Cleaning Smoke of a Porcelain Figurine

Cleaning wedgewood figurines? Post By lenodog@aol.com. (Guest Post) (07/31/2007) I have acquired some wedgewood figurines that look rather dirty, how shall I clean them? RE: Cleaning Smoke of a Porcelain Figurine Post By Cauleen (Guest Post) (07/28/2007) Hi, Before cleaning with any commercial cleaner, you must be sure the painted design is under the glaze. You can tell this by holding the piece to the light to see if the paint has a shine over it. If not, then the design was done after the firing and may come off with rubbing with any kind of brush or cleaner. Most conservationists use an enzyme cleaner... but if you don't have access to one, then good old 'spit' works... yes, spit.. it may seem a bit gross, but it is so neutral as to not harm the paint... use a soft Q-tip and gently rub over each area a bit at a time. if you are patient (and it takes patience and lots of time) it will work well. Often you cannot tell if there is any paint over the glaze until it is clean, but why take the chance. It works well.... then if there is no paint that is applied over the glaze when you are finished, you can wash in a mild liquid detergent. Make sure there are no holes in the piece as there are often in figurines. Some of the 19th century upright figures have holes for sand so the figure can be weighted. if water gets in the holes, mould can grow so easily... it likes dark and damp places. So be sure not to immerse in water. All the best with your piece. Cauleen RE: Cleaning Smoke of a Porcelain Figurine Post by gannon (7) | (03/21/2005) Contact If nothing else works, try toothpaste made specifically for smokers and very gently brush it on and rinse. It may remove the yellow smoke stain. RE: Cleaning Smoke of a Porcelain Figurine Post By (Guest Post) (03/17/2005) put into your sink bowl,then spray with 409 spray.it does a wonderful job. then rinse off with just warm water. i do this with my little hurrican lamps. RE: Cleaning Smoke of a Porcelain Figurine Post by Jo Bodey (291) | (03/17/2005) Contact Is there any reason why you can't just wash it? If it is fully glazed I would just wash it in warm soapy water with a soft cloth. Wash it in a plastic bowl or place a towel in the sink to ensure it doesn't get knocked/chipped on the sink or tap/faucet. Use a soft toothbrush to get in any cracks and crevices. Regards Jo RE: Cleaning Smoke of a Porcelain Figurine Post By brenda. (Guest Post) (03/17/2005) i don't know if this will work ? but i use denture tablets to clean out old dirty bottles & it work just fine! it doesn't hurt dentures so it shouldn't your vase !