Looking at the icons, many do not even think that they need to be cleaned from time to time. In the church they are watched by the ministers of the temple, but how to do it correctly at home? The features of caring for icons directly depend on how and when they were made, from what material. Try to approach this issue consciously and seriously, having previously collected the necessary information.
Instructions
Step 1
Any events with icons should be done slowly, carefully, for cleaning you need to use soft rags, wet wipes, cotton swabs. If the icon is under glass, then it will not be difficult to clean it of dust and fine dirt. One has only to wipe the surface with a damp cloth and then dry. However, if the icons are handwritten, then you have to show skill, it is very important not to use solvents or products that contain acetone. Only an experienced restorer can clean and preserve the painted image of the saint. The fact is that it is not so much the process of ridding the icon of dirt and dust that is very important here, but an attempt to return it to its former appearance, not to damage its protective top layer, which almost certainly consists of drying oil.
Step 2
The most difficult thing is to clean those icons that are made of gold, silver, copper and have a carved texture. In this case, it is important to use only special products that are designed to clean jewelry or precious metals.
In some cases, tooth powder or goy paste, as well as other abrasive agents, are used, but you should be extremely careful with them, because it is they who, along with the dirt, destroy the icon itself. It is best if you resort to gentle means, such as a solution of baby soap. Moisten a cotton swab so that the liquid is slightly absorbed, but then does not drip down the icon. Then dry the treated area by blotting the area 3-4 times with a dry cotton swab.
Step 3
The icons painted on the walls of the church are cleaned only by an experienced restorer. They can not be wiped, especially to scrape off dirt and wax from them. Only the skilled hands of the master, with special tools, will be able to protect the icon from destruction and damage. Most often, you have to clean the images of caked wax, this is done with a scalpel. The restorer removes the top layer and only then erases the bottom layer with pure alcohol.
