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How to Clean Antique Yellowed Ivory

True ivory is made from the teeth or tusks of mammals and is extremely susceptible to its environment. Cleaning ivory can prove tricky, as too much moisture can discolor this porous material. Ivory yellows with age ̵2; an indicator its genuine antiquity. Maintaining your ivory will prevent a temperamental but beautiful piece from discoloring further; take care to do so properly so you don't do more harm than good.

Things You'll Need

Plastic gloves
Soft brush
Microfiber cloths
Distilled water
Mild dish detergent

Instructions

- 1
  Put on plastic gloves before handling the piece to avoid a transfer of oils from your hands to the ivory.
- 2
  Brush the cracks and crevices of the piece with a soft brush, and blow on it gently to clear anything that has become dislodged.
- 3
  Wet a microfiber cloth with distilled water, and wring it out until you have rendered it slightly damp. Gently rub the cloth over the ivory in sections, drying each one immediately with a clean white microfiber cloth.
- 4
  Mix one or two drops of liquid dish detergent with 16 ounces of clean water. Wet a microfiber cloth in the solution, and wring the water out until the cloth is damp. Spot clean any sections of the piece that look soiled, and dry them immediately.
- 5
  Buff the piece gently with a clean microfiber cloth.

Antiques