2.

3 Care and Cleaning of Historic Materials for Maintenance

Historic materials and finishes generally require that more than the usual amount of
caution be exercised when selection cleaning products, use of mechanical cleaning equipment,
and cleaning methods and frequency. To date, little has been published about this topic, and at
best it is difficult to find.

Three guiding principles that should be used when developing care and cleaning
practices for operation and maintenance of a historic structure are as follows;

1. Use the gentlest means possible and the gentlest products possible in cleaning historic
materials so as not to damage an underlying finish or substrate. Locate as much information as
possible about recommended care and cleaning products and applications before making a
selection.

2. Test all cleaning products and methods in a location that is least noticeable. Evaluate the
results to see how effective the products and methods are visually inspect for adverse effect or
damage resulting from the cleaning. Document the conditions before and after the testing
photographs and notes.

3. After selecting an effective non-damaging cleaning process and product, record the
information about the resting process, results, products used, methods/procedures and cleaning
schedule in an operation and maintenance manual. Thoroughly train everyone involved in
cleaning to ensure they understand not only the products and procedures to be used, but the
underlying reasons for not using any others. It may initially be difficult to determine the best
frequency of cleaning, but by routinely monitoring the effectiveness of the products and
procedure used, experience will be gained over time. If necessary, cleaning schedules should
then be adjusted to take into account the patterns of use of the structure and general wear of the
materials. [ 4 ]