How to Clean an Old Wooden Clock Case

Here’s how to clean an old wooden clock case. Most of these cases have been sitting around for years, collecting dust from dust bunnies or smokers, or near a smokey fireplace. While a simple dusting and wood polish won’t cut it, cleaning the case is essential for restoring the condition of vintage clocks. Use the following methods to properly clean your vintage clock:

First, use a high-quality wax. Most wooden clock cases are finished with shellac, which can be removed by water or cleaning products. To maintain the original finish, you should always use the appropriate product, such as Briwax. Once you’ve finished polishing, buff the surface with a soft cloth to restore its original sheen. Remember to apply the wax lightly to prevent damage.

When cleaning the glass of your antique clock, you can use a soft bristle brush. These brushes are available at most art and photography stores. Their small bristles will help you avoid damaging delicate parts of the clock. You can also use a soft linen cloth to wipe the less-fragile areas. Just make sure it’s completely clean to avoid scratching the delicate finish of the case. You can also use an alcohol-based cleaner for this task. You can buy one from your local clock repair shop.

If your old wooden clock has a spring, remove it. You can also use a mild cleaner to clean it. But be careful not to use too much cleaning fluid, as it will ruin the finish and affect the value of the clock. If you don’t want to ruin the beauty of your antique, you should clean the case before restoring it. This way, you’ll be sure to avoid damaging it by removing the case.

After the case is thoroughly cleaned, you’ll need to restore the finish of the clock. A few drops of wood finishing wax or oil will work wonders, but you’ll need to apply it regularly to get the best results. You can also use a grease-cutting dish soap. If you’re unsure of which type to buy, try Murphys Soap. It can be used at full strength or diluted with water.

Once you’ve wiped down the case, it’s time to tackle the dial. Using a T-shirt pad and some Ivory dish washing solution, apply the cleaner to the dial. After that, gently rub the cleaner into the surface. Some dials respond very well, while others don’t. Fortunately, you’ll be saving yourself a lot of money by doing this yourself. And it will be much less expensive than paying someone else to restore your clock.