How to Clean a Pendulum Clock
A pendulum regulated clock is an attractive timepiece and a piece of art, but it requires regular cleaning. The most important step in cleaning the clock is to remove the pendulum; moving a clock while the pendulum is attached can damage the suspension spring. Once the pendulum is removed, cleaning the clock is a simple matter of dusting the casing, vacuuming any loose debris and wiping down any glass surfaces. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Stop the pendulum's movement by gently grasping it and moving it into a neutral position. Remove the pendulum from the clock by lifting the pendulum rod free of the crutch's hook and carefully withdrawing it from the clock. Place the pendulum aside in a safe place during cleaning; be very careful to not bend the pendulum while moving it.
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Move the clock away from the wall, being careful not to jostle it. Use a feather duster to remove any dust on the surfaces of the clock, especially the normally inaccessible rear of the casing.
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Use a small dry vacuum to remove any dust or debris trapped in the cracks and crevices of the clock, including on the inside of the pendulum cabinet. Avoid bringing the vacuum near the sensitive mechanisms of the clock.
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Clean any glass surfaces of the clock with a glass cleaner and soft paper towels, including the insides of the glass.
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Move the clock back in place and use a leveling device to ensure that it is completely level. Reattach the pendulum by threading it through the eye of the crutch and securing it on the hook. Restart the pendulum and close any open doors on the clock.
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Tips & Warnings
Proper cleaning can extend the life of a clock, but it does little to slow down wear of internal components. Pendulum clocks should be re-oiled every three years and inspected for mechanical wear and damage.
Do not allow any cleaning chemicals to come in contact with the clock's mechanisms.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
