| How to Clean an Antique Clock Case | | | | The only way to effectively clean a clock is to clean |
| Cleaning an antique clock case is a delicate process; | | | | each individual part in an ultrasonic bath of a |
| it's easy to remove the clocks finish. Always keep in | | | | specialized cleaning solution. Upon being reassembled |
| mind that antiques are supposed to have | | | | all pivot points need to be oiled and sometimes |
| imperfections, they add to the clocks value. Likewise, | | | | require rebushing. |
| removing an antiques finish can substantially decrease | | | | Simply cleaning the plates does not remove the dirt |
| its value. When cleaning your clocks case only use | | | | from the Bearings. Most damage occurs because dirt, |
| products that have been proven safe. | | | | in the bearings, causes the holes to wear more on |
| Antique clocks have a shellac finish and you should | | | | one side than on the other. When the holes are |
| only use a high quality wax, like Briwax. To apply, use | | | | elongated the gears grind and the clock stops |
| a soft cloth and cover the clocks case using circular | | | | working. |
| motions. I find it best to wax the case in sections, | | | | The most often made mistake by people is to think |
| that way the excess wax is not left on the case for | | | | you can simply spray some WD40 on the clock gears |
| to long. After allowing it to dry for a couple minutes, | | | | and call it a day. In fact, applying WD40 is one of the |
| remove the excess wax. After all the wax residue | | | | worst things you can do to your clock. It will not fix |
| has been removed buff with a new soft cloth. | | | | the problem it actually causes more harm than good. |
| The glass can be cleaned with regular household | | | | Spraying WD40 will cause particulates to buildup on |
| Windex. Spray a small amount onto a paper towel | | | | the entire movement. This happens because a clock |
| and use the paper towel to clean the glass. Never | | | | bearing only requires a single drop of oil to operate. |
| spray Windex directly onto the glass because it | | | | Surface tension holds the oil in place. |
| contains alcohol, which will damage the wood shellac | | | | When excess oil is present the weight of the oil is |
| How to Clean an Antique Clock Movement | | | | too much and surface tension will not hold the oil in |
| A proper clock cleaning is a complex process and | | | | place. As the gears rotate, during normal operation, |
| requires the movement be completely disassembled. | | | | the oil will spread throughout the entire movement. |
| Clock movements are comprised of numerous | | | | After a while, the oil will no longer be in the oil sink |
| interconnected gears, which can be difficult to put | | | | and the clock will, in essence, be running without oil. |
| back together, unless you have experience. | | | | Anyone who has used WD40 knows it's impossible |
| Therefore, most people choose to have their clocks | | | | to apply one drop. Additionally, clocks work best |
| cleaned by an expert. | | | | when a specialized synthetic clock oil is used. |