MOUNT SAINT MARY

Dampen cloth with a window cleaning solution. A cotton cloth and a 50/50 solution of ethanol and water are recommended. For heavy dirt, a few drops of household ammonia can be added.

Wipe with moderate pressure in a circular motion. Do not let the solution come in contact with the window frame.

DO NOT use sprays.

Polish dry with a second clean dry soft cloth.

For glass, follow the above instructions but make sure no solution touches the frame or seeps underneath.

For treated glass or windows with UV filters, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If no instructions were supplied, use only water and a soft cotton cloth.

Supplies needed: clean soft cotton cloths, cleaning solution (ethanol and water), ammonia (if needed), water.

II. Dusting Books

The following method is appropriate for both cloth- and leather-covered volumes:

Start with clean, dry hands.
Start with the top shelf and work down.
Wear cotton gloves if they provide sufficient purchase.
Prepare a clean space with wastebasket for cleaning individual volumes.
To remove a book from the shelf, push back the books on either side and grasp the book on both covers OR pull from the rear.
Carry books one (for large volumes) or two (for smaller works) at a time. Keep the books in order.
Wipe the shelf with an appropriate cloth or vacuum as described below.
After one range is done, do the books in the unit on the other side of the aisle to avoid brushing or blowing dust across to them.
To clean the books:
- Hold the book firmly closed by the fore edge with the spine up.
- Gently wipe a soft cloth down the book away from the body, moving from the spine to the fore edge.
- Carefully wipe the edges and spine.
- Do not brush across torn, broken, or crumbling surfaces. If the paper is acidic and crumbling, do not dust the edges.

· Remove foreign objects that will cause damage. Discard unless significant. Retained materials should be properly housed with a separation sheet noting their original location.

· If the spine or boards are loose or detached, tie in place lightly with cotton twill tape. Tie in both directions, and knot along an edge so that the knot does not press against other surfaces. Note the call numbers of the books that need to be boxed.

· Place the dusted volume on a clean book truck or shelf until ready for reshelving.

· Do not push books to the back of the shelf as they need to have air circulating behind them. Line them up along the front edge.

· Do not force books onto a shelf. Try to leave room for expansion on each shelf.

· Support books firmly but gently with proper sized bookends.

· Clean the floor periodically.

Supplies needed: dust cloths, cotton gloves, cotton twill, pencil and paper, book truck.

Instructions for vacuuming books:

Only stable books may be vacuumed.
Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment for shelves. A Nilfisk vacuum is recommended.
For books, secure with tape or rubber bands a piece of webbing, such as cheesecloth or nylon stockings, across the attachment to prevent the loss of loose fragments.
For a thorough cleaning, follow up with a dust cloth.

Supplies needed: vacuum with brush attachment, rubber bands or tape, webbing such as cheesecloth or nylon stockings, dust cloths (optional).

Dust cloths appropriate for use in libraries and archives are lint free and leave no residues. These include:

Soft cotton cloths.
One-Wipe Dust Cloth by Guardsman is a yellow flannel chemically treated cloth. It can be hand washed in cold water with a small amount of mild detergent, such as Ivory Snow or Lux, and reused for up to ten times. They are available in most hardware and grocery stores and archival catalogs, and cost about $3.50 each.

Stretch ‘n Dust by Johnson & Johnson is a disposable chemically treated yellow cloth with light orange dots, which was originally developed by Chicopee Products. To increase the dust-holding capacity, the cloth can be gently stretched prior to use. The cost is approximately 35 cents each. Call 1-800-835-2449 for the nearest distributor.
Dust Bunny is a white Tyvek and nylon cloth that has a slight electrostatic charge with no chemical treatment. They can be washed in a washing machine with a mild detergent and are long-lasting. They cost about $5 each and are available from Light Impressions, University Products, and Gaylord.

Woven fabric cloths (3M and Mystic Maid) can be used for cleaning items that require the use of water only. They have no chemicals or static and do not leave streaks.

The Library of Congress and the National Archives have approved both One Wipes and Stretch n’ Dust for use in libraries and archives. However, after prolonged use the cleaner’s hands feel sticky since some of the chemicals used to treat the cloth attach to the hands along with dust.

