How to Bathe a Victorian Wagon

A Victorian Wagon is a four-wheeled carriage drawn by one or two horses and named after Queen Victoria of England. It has no doors, has a forward-facing seat enough for two people, a folding roof (calash), and a removable coachman's seat above the front axle. Special care is needed in bathing or cleaning different parts of the wagon since some parts may be irreplaceable if damaged.

Things You'll Need

• Car soap
• Sponge or terrycloth rag
• Warm water
• Bucket
• Chamois leather or a dry towel

Instructions

1. Assemble all the cleaning paraphernalia. Select a spot that is shady. The spot should as well be away from trees that may drop fruits, leaves, dripping sap, or free from surface waters, because the wagon may carry sediments or contaminants that when released can contaminate groundwater.

2. Fold the calash and remove the coachman's seat. Take out every detachable object from the wagon. Place small pieces in one container to avoid losing them. Close all the doors, if your wagon has doors.

3. Obtain a bucket and fill it 3/4 of the way with warm water. Apply a cupful of car soap in the water and set the bucket aside. Avoid using harsh chemicals or products such as detergents because they could damage the coating of the wagon.

4. Rinse as much dirt as possible off the body of the wagon using a hose pipe beginning with the wagon, the front axles and working down to the wheels. Direct the hose to the front axle, the bottom of the wagon, the wheels and the spikes.

5. Form lather using a sponge or terrycloth rag in the soapy water in the bucket. Apply the lathered sponge to the wagon, beginning with all four sides of the wagon. The soap should not get into contact with the calash or the seats because it can damage them. Apply the sponge to the front axle, wheels and the spokes.

6. Wet the terry rag in clean water and use it to wipe the carrier or the seats to remove soapy residue. Allow it to dry under the sun and then use it to wipe areas that look soiled on the calash and then rinse it off thoroughly. Allow the calash to dry completely before folding it. This will help prevent mildew.

7. Give the wagon one final rinse using the hose to get rid of any water spots once all four sides have been washed and rinsed.

8. Dry the wagon using a towel by setting it flat against the surface of the wagon. Drag it along the surface to dry it. Polish the metal or chrome parts using the towel to remove the water spots. Allow some time to dry.

References

• Consumerreports.org: Do's And Don'ts of Washing Your Car
• The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection: When you wash your Car in the Driveway, Remember you're not Just Washing your Car in the Driveway
• EPA: Managing Vehicle Washing to Prevent Contamination of Drinking Water
• Encyclopædia Britannica: Victoria
• The Victorian Dictionary: The Carriage Horse