Antique hourglass maintenance method: daily cleaning and storage precautions

Antique hourglass as a kind of both practical and artistic collectibles, not only carries the traces of history, but also a symbol of the flow of time. Its unique material and fine craftsmanship make it a precious work of art. However, the maintenance of antique hourglasses requires extra care to ensure that their appearance and function are intact. The following are detailed notes on the daily cleaning and storage of antique hourglasses.

I. Daily Cleaning Methods

Preparation before cleaning

Before cleaning an antique hourglass, you need to check its material and structure. Common materials of antique hourglasses include glass, wood, metal or ceramic. Cleaning methods vary from material to material, so you need to choose the appropriate cleaning tools and detergents according to the specific situation.

Glass Cleaning

Glass is one of the main materials used in hourglasses and requires extra care when cleaning to avoid scratches or breakage.

Use a soft microfiber cloth or deerskin cloth to gently wipe the surface of the glass, avoid using rough fabrics or paper towels.

If there are stubborn stains on the glass, use a small amount of neutral detergent (e.g. diluted dishwashing liquid) with lukewarm water to clean it, then rinse it off with water and dry it with a dry cloth.

Do not use cleaners containing ammonia or acidic ingredients, as they may corrode the glass surface.

Cleaning of wooden parts

Wooden hourglass frames are susceptible to humidity and temperature and should be protected from moisture when cleaning.

Use a dry cloth to gently wipe the wooden part to remove dust from the surface.

If there are stains on the wooden parts, use a small amount of special cleaner for wooden furniture, wipe gently and dry immediately with a dry cloth.

Avoid using too much water to prevent the wood from swelling or deforming by absorbing moisture.

Cleaning of metal parts

Metal parts are susceptible to oxidation or rust and require regular maintenance.

Remove dust by wiping the metal surface with a soft, dry cloth.

If there is slight oxidization on the metal parts, use special metal polish to gently rub it to restore the luster.

Avoid using hard objects or acidic cleaners to avoid scratching or corroding the metal surface.

Handling of sand

The sand inside the hourglass is its core part and requires special attention when cleaning.

Do not open the hourglass or replace the sand arbitrarily to avoid damaging its original structure and function.

If the sand is damp or lumpy, place the hourglass in a dry and ventilated place to dry naturally, do not heat or expose to the sun.

Storage Precautions

Environment

The storage environment of antique hourglass is crucial for its preservation.

Choose a dry, ventilated, suitable temperature environment, avoid high temperature, humidity or direct sunlight.

Too much humidity will lead to moldy wooden parts or rusty metal parts, while too little humidity may make the wooden parts dry and crack.

Avoid placing the hourglass near windows or heaters to avoid being affected by temperature changes.

Dust and Shock Resistance

Hourglasses tend to collect dust on their surfaces and should be stored in a dust-proof manner.

Cover the hourglass with a clear glass cover or dust cloth to protect it from dust and to show off its beauty.

Place the hourglass on a stable countertop or in a display cabinet and avoid frequent movement or vibration that may damage its structure.

Regular Inspection and Maintenance

Regularly check the condition of the hourglass to detect and solve problems in time.

Check whether the glass part is cracked or broken, whether the wooden part is cracked or deformed, and whether the metal part is oxidized or rusted.

If problems are found, take timely repair measures or consult professionals.

Avoid contact with chemicals

Antique hourglasses should be kept away from chemicals to avoid damage to its material.

Avoid placing the hourglass in places where it can easily come into contact with grease or moisture, such as the kitchen or bathroom.

Avoid direct contact with chemicals such as perfumes and detergents on the surface of the hourglass.

Display and Collection

If the hourglass is to be displayed as a collector's item, pay attention to how it is placed.

Place the hourglass in a safe, easy-to-view location, out of the reach of children or pets.

If it is a collection of several pieces, it is necessary to maintain appropriate spacing to avoid mutual collision.

Third, special circumstances

Hourglass Repair

If the hourglass is broken, do not repair it by yourself to avoid causing more damage.

You should contact a professional antique restorer to repair the hourglass according to its material and degree of damage.

The original structure and material of the hourglass should be retained during the restoration process, avoiding the use of modern materials as a substitute.

Loss or deterioration of sand

If the sand inside the hourglass is lost or deteriorated, it should be handled with care.

Consult a professional and choose a material similar to the original sand for replenishment.

Do not replace the sand arbitrarily, so as not to affect the timekeeping function and historical value of the hourglass.