Taking Care of Wooden Clock Cabinets

1.  Overall inspection of cabinet:  The first and one of the most important parts of taking care of your clock cabinet is to inspect all areas of the cabinet.  Look to areas where you have metal attachments; hinges, keyways, door latches.  If you live in a dry climate you shouldn't find much, but if you live in a humid climate, you may see some corrosion.  This is a matter that needs to be taken care of right away.  Take the corroded parts off and clean them with a mild cleaner, and then polish them with a good quality metal polish, ( follow directions exactly when using the polish).  Never leave the metal pieces attached to the wood and try to clean them.  The chemicals from cleaners and polishes are not made for wood and can do a lot more harm then good. 

2.  Next look at the exterior of the cabinet:  If it is very dirty; use a good quality wood cleaner, and a large artists paintbrush to get into the small areas.  Finish by wiping off the residue from the wood cleaner.

3.  Now look at preservation.  The first thing to think about is furniture oil.  "Always Always", buy the best oil you can afford.  A high grade furniture oil will really help your cabinet.  Only use products marked furniture oil, never any other types of oils, as they may harm your cabinet.  When I say furniture oil I mean oil made for care and preservation of furniture, not refinishing oil.  Oils like lemon, orange or cedar are excellent for your wooden clock case.  Apply liberally with a large artists paintbrush and let soak in, (4-24 hours).  Any oil left on the surface of the wood after 24 hours can be wiped off. 

       (Cautionary note: Don't apply oil to damp or wet wood, this will only serve to hold the moisture in the wood and cause more damage).

  4.  Oil can be applied at any time of the year, but watch yourself in humid climates in the summer.  The wood may be damp, and you will probably have to wait till fall, and a drop in humidity before you can properly care for your cabinet.  In dryer climate any time of year is appropriate.  Winter in usually the time when the wood needs the oil the most. 

5.  If you may have noticed; I have said nothing about the inside of the clock cabinet.  Unless you are a horologist, or an individual that has a thorough knowledge of clocks; I would not advice you oil the inside of the clock cabinet.  This should be left to the professionals.  If the wrong oils get on the clockworks, it can harm them just like the wood.  I suggest getting in touch with a good clock shop and either have them do it, or if they don't, ask if they can suggest someone.

Thankyou for taking the time to read this guide.  If it helped or if it didn't help, please leave feedback for and add questions if you have any so I can better help you with the proper care of you clock cabinet.