III. Framed Objects

To move framed objects:

Prepare a clean, padded space on which to work.
Do not attempt to clean or move if the object, the frame, or the hanging mechanism appear to be fragile. Examine them closely before moving.
Wear gloves especially if the frame is metal or gilded. Make sure hands are clean.
Never touch the surface of a painting or any other framed object.
Never carry a painting by its stretcher.
Always use two people for an object larger than 2 feet by 3 feet, no matter how light it is.
Plan the move ahead of time; always know exactly where you are going.
Carry only one object at a time.
Always use two hands, one to support the frame at the bottom and the other to hold the frame on one of the sides. Avoid pressing on decorative elements.
The image should face the carrier.
Before rehanging, be sure the mechanism is in good condition. Do not rehang if there are any doubts.

To clean framed objects:

Items hung on the wall should rarely need dusting.

Do not attempt to dust fragile works.

If framed objects become dusty and are stable:
- Clean with a very soft Japanese brush called a Hake brush.
- Start at the top and progress in an orderly manner to the bottom.
- Vacuum the brush as it becomes soiled.
- Loose dust can be brushed away towards a vacuum nozzle held near but not touching the frame. Place webbing over the end of the nozzle.

· Flaking, buckling, or otherwise deteriorating objects must be cleaned by a conservator.

· Frames in good condition can be dusted with a soft brush. Be sure to avoid the object in the frame.

· To clean glass, follow the directions in the first section. Do not allow any moisture to seep below the glass.

· Should anything fall off, place the fragment in a plastic bag and note its origin.

Supplies needed: cotton gloves, Hake and/or other soft brush.

IV. Caring for Furniture

General guidelines for proper handling include:

Inspect the entire object before moving it. Note and compensate for any weakness detected.
Work with clean hands. Gloves must only be worn when handling metal or fabric elements but are not required otherwise.
Never drag furniture.
Plan the move ahead of time and remove obstructions.
Move only one object at a time.
If any pieces become loose, place them in a bag with a separation sheet, or keep them with the object and label them.
Remove objects that are displayed or stored on or in the piece before moving.
Do not touch any inlay, veneer, carving, or paint, as they are often fragile.
Lift objects at their most secure points.
Do not strain under the weight of an object. Get additional help.
If parts are separable, move one part at a time.

To move case pieces:

Remove drawers, noting exact location on a paper tag.
Start with the top drawer.
Use the pull to start the drawers out, then grip on the sides.
Pull drawer out straight.
Do not force sticky drawers.

When replacing drawers, be very careful that the corners do not bang into the body of the piece.

Remove shelves.

Tie doors closed with cotton twill tape.

To move chairs:

Lift chairs at the seat rails. Do not use the crest rail, arms, or legs.
Remove slipcovers or seats before moving. Use gloves when handling textiles.
Do not lean on chairs or place anything on seats.

To move tables:

Be sure to remove all obstacles before moving. Legs are especially vulnerable to damage during transport.
Remove leaves.
Secure swing legs and other moving parts.
Lift by apron or skirt, never by the top.
If the top is made of marble and removable, take it off and transport it VERTICALLY. If carried flat, it may break under its own weight.

To clean drawers:

Remove all lining materials.
Carefully vacuum the interior using a vacuum on low suction with a brush attachment covered with webbing (see section on vacuuming books).
Carefully dust the exteriors.

Vacuum permanently attached upholstery with low suction using webbing (see section on vacuuming books). For detachable upholstery, consult the section on textiles.

Supplies needed: cotton gloves, vacuum with brush attachment and webbing.

To dust woodwork:

Use a soft, lint-free cloth.
Work in the direction of the grain.
Dust the entire piece, including behind and underneath.
Use a soft brush on carvings.
For gilded objects, wear cotton gloves and dust lightly and carefully using a soft brush.
Do not lift veneer, carvings, paint, gilt, etc. when dusting. Stop immediately if flaking occurs.
Do not use a feather duster.
Change or shake out dusting cloth frequently and clean brushes when they become soiled.

Supplies needed: soft cloths or brushes, cotton gloves.

