhale dust or fumes from cleaning.
- Use a clean cloth to wipe the exterior of the clock to remove any dirt or oil. You want to do this step first so excess dirt does not enter the clock when you take it apart.
- Spread a clean lint free towel on a flat surface and place the clock on it. Remove the casing from the clock so you can see the inside.
- Spray the inside of the clock with a can of air duster. Make sure the can is at least 12 inches away from the clock when you spray it.
- Fill a bowl with water and add a small amount of mild liquid dish detergent to it. Dip a cotton ball into it. Squeeze excess liquid out of the cotton ball. Use the cotton ball to clean the inside and outside of the clock. Change cotton balls as often as possible. Dip a cotton swab in the solution and use it to clean hard to reach areas on the clock.
- Use a dry cotton ball to dry the clock. Apply lubricant made for clocks on a cotton ball and use it to go over the parts and outside of the clock. Allow the clock to dry for one hour. Place the case back on the clock.