How to Oil & Clean a Clock for Movement

Many times clocks become heirlooms that are passed down for generations, but they may not work as well as the clock continues to age. It is important to keep the moving parts in proper working order by cleaning and oiling the “movements” annually. The movements are the assortment of gears, springs, and weights that make the clock work. Giving your clock the maintenance it needs, every year, will ensure your clock remains in good working order.

Screwdriver
Compressed air
2 lint-free cloths
Clock cleaning solution
Cotton swabs
Clock oil

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the back of the clock using a screwdriver, if required. Inside, you should see numerous gears, springs, and weights. If your clock is equipped with a pendulum, remove it.
- 2
  Point the compressed air nozzle at the gears and spray bursts of air into the movements to remove fine dust and particles. Angle the nozzle in different directions to ensure you hit hard-to-reach areas.
- 3
  Dip your lint-free cloth into clock cleaning solution. Do not over saturate. Begin carefully wiping all visible gears to remove excess oils and grit. Over time, oil combined with grit can hinder the movement of the gears. Ensure large, visible particles are removed.
- 4
  Dip a cotton swab into the clock cleaning solution and gently rub areas that you were unable to reach with the cloth. Be sure to remove any particles left behind with the cotton swab. After cleaning, rub a clean cotton swab over all visible parts to remove any excess cleaning solution.
- 5
  Check the movement of the gears to ensure they are working smoothly by gently turning the gears with your fingers.
- 6
  Dip a lint-free cloth into clock oil. Do not use WD-40 or any other oil. Clock oil is specially blended to lubricate clock works without gumming up the parts. Gently lubricate all moving gears using a lint-free cloth. Dip a cotton swab in clock oil to access areas that you cannot reach with the cloth.
- 7
  Replace the pendulum if your clock requires one. Replace the backing of the clock using a screwdriver if needed.

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