Waxing furniture:

Waxing may be done once a year to restore or maintain a surface that has already been waxed.
Do not wax unfinished wood, marble, or decorative elements.
Do not wax furniture with painted or fragile finishes or furniture with cracked, lifting, or flaking surfaces.
Use only bowling alley wax or Renaissance wax.
Lightly apply a small amount of paste with a clean soft cloth.
Allow to dry.
Buff vigorously.

Supplies needed: bowling alley wax or Renaissance wax, soft cloths.

To clean marble tops:

Apply Renaissance wax with a clean cloth to polished areas only.
Work the wax in like a cleaner, turning the cleaning cloth often and moving over the surface repeatedly.
Let dry when the cloth comes away clean.
Buff.

Supplies needed: Renaissance wax, soft cloths.

V. Cleaning Ceramics

To move ceramic objects:

Prepare a clean, padded space in which to work.

Inspect the object before moving it. Compensate for any weaknesses while moving it.
Do not wear loose clothing that may catch, knock over, or drag across objects.
Do not wear jewelry that may abrade surfaces.
Handle with clean, bare hands. Do not wear cotton gloves.
Use latex gloves for metallic lusterware, extensively gilded, or chemically unstable ceramics.
NEVER pick up a ceramic object by an extremity, such as handles, spouts, knobs, etc., even if they are meant for that purpose. Never lift by a repaired section.
Remove all loose or detachable parts, such as lids.

Use both hands when picking up any item: one to support the object and the other to cradle the object.
Support the object by utilizing the center of gravity.
Use padded baskets, boxes, or carts to transport objects.
If multiple objects are to be moved, insert padding between each item to prevent contact or shifting. Soft cloth such as diapers, plastic bubble wrap, or padded tissue paper are suitable for short term storage.
Plan the move carefully. Clear the path and open doors beforehand, or obtain help.
Never apply adhesives to ceramics.

Supplies needed: latex gloves (if necessary); padding such as diapers, plastic bubble wrap, or tissue paper; padded carrier.

To dust ceramic objects:

Dust smooth surfaces with a soft brush or a soft cotton cloth, such as a diaper or Dust Bunny (see section on dusting books).
Never use dust cloths on surfaces that are rough or highly textured. Use only a soft brush or an air jet (such as a hair dryer on low cool speed).
NEVER use cleaning sprays, oils, or liquids.

Supplies needed: soft brush or clean cotton cloth.

To clean ceramic objects:

Examine items carefully before attempting further cleaning for identification of process, weaknesses, and repairs.
NEVER immerse in water or wet clean unidentified objects, repaired items, or porous ceramics, such as unglazed or low-fired earthenwares.
Test all procedures on an inconspicuous area first.
Try to wipe off the dirt with a soft clean cloth and room-temperature water.
If the soil is stubborn or oily:
- Use a rubber dish pan or line a sink with a thick towel.
- Add several drops of nun-sudsing, household-grade ammonia to room temperature water OR a small amount of Ivory or Orvis soap.
- Wash only one object at a time.
- Do not allow the object to soak.
- Wear rubber gloves to improve grip.
- Immerse and wash carefully with a soft cloth. Do not scrub.
- Rinse object immediately in another rubber dish pan or over a padded surface.
- Blot with a soft clean cloth to remove pools and droplets of water. Allow to air dry.

Supplies needed: soft clean cloths, room-temperature water, towel or rubber dish pan, ammonia or Ivory/Orvis soap, rubber gloves.

VI. Metals

General Handling Guidelines:

Prepare a clean surface padded preferably with thin polyethylene sheet foam.
Always wear cotton gloves when handling metals. The salts and oils in human hands are extremely corrosive to metals.
Remove detachable or loose parts, such as lids, and carry them separately.
NEVER pick up a metal object by an extremity, such as handles, spouts, knobs, etc., even if they are made for that purpose.
Never allow metal objects to come into contact with each other. Wrap each item, including detachable parts, separately with acid-free tissue paper.
Use both hands when picking up a metal object. Use one hand under the object’s center of gravity and use the other to support the piece.
Groups of small objects may be carried together in a padded box or basket, but they must be wrapped for protection.
Plan the move carefully. Plan the route and clear all obstacles.
Before replacing a metal object on a potentially corrosive surface, cut a piece of felt or Mylar to fit under the object.

