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SheilaSomerset

SheilaSomerset Report 5 Feb 2020 15:57

I was given one of those big over-mantel mirrors with ornate carved edging (gold coloured). We've been redecorating and it needs a good clean. I was thinking of wiping all the nooks and crannies with a muslin cloth dipped in oil. Is there a particular oil to use for this (not too pongy)? x

Researching:
Gloucestershire, Dorset, Hampshire, Derbyshire, London, Lithuania, Russia

Shirley~I,m getting the hang of it

Shirley~I,m getting the hang of it Report 5 Feb 2020 16:05

What about a mild detergent in warm water and a soft cloth to wipe over

Depending how old it is you don’t want to rub anything off


Would think oil would attract more dust

Researching:
Surname Fahse. Germany. Essex .South East London My avatar is one of our wedding photos of 1957

RolloTheRed

RolloTheRed Report 5 Feb 2020 16:18

white vinegar and a chamois (real) cloth
nothing oily
dubious about detergent

Researching:
The Man In the High Castle

MR_MAGOO

MR_MAGOO Report 5 Feb 2020 16:34

Try diluted white vinegar and an old toothbrush for the nooks and crannies.

Kay????

Kay???? Report 5 Feb 2020 16:36

use a small clean dry paint brush for the hard to reach places,,,and just use a clean damp lint free cloth for rest gentley wipe it over ,,,,,,,,


,,dont use white/brown vinegar as its a cutting agent for polish and contains acid and will dull the gilt varnish paint leaving black streak marks.if its gilt wood framed

AnninGlos

AnninGlos Report 5 Feb 2020 16:38

Whatever you use test it in a part that doesn't show too much to make sure it doesn't adversely affect it.

Researching:
Photo spring Researching Somerset, Dorset, Hampshire, Derbyshire, Staffs, Devon, Glamorganshire. Ingram, Masters, Tamblyn, Knight, Warner, Bate, Allen, Riggs, Dominey, Duffin

LaGooner

LaGooner Report 5 Feb 2020 16:46

When we clean items in our Archive we only use cotton buds, soft fluff free cotton fabric, soft paint brushes and only clean water. It is not advisable to use any detergents vinegar or other cleaning agents. It is advisable not to get wood too wet at all so it will involve a lot of time and patience. I hope you get it cleaned ok. A very light application of beeswax afterwards will feed the wood again

Andysmum

Andysmum Report 5 Feb 2020 16:51

Steps

Use a weak solution of ammonia and water.

Go over the gilt gently with a moist cloth, and after a few moments, when the dirt has had time to soften, repeat the operation. Do not rub hard.

Dry by dabbing gently with a soft cloth.

Remove fly specks using old ale.
***************************

This came up on Google and there's lots more, including some specialist websites.

SheilaSomerset

SheilaSomerset Report 5 Feb 2020 21:22

Thanks for all the tips! Luckily the glass is fine, it's just the surround. Also, it's not a Louis XIV heirloom, I'm guessing it's mid 20th century! I like it though and it looks nice on a red wall...

Researching:
Gloucestershire, Dorset, Hampshire, Derbyshire, London, Lithuania, Russia