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How to Maintain Antique Clocks

Antique clocks offer price appreciation, aesthetic value, and functionality. Knowing the proper way to move and handle the clock protects its parts and limits corrosion. Maintaining antique clocks requires a short amount of time and effort. Develop a schedule for must do tasks to ensure many years of enjoyment from your antique clock.

Things You'll Need

Cotton gloves
Dust cloth
Winding schedule
Professional maintenance schedule
Insurance

Instructions

- 1
  Maintain the proper humidity for your antique clock. For metal cases, low humidity keeps corrosion low and more humidity for wood cased clocks helps the wood from drying out.
- 2
  Keep varnished and painted clocks away from sunlight. Light damages the surface.
- 3
  Wear cotton gloves when handling or touching the clock's metal pieces. Hands and fingers contain oil, salt and grime that cause corrosion.
- 4
  Dust the outside case and inside face, weights, pendulum, and floor weekly. Be careful with your dust cloth around the clock hands so as not to bend them.
- 5
  Schedule winding days to keep from over winding and damaging the clock.
- 6
  Take your antique clock to a clock repair shop every 5 years. Maintain this routine inspection, part replacement and oiling to prolong the life of the timepiece.

Antiques