Cleaning
Proper cleaning of clocks requires the complete disassembly of the movement (hence the saying, “I am going to clean your clock!” is a threat to reduce the other person to small pieces.)
Once the clock is completely disassembled, the parts are placed in an ultrasonic cleaner. I use water-based cleaning fluids because they are more environmentally friendly. Once the movement is clean, I rinse it in hot water and then bathe the steel parts in alcohol to absorb the water and prevent rust. I then dry the movement under hot air.
Ultrasonic cleaners do a good job of removing most of the grime from the movement, but they don’t get everything. Each part must be inspected and hand cleaned as necessary. I use toothpicks to “peg out” each pivot hole to make sure that they are absolutely clean.
Once the parts are completely clean, the movement is re-assembled and oiled. Then the movement is tested, adjusted as necessary, returned to the case, and tested again.
Once the clock is completely disassembled, the parts are placed in an ultrasonic cleaner. I use water-based cleaning fluids because they are more environmentally friendly. Once the movement is clean, I rinse it in hot water and then bathe the steel parts in alcohol to absorb the water and prevent rust. I then dry the movement under hot air.
Ultrasonic cleaners do a good job of removing most of the grime from the movement, but they don’t get everything. Each part must be inspected and hand cleaned as necessary. I use toothpicks to “peg out” each pivot hole to make sure that they are absolutely clean.
Once the parts are completely clean, the movement is re-assembled and oiled. Then the movement is tested, adjusted as necessary, returned to the case, and tested again.
Using a toothpick to get the last bit of grime.
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