“How To” : Clean Grandfather Clocks
Keeping grandfather clocks clean is just as important as cleaning your car. The value of clean grandfather clocks will be much higher than grandfather clocks that sit in the corner collecting dust and grime.
Here are 5 easy steps to keep your long case clock running perfectly :
First : Pull your grandfather clock away from the wall without banging it on anything preventing marks and dings. I would suggest an extra person when moving grandfather clocks, to help assure security from falling or getting dings. Second : Use a soft cloth or feather duster when cleaning grandfather clocks to keep from causing scratches. I have found an ostrich feather duster allows minimum pressure to be put on the parts. Continue by dusting the grandfather clocks glass surface. Open the door to the pendulum. Very carefully, dust in the pendulum compartment area, ensuring not to bump the pendulum. Third : Apply the high-quality polish of your choice to a very soft cloth following the polish application guidelines. Starting from the grandfather clocks top, apply the wax to the grandfather clocks surface using small circular motions. Always start from the grandfather clocks top and work your way to the bottom. Fourth : Discard the first cloth used for applying the grandfather clocks polish. Take another clean soft cloth and remove the dried wax in small circular motions working from top to bottom. This process will ensure the beautiful shine for grandfather clocks. Fifth : Using a non-ammonia based glass cleaner, spray the cleaner on the cloth and then clean the grandfather clocks glass surface. Do not spray directly on the grandfather clocks glass ensuring there will not be any spotting on the grandfather clock wood surfaces
Cleaning and dusting your grandfather clock should be done weekly. Wax or polishing your treasure should be every two to three months. Call a professional to clean the clock every 6 to 8 years. Oil and dust buildup will happen within the gears and mechanisms inside the grandfather clock. It requires a professional to disassemble the inner workings, clean them and put them back together.
Cleaning grandfather clocks is not the easiest process, but definitely worth the time.