Maintenance of a Black Forest Cuckoo Clock

Professional Inspection

• Cuckoo clocks are affected by dust and oil buildup over time, which slow down and even damage internal parts that keep time and run the clock's sound and movement. Clock specialists recommend cuckoo clock owners have their cuckoo clocks inspected every three to five years by a professional, who will inspect the internal parts and clean and oil them, repairing or replacing any broken or worn parts.

Dusting and Oiling

• Black Forest cuckoo clocks are often expensive and have many intricate decorative details, as well as delicate internal parts. Dusting is important for good operation and ensuring your clock has a long life. Dust builds up on moving parts and can cause wear and tear if it is not removed. Use a fine feather duster or a canned-air product to keep dust off the clock. Apply cedar oil to the moving clock parts with a small paintbrush and spritz cedar oil on a soft feather duster to clean the clock surface and decorations. Do not spray WD-40 on any part of a cuckoo clock.

Winding

• Cuckoo clocks operate with internal movements run by weights, which must be pulled regularly to wind the clock. Generally, this involves pulling the chain that the weight is attached to until the weight touches the bottom of the clock. Some cuckoo clocks only require winding weekly, though some may need to be wound every day. If you let the clock run completely down without rewinding, you will need to reset the correct time. Set the time on the clock face by gently moving the minute hand clockwise, pausing at each hour and half hour for the chime or cuckoo call.

Parts and Moving a Clock

• Over time, a cuckoo clock’s parts may loosen or break. If your cuckoo clock’s hands become loose, gently tighten the nut that holds them in place. If your cuckoo clock stops working, check the attachments or mount to the wall to ensure it is still sitting straight so the weights hang properly. If you need to pack up and move your cuckoo clock, take some precautions to avoid damage. Unhook the weights and pendulum and latch the cuckoo door to prevent it from springing out. Pack the clock safely in a box with bubble wrap, avoiding any packing material that may get debris into the mechanisms.