How to Clean the Grandfather Clock Movement

You may be lucky enough to decorate your home with a grandfather clock. It certainly adds an element of grandeur while keeping your home charming and cosy. The chimes can be heard throughout your house and many find that the constant ticking can help them sleep soundly at night. But what people often forget is that your clocks do need some regular maintenance now and again. It can last for centuries and be passed down generations if you take the best care of this stately piece. You may want to hire someone to take on the task but, if you want to save a few bucks and learn what makes your clock tick, this can be done easily enough at home! 

First, you will need to dust your grandfather clock weekly. This will keep the dust from settling in places where it can cause damage The best duster to use for this is one made if ostrich feathers as it is lightweight and will avoid putting pressure on the delicate mechanisms within the clock. You will need to dust the top and front of the clock as well as opening the front panel and dusting inside as well every week.  

The glass should also be cleaned weekly. The best cleaner to use is one which is ammonia-free along with a soft, lint-free cloth. Wipe down both sides of the glass on the clock face and the front panel where the pendulum hangs too. Waxing and polishing can be left for every two to three months to keep your grandfather clock looking its best.  

The mechanism inside can be cleaned every six to eight years. This does not need to be done as regularly as it takes a while for oil and dust buildup to damage the mechanism. You can get assistance from a professional to take the mechanism apart, clean each piece and put it back together. This is the best way to clean the mechanism is to take it all apart, but if you do not have the skill to do so or the assistance, then you can simply clean the outside of the mechanism but this is not as effective. You will need to oil the clock once every two years, or when you find that the clock is slowing down or not functioning correctly. These oiling kits can be purchased from furniture stores that sell grandfather clocks, antique stores or speciality clock stores. You will get small bottles of oil and application tools as well as a detailed guide to how to apply correctly. 

So, you have all the tools to clean your grandfather clock effectively at home. When you purchase an antique grandfather clock it is important to clean it straight up, as you do not know for sure how long it has been since it was cleaned properly. If you keep up with regular maintenance then you will find that your clock will be working perfectly for years to come!