How To Clean A Wood Carving

Over time, wood carvings accumulate dust and debris, especially when they’re out in the open. When left on its own, this dust becomes harder and harder to clean up. Regular cleaning and maintenance will keep your wood carving in excellent condition. However, sometimes you might need to remove deep-seated dirt from your carvings. 

Here are some tips to keep in mind if you want to know how to clean wood carvings.

Use Handheld Cleaning Tools

Keep the dust off your intricately carved pieces using the tools listed below:

Feather Dusters 

One of the most common ways on how to clean wood carving is to use feather dusters on large pieces where the dust is easier to remove. The feathers are gentle, so you don’t have to worry about damaging the carving while you’re cleaning. Use these cleaning tools regularly to keep your carvings dust-free. 

Cotton Swab

Use some cotton swabs for hard-to-reach spaces and grooves in your wooden carving. Press the swab on the relevant area, push down to avoid spreading the dust, and drag it away. 

Soft-Bristled Brush

A soft-bristled brush can help you get rid of dust stored in the crevices of your carvings. Because of its soft bristles, you won’t accidentally cause damage to the wooden surface.

Flat Toothpicks 

Wrap one end of the toothpick with a soft, cotton cloth. Use this to clean the tiny grooves and crevices in your carvings. To avoid spreading the dust, use a fresh area of the fabric every time.

Use Non-Toxic Wood Cleaners

Don’t use generic soap to clean wood; instead, use wood-safe cleaners. For wood carvings that are used in the kitchen or for dining, make sure that you purchase wood cleaners that don’t contain ingredients that aren’t safe for human consumption. Alternatively, you can also make your own cleaning solution by mixing olive oil, lemon, and water.

Use Warm Water

You need to be more careful when you clean wooden kitchen accessories. For instance, the best way to clean a wooden cutting board is to clean it by hand using warm (not scalding) water. Don’t put it in the dishwasher because exposing the wood to heat and water for an extended period of time can cause it to break, split, warp, or crack.

Use Sandpaper

It can be quite tough to remove stains from wood carvings, especially if you’re doing it by yourself. One of the recommended ways on how to clean wood carving stains is to use fine-grit sandpaper to scrub the splotches out. However, remember that acting quickly is crucial; otherwise, the stain might get too saturated into the wood.

Conclusion 

Knowing how to clean wood carving properly will ensure that you’ll get to enjoy these pieces longer. When it comes to cleaning and maintaining, consistency is vital. Clean your carvings regularly to avoid dust accumulation and to make sure that you’re able to spot problem areas more quickly.