Cleaning Ivory??
 

Ivory grips, heavily carved and checkered comvination, have some misc crud here and there. Any one know a way to clean these WITHOUT discoloration of the lovely toning that only aged ivory can provide?

Tom A

no idea Tom, but google says;

http://www.associatedcontent.com/art...que_ivory.html

http://www.canequest.com/cleaning_ivory.asp

http://www.uniclectica.com/conserva/ivory3.html




Ed

.Tom, I Googled this..http://www.associatedcontent.com/art...ry.html?cat=24

Use equal amounts of water to lemon juice for the best results. Then wipe with a damp cloth and buff it gently. Be sure to avoid getting any lemon juice on any metal parts of your knives or jewelry. If your ivory is really stained or darkened, you should have a professional whiten it. A jeweler can scrape and polish your ivory without damaging it.

If your ivory needs to be dusted, use a clean, soft cloth, and remove any dust by wiping it gently. To wash dirtier pieces, use a mild soap and warm water. Don't soak knives or jewelry as the glue holding the ivory on can be softened. Use a wool cloth to buff the cleaned piece after it has been rinsed and dried.

If you need to clean ivory piano keys, the process is a little different. Using a dampened cloth dipped in a small amount of baking soda, carefully rub one key at a time. The keys then can be wiped with a clean damp cloth and buffed dry.

Ivory should be kept in a place with moderate temperature and humidity. Frequent changes in temperature, or being too cold or hot, can cause warping and other damage to the ivory. Too much moisture can cause the ivory to mold, as it is an organic material. Your hands should be clean before handling ivory, because the oils from your skin can darken it. For dried out ivory, mineral oil can be used, by wrapping the piece in a cloth soaked in oil, and left to sit for a day or two. Gently wipe the oil off after that.

Hello Tom,

I recommend using Kiwi Saddle Soap and a soft toothbrush to clean ivory grips. I know from first-hand experience because I use it to clean my vintage carved ivory boar tusk corkscrews which are quite expensive. After you wipe down the grips with a damp sponge, let the ivory grips dry and then buff the grips with a soft cloth. This cleaning method is very gentle and it gives great results.

I hope this advise is useful to you.

Best wishes,
Albert

salt or baking soda and a soft brush

Thanks all...

Tom A