How to Clean a Grandfather Clock

Cleaning a grandfather clock is one of the chores that comes with owning a quality piece of furniture. These clocks stand as a testament to a forgotten era of stately timepieces and deliberate exhibitions of wealth. The grandfather clock can be cleaned at home with just a little technique and patience.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Duster
• Soft cloth
• Quality furniture wax
• Non-ammonia based glass cleaner

1. Pull the grandfather clock away from the wall very gently. Don't strike the unit on anything while moving it. Bring the clock out from the wall far enough to reach the entire rear of the piece.

2. Use a duster or soft cloth to remove any loose dust and debris from the body of the clock and from the top pediment as well. Continue by dusting the glass areas of the grandfather clock. Open the front panel or door to the pendulum and carefully dust in the compartment taking care not to bump or strike the pendulum.

3. Apply a high-quality furniture polish to a very soft cloth. Work the wax into the clock's surface from the top pediment downward. Slowly rub the wax into the wood in a circular pattern from top to bottom.

4. Remove the wax with another soft cloth working from bottom to top. This process will leave the clock with a beautiful, lasting shine.

5. Clean the glass portion of the clock with a non-ammonia based glass cleaner. Spray the cleaner onto the cloth and not onto the clock itself to prevent spotting.

Tips & Warnings

• Grandfather clocks should be inspected and oiled by a professional at least once a year.
• Never spray wax or glass cleaner directly onto the grandfather clock's surface. Always spray onto a soft cloth and work onto the unit.
• Never attempt to clean the clock's actual movement or pendulum. These components require professional attention.

Resources

• Find a wealth of grandfather clock information here.
• Here is a website dedicated to every kind of clock.