Cleaning oil paintings safely: Housekeeping tips

If you have beautiful oil paintings in your house, then you probably know how careful you should be when keeping them clean.

While most oil paintings are covered with glass to keep them safe, some paintings aren't - so how can you clean them?

Here are a few tips for you.

Dust First

Before wet cleaning, gently brush the painting's surface to remove loose dirt, dust, and cobwebs. 

Use soft, delicate strokes, and work from the top down. Do this regularly to prevent dirt buildup.

Test an Inconspicuous Spot

If your painting is very dirty or you're unsure about its response to cleaning, perform a spot test in a less visible area. 

Moisten a cotton swab with a mixture of distilled water and a drop of mild soap. 

Gently swab a small, hidden section and observe any adverse reactions. If the paint or varnish remains stable, it's usually safe to proceed.

Wipe with Damp Cloth

Moisten a soft, lint-free cloth with distilled water. Make sure it's damp, not dripping wet. 

Starting from the top, gently wipe the painting's surface in small, controlled sections. Use light pressure and avoid rubbing vigorously. 

Change the cloth or its position on the painting frequently to prevent re-depositing dirt.

Remove Stubborn Stains

For more persistent stains or dirt, you can moisten a cotton swab with the water and mild soap solution. 

Gently and carefully dab the stained area, then immediately blot it with a clean, damp cloth to remove the soap residue.

Rinse Carefully

After cleaning with soap, dampen another cloth with distilled water and gently wipe the painted surface to remove any soap residue. 

Be cautious not to oversaturate the painting.

Conclusion

Cleaning oil paintings requires patience and care to avoid any damage. 

When in doubt, it's better to err on the side of caution or consult a professional to ensure the artwork remains in its best condition.
 

• Related news:
• oil
• painting
• cleaning
• tips
• 28 October 2023

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