Wood Cleaning Question

jillsy · #1 07-16-2007, 03:32 PM

Being we all work with wood, I'm hoping some of you may be able to help with this one.

My husband and I just found a box of very old wooden blocks, beads, spools, etc. (including tinker toys from the 1940s) in his grandmother's attic. They're all in great shape except that they need a cleaning. When we touch them, our fingers turn black; I think it might be soot.

Any ideas on how to clean these before I just use soap and water?

Thanks,
Jillsy

Doug Ridley · #2 07-16-2007, 04:02 PM

You might try a damp or wet rag on just a small spot and see if the dirt will just wipe off. If not try a little soap solution the same way. If either works you are in business. I wouldn't soak them in water except if nothing else works. Just my idea.
Doug

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #3 07-16-2007, 05:40 PM

I would look up "conservators" on the internet and send a message to a couple of them.....you can completely destroy the value of old things by cleaning them.....

Eddy Smiles · #4 07-16-2007, 09:19 PM

Jillsy.... My wife swears by Murphy's Oil. She cleans everything wood with it. You might try it on one and see what happens.

squbrigg · #5 07-17-2007, 07:51 AM

Eddie has it....Murphy's Oil, it's a wood cleaning soap and oil. Does a marvelous job.

Bob

jillsy · #6 07-17-2007, 08:39 AM

Thanks everybody!

I was afraid to soak them, but Murphy's Oil sounds good and I think we have some too.

If these were hot collectors items, I'd be afraid to clean them myself, but they're not worth a whole lot. And in the meantime, if I clean them, my kids can play with them without turning themselves and everything around them black!

Thanks again,
Jillsy

Ashbys · #7 07-17-2007, 12:54 PM

Jillsy,

Here is another option you can try , Liquid gold. Walmart, Lowes. They have one that is pourable, just put it in a container, let it soak for 10 mins , then use a soft bristle brush . Since it is oil based instead of water less chance of having it open the fibers. And will leave a nice finish on the piece for protection.

Ash

Eddy Smiles · #8 07-17-2007, 03:20 PM

Jillsy... If you have what you've described then you might think again on your not being a collector's item. You just never know what something like that is worth to the right person.