Founded in 2014 by David Breese, we take immense pride in handcrafting our retro-inspired clocks right here in our Lincolnshire studio.
We’re known for mixing traditional craftsmanship with a bit of modern flair, so if anyone knows their way around a vintage mid-century modern clock (and how to clean one without catastrophe), it’s us.
1. Preparing for Clock Cleaning
Remove Loose Dust and Debris
Think of this as the “take off your shoes before entering the house” phase.
Vintage clocks gather dust faster than a forgotten bookshelf... so keep yours gleaming by gently wiping with a soft cloth or brush.
If your clock has a removable back panel, pop it off.
Yes, this may feel a bit like performing surgery, but trust me, you want full access to that dusty clockwork.
Grab a Proper Container
No, your old cereal bowl won’t do. Use a container that’s large enough for any fiddly parts you’re disassembling.
If you misplace a gear the size of a 5p coin, you might just weep openly (and that’s no fun for anyone).
Keep your workstation organised, at By Royale, we have dedicated spaces for each stage of production (and trust me, the fewer bits you lose, the faster you finish).
2. Cleaning the Clock Case
Wooden Clock Cases
Old wood can be finicky, kind of like your grandpa who keeps talking about the “good old days.”
Gently wipe away surface dust with a soft cloth.
Apply a clock case restorer or a top-notch wood cleaner to dial the shine up a notch.
This is where you can let the clock’s patina glow without sanding away its soul.
Brass Clock Cases
Brass is beautiful, but it’s also a magnet for fingerprints and tarnish.
Use a mild cleaning solution (warm soapy water works, or a brass-friendly cleaner) and a soft cloth.
Please keep the sandpaper or harsh chemicals far, far away.
We’re aiming for a graceful shine, not an exorcism.
Antique Grandfather Clocks
Grandfather clocks carry an air of regal importance so treat them like royalty.
You’ll want a gentle cleaning solution, a soft cloth, and plenty of patience to coax dirt and grime off the surface.
A little clock case restorer can add that “like new (but still old in the best way)” finish.
At By Royale, we’re partial to giving each piece a final buff for an elegant glow just enough to make it pop, but not blind your relatives at Sunday dinner.
3. Cleaning the Clock Mechanism
Ammoniated Clock Cleaning Fluid
Grease, oil, and dirt in the clock’s gears?
Meet your new best friend: ammoniated clock cleaning fluid.
Mix it with cold water (always check the instructions; trust me, you don’t want to wing it) and apply it gently to the mechanism with a soft cloth.
If you’ve ever visited our studio in Lincolnshire, you’d see we test every clock mechanism for a minimum of 48 hours to ensure precision so we know a thing or two about the horrors of gunky gears.
Ultrasonic Cleaning
If you’ve got delicate components or teeny-tiny corners that your cloth just can’t conquer, an ultrasonic cleaner is like sending them to a five-star spa.
Those high-frequency vibrations lift dirt like nobody’s business.
But don’t overdo it, leave some finishing touches to a soft brush if you need to chase out stubborn debris.
What Not to Do
Put away the industrial solvents, belt sander, or any method you found in your uncle’s “DIY or Die Trying” manual.
Abrasive chemicals or heavy scrubbing can turn your cherished mechanism into a metallic nightmare.
4. Best Practices for Cleaning Clock Movements
1. Disassemble (If You’re Brave).
If you’re comfortable, carefully take the clock movement apart.
That means removing gears, pins, and springs, one by one.
Organise them like your life depends on it.
If this starts to feel like an intense game of Jenga, no shame in calling a professional or checking in with a specialist (like us at By Royale—we’re always up for some clock talk).
2. Use a Soft-Bristled Brush.
Perfect for coaxing out stubborn dirt from nooks and crannies.
Imagine you’re dusting the Mona Lisa’s eyebrows—gentle is the name of the game.
3. Oil It Up.
After cleaning, use clock oil (the special stuff, no WD-40 experiments, please) to keep things ticking smoothly.
At By Royale, we do final oiling in a carefully controlled environment, nobody wants an oil slick that just collects more dust.
4. Safe Storage.
If you’re soaking or cleaning parts separately, store them in a secure container so you’re not crawling around the floor, cursing, when a tiny gear decides to go AWOL.
5. Special Considerations for Antique Clocks
We get it, antique clocks are more fragile than your last teacup chipping fiasco. They’ve got history, sentimental value, and probably a story or two to tell.
- Gentle Cleaning Solutions & Soft Cloths: Keep it delicate. You’re essentially giving your clock a “cotton-ball spa day.”
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: One wrong move and you’ve stripped the patina or messed up a century-old finish.
- Restore the Case: A good clock case restorer can revive that original glow without making it look like a wannabe modern piece.
- Call a Pro (If Needed): If something feels out of your league, drop the brush and step away. By Royale has you covered with personalized advice—because sometimes you just need a wizard-level restorer.
6. Final Tips for Effective Mid-Century Modern Clock Cleaning
- Test in a Hidden Spot First.
Always test your chosen cleaning solution in a discreet spot. If the finish starts doing the Macarena, you’ll be glad you didn’t try it on the clock face. - Don’t Drown Your Clock.
Clocks are not aquatic animals. A damp cloth is all you need—no dunking, soaking, or re-enacting Titanic scenes. - Wipe Off Excess Immediately.
If you see puddles forming, you’ve gone too far. A sloppy wet clock = future rust and tears. - Oil Lightly.
A dab of clock oil keeps gears running smoothly. Too much oil? Congratulations—you’ve just made a top-tier dirt magnet. - Extend Its Lifespan.
At By Royale, we’re obsessed with quality and durability. Our clocks are meant to last ages (hello, minimum 48-hour testing!). Show yours some love, and it’ll reward you by ticking faithfully for years on end.
When all is said and done, your vintage clock (whether it’s a family heirloom or a new custom piece from our workshop) should look and run as though it just strolled out of 1959.
If you need any spare parts for your By Royale Clocks, we include them with every purchase, if you still need more parts, we sell them on our website here.
Because nothing says “timeless style” like a clock that’s kept on ticking through the decades…and with a little care, yours will be the star of the show for many more to come.
