Harley asked: How do I clean ebony carvings? We have ebony carvings that a friend stored for years. They are now covered with stains and smell like cigarette smoke. Thank you.
Table of Contents:
Ebony carvings come from a variety of sources and can be of high value. Taking care of the piece to preserve its original beauty is worth the time and effort – which includes correct cleaning. The cleaning products used on ebony are equally as important as the cleaning process. High quality products will help to ensure that your piece stays looking great for years to come.
You Will Need:
- Soft cloths
- Lemon oil
Steps to Clean the Carving:
- Start by choosing a high quality lemon oil. One that has little or no alcohol or petroleum distillates is best.
- Apply a small amount of lemon oil to a soft cloth.
- Use the cloth to apply lemon oil to the entire surface and clean the carving.
- Allow the piece to sit for 10 minutes.
- Use a second cloth to wipe off any residue from the surface.
Additional Tips and Advice
- Do not use paper towels when cleaning ebony carvings. The lint left behind and the ink from any designs can be left behind and damage the piece.
- Ebony is a hard wood that will not absorb the cleaning materials. Still, use minimal fluids and avoid alcohols that can dry out the wood.
- Always start by testing a small, hidden area of the piece to check how it reacts to the lemon oil. If the results are desirable, continue with the rest of the piece. If the results are unwanted, stop and leave the piece as is.
