How to Use Ammonia to Clean a Clock Mechanism

If you have a corroded clock mechanism, cleaning the parts with an ammonia mixture can return the timepiece to its original, shiny shape. But ammonia fumes can be intense. It's important to work in a well-ventilated area and to wear safety goggles since the fumes can irritate the eyes.

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Plastic gallon jug
Rubber gloves
3 1/3 ounces Murphy's Oil Soap
6 2/3 ounces acetone
20 ounces household ammonia
Toothpicks
Toothbrush
Plastic dish pan
Cleaning rag
Hair dryer
Safety goggles

Instructions

- 1
  
  Mix the cleaning solution after donning safety goggles and rubber gloves. Pour the Murphy's Oil Soap, acetone and the ammonia into a gallon jug, and fill the rest of the bottle with water. Swirl the bottle gently to mix the ingredients, but do not shake it.
- 2
  
  Pour the cleaning solution into a shallow plastic pan. Make sure that the pan is no more than about an inch full, which is just enough to cover the parts of the clock mechanism.
- 3
  
  Submerge all components of the mechanism into the cleaning solution to loosen the debris. With all of the parts soaking in the cleaning mixture, clean each mechanism piece. Use the toothbrush to scrub each part of the mechanism. The toothpicks can be used to clear out holes blocked with corrosion. Keep all of the parts submerged in the cleaning mixture until you have cleaned all of components.
- 4
  
  Rinse off the mechanism parts. Use clear, running water. As you finish rinsing each part, place it on a clean rag for drying. Allow the pieces to air dry for about 10 minutes.
- 5
  
  Dry the pieces of the mechanism with a hair dryer. Turn the dryer on low and dry both sides of each piece. Once each piece is completely dry, you are ready to reassemble your clock mechanism.

Tips & Warnings

The ammonia cleaning solution can be stored indefinitely in the plastic jug with the lid tightly closed.
The ingredients in the cleaning solution can be hard on your skin, so wear long, tight sleeves and rubber gloves when working with it.
Work in a well-ventilated area.
Since acetone is flammable, be sure to avoid open sparks and flames when working with the solution.

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How to Use Ammonia to Clean a Clock Mechanism

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