Supplies needed: cotton gloves, polyethylene sheet foam, acid-free tissue paper, padded carrier.

To Clean Gold Objects:

Be very careful when handling to prevent scratches and other deformations. Never touch the object with bare hands.
Loose dust and dirt can be removed with a soft, dry watercolor brush.
To remove oily or greasy deposits, gently and carefully apply ethyl alcohol with cotton swabs or a clean, soft cloth.
If corrosion develops, do not polish. Contact a conservator.

Supplies needed: cotton gloves, watercolor brush, ethyl alcohol and cotton swabs or clean, soft cloth (if needed).

To Clean Silver Objects:

Be very careful when handling to prevent scratches and other deformations. Never touch the object with bare hands.
Loose dust and dirt can be removed with a soft, dry watercolor brush or soft cotton cloth. Do not use coated cleaning materials.

To remove oily or greasy deposits, gently and carefully apply ethyl alcohol with cotton swabs or a clean, soft cloth.
If deeper cleaning is necessary:
- Wash in a plastic tub with Ivory/Orvis detergent.
- Rinse gently and thoroughly.
- Dry immediately with a soft cotton cloth.
- If ornate decorations prevent thorough drying, use a hair dryer on low cool speed.

Supplies needed: cotton cloth or watercolor brush, ethyl alcohol and cotton swabs (optional), Ivory/Orvis (optional), hair dryer (optional).

To Polish Silver Objects

Since polishing removes silver, repeated and heavy polishing must be avoided. In addition, some objects created since the late nineteenth century have been darkened intentionally by the artist. If in doubt, consult a museum curator or conservator. Do not attempt to polish items that have had coatings applied in the past. It is wise to consult a curator or conservator before proceeding with any polishing. Mineral spirits or Stoddard Solvent can be applied with cotton and a toothpick to remove polish residues.

Procedures:

Mask water-sensitive areas such as wood or ivory with plastic wrap.
Make a slurry (approximately the consistency of thick cream) of precipitated chalk in distilled or deionized water.
Apply slurry in small amounts to tarnished areas with cotton cloths or swabs.
Polish gently and in a circular manner. Excessive force will scratch the surface.
Discard the cotton as soon as it is soiled to minimize scratching, and be careful with the cotton swab sticks, which can scratch the surface accidentally.
Remove residual chalk by washing surfaces with a very dilute solution of detergent in deionized or distilled water using a soft, natural bristle oil painting brush.
Rinse with deionized or distilled water.
Dry wet surfaces with soft, absorbent cloths.
Use a hair dryer set on low cool speed to dry inaccessible areas. Do not allow water to remain on the surface or in crevices for prolonged periods of time.
Remaining traces of dry chalk may be removed with a soft-bristle brush.

Tarnishing may be inhibited by the application of a stable, reversible resin such as Renaissance Wax. This should be done by someone with experience. If the coating becomes yellow or gray, or tarnishing appears, the coating should be removed and replaced. The object should also be recoated immediately if the coating becomes scratched or damaged.

Supplies needed: precipitated chalk, deionized or distilled water, cotton cloths or swabs, Ivory Liquid detergent, brushes (oil painting and soft-bristled), hair dryer (optional).

To Clean Lead and Pewter Objects:

Dust lightly with a soft cotton cloth or soft brush. Do not use coated cleaning materials.
Always wear cotton gloves.
To remove grease, wipe with a soft cotton cloth and ethyl alcohol (ethanol).
Do not polish.

If white, powdery spots occur, consult a conservator. This may be a sign of contamination.

Supplies needed: cotton gloves, cotton cloth or soft brush, ethyl alcohol (optional).

To Clean Copper, Bronze, and Brass (Copper Alloys):

Always use cotton gloves. Never touch with bare hands.
Use a clean cotton cloth or soft brush to remove loose dirt and dust.
Use ethyl alcohol (ethanol) to remove fingerprints and grease. Test the solvent in an inconspicuous area with a cotton swab first to make sure it does not remove original coatings.

Supplies needed: cotton gloves, cotton cloth or soft brush, ethyl alcohol (optional).

