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.
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.
Cleaning with Lemon Oil
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.
Cleaning with Vinegar
You Will Need:
- White vinegar
- Linseed oil
- Petroleum jelly
Steps to Clean the Carving:
- Pour two cups of water into a bowl, then add a tablespoon of white vinegar. If you have hard water, it would be best to use distilled water instead.
- Dip a cloth in the bowl to wet it, then wring it out so it is only damp, not dripping.
- Wipe the carving with the damp cloth.
- Put a few drops of linseed oil or petroleum jelly on a dry cloth.
- Rub the oil or jelly over the carving to polish it and prevent it from drying out.
- If using jelly, wait about 30 minutes after applying it to the carving, then buff it off with a dry cloth.
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.
Sources
- The Stain and Spot Remover Handbook by Jean Cooper
- 10,001 Hints & Tips for the Home by Reader’s Digest
When you say lemon oil, is it essential oil, or is it oil in a carrier? Do I buy essential oil and then mix it with a carrier oil to use on the ebony? If so, what sort of carrier oil?