Before removing polish residues and wax or attempting deeper cleaning, consult a museum curator or conservator. Be careful not to remove the natural patina or original surface treatment. With the approval of a conservator, the object may be cleaned using precipitated chalk following the same directions for cleaning silver objects.

To Remove Polish Residues And Candle Wax from Copper Alloys:

Carefully apply mineral spirits or Stoddard Solvent with cotton and a toothpick.
Clean with ethyl alcohol and a soft cotton cloth.

Candle wax is particularly hazardous for copper alloys and should be removed if possible.

Supplies needed: cotton gloves, mineral spirits or Stoddard Solvent, cotton cloth, toothpick, ethyl alcohol.

To Clean Iron Objects:

Dust with a soft cotton cloth or brush.
Be sure to remove all ashes from fireplace tools.
Consult a conservator for guidance on further cleaning.

VII. Leather

Dust or gently vacuum through a screen.
Never apply dressings or oiling or any other type of solution.
Intricate carvings can be cleaned with an air jet from a nasal syringe or camera cleaning bulb.

Supplies needed: cotton cloths, vacuum (optional), air jet (if needed).

For leather-bound books or other items suffering from red rot:

Wrap the book in acid-free, buffered paper or in a chemically inert plastic sleeve.
Contact a conservator.

VIII. Textiles

General Handling Guidelines

Wash and dry hands thoroughly and often.
Always wear cotton gloves.
Remove all jewelry that can become snagged in fabric fibers.
NEVER smoke, eat, or drink near textiles or in the work area.
Avoid contact with clothing.
Work on a clean, well-padded surface, such as a mattress pad covered by a clean white cotton sheet.
Use a low-power hand-held vacuum.
For fabrics with a nap, vacuum in the direction of the nap.
Exercise extreme caution when vacuuming near metallic threads, braid, trim, or areas of wear.
For lightweight or fragile textiles (or when in doubt):
- Place a fiberglass window screen over the textile. Fix white cotton tape around the border of the screen.
- Use a clean brush attachment, and do not allow this attachment to touch the ground or any other dirty area.
- Carefully place the nozzle of the hose on the screen.
- Do not drag the nozzle, but lift it up and move it to the next area to be vacuumed. NEVER drag it back and forth over the fabric.
- Check the material often to make sure you are not damaging the fabric.
- Do not vacuum weakened areas.
- Do not allow any part of the vacuum to touch the object, since it may cause damage.

Upholstered Furniture

Avoid touching upholstery when moving furniture.
If touching is unavoidable, wear gloves only if they will provide an adequate grip. If not, wash and dry hands thoroughly before handling.
Remove separate pieces to work area for examination and cleaning.
Vacuum carefully through a screen as described in the previous section. Avoid pressure that may abrade the fabric.
Be sure to remove debris from corners, folds, and pleats.

Cleaning Carpets

Vacuum regularly according to the cleaning schedule.
If a rug is very dirty, take it outside and gently shake it.
Vacuum rugs on both sides.
Carpeting with pile should be vacuumed in the direction of the pile.
Deteriorating or fragile valuable collection carpets should be vacuumed through a screen, as described above.
Always use two people when moving a rug.
Consult a conservator before deeper cleaning of valuable collection rugs.

Cleaning Clothing and Tapestries

Obtain the advice of a conservator before attempting any cleaning. In general, use acid-free buffered tissue paper for storing plant-based fabrics, such as linen and cotton, and use acid-free non-buffered tissue paper storing for animal-based fabrics, such as wool and silk. When in doubt, use acid-free non-buffered tissue paper.

Bibliography

Aucella, Frank; Heaver, Melissa Marsh; Reilly, Julie A., Woodrow Wilson House Collections Care Plan, September 1993.

Biddle, Michaelle, “Dust Cloths for Rare or Valuable Materials,” Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records, Arizona History and Archives Division, http://www.lib.az.us/archives/g-dust.htm.

Heaver, M., National Trust Collections Cleaning Manual, 1998.

McColgin, Michael, “Cleaning Up Your Act,” Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records, Arizona History and Archives Division, http://www.lib.az.us/archives/g-youract.htm.

Schultz, Arthur W. (ed.), Caring for Your Collections, New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 1992.

Archives Main Page

Mount Saint Mary's Homepage

Table of Contents

I. Washing Glass