This lesson covers the complete cleaning process for clock plates, wheels, and lantern pinions using a homemade cleaning solution, followed by a naphtha rinse and heat‑gun drying. Proper cleaning is essential for removing decades of oil, soot, smoke residue, and dirt before inspecting pivots and bushings. This step prepares the movement for accurate diagnosis and smooth reassembly.
If you are following along with a full restoration sequence, you may also find it helpful to review related guides such as the Sessions Black Mantel Clock restoration or the Seth Thomas Ogee restoration.
Preparing the cleaning solution
Ingredients
This homemade cleaning solution is effective for removing heavy grime, smoke residue, and old oil from brass clock parts. You will need:
- 1 cup bicarbonate of soda
- ½ cup dishwashing liquid
- ½ cup water
- 2 cups white vinegar
Mixing instructions
Combine the bicarbonate of soda and dishwashing liquid to form a paste. Add the water and stir thoroughly. Slowly add the vinegar in small amounts—about a quarter cup at a time—because the mixture will foam vigorously. Mixing in the sink is recommended to contain the frothing. Once all ingredients are combined, the solution is ready for use.
Cleaning the clock plates
Applying the solution
Dip the front plate into the cleaning solution and scrub thoroughly with a toothbrush. Ensure the brush reaches all surfaces, including around the bushings and edges. Stir the solution occasionally to pick up the bicarbonate that settles at the bottom.
Rinsing
Once the plate is scrubbed, place it into a dish of clean water to rinse off the solution. Set it aside while you begin cleaning the wheels.
Cleaning the wheels
Scrubbing the wheel surfaces
Dip each wheel into the cleaning solution and scrub both sides with a toothbrush. Hold the wheel in your hand so the pivot does not rest on the bench. Clean the teeth, the arbor, and the pivot thoroughly.
Cleaning the lantern pinions
Pay special attention to the lantern pinions. Scrub between the trundles to remove old oil and dirt. These areas often accumulate grime that affects power transmission. Pegging will be done later, but brushing removes the bulk of the debris.
Rinsing the wheels
After scrubbing, place each wheel into the dish of water to rinse off the cleaning solution. Continue this process for all wheels in the movement.
Naphtha rinse
Preparing for the rinse
Remove the parts from the water and wipe off excess moisture with a clean cloth. Place the parts into a container of naphtha. The naphtha displaces water and removes any remaining residue from the cleaning solution.
Soaking
Let the parts sit in the naphtha for a minute or two while you prepare your drying area.
Drying the parts
Using a heat gun
Remove the parts from the naphtha and place them on a clean cloth. Use a heat gun on low to evaporate the naphtha. Do not overheat the parts—only warm them enough to dry the solvent. This takes only a few seconds per piece.
Inspecting the results
Once dry, the brass should appear clean and bright. Even movements that were not heavily soiled will show noticeable improvement. The wheels, arbors, and plate surfaces should now be free of oil, soot, and grime.
Laying out the cleaned components
Time train
Arrange the wheels in order:
- Great wheel
- T1
- T2
- T3
- T4 (escape wheel)
Motion works
- Minute arbor
- Minute wheel
- Cannon pipe
- Hour wheel
- Idler wheel
Strike train
- Great wheel with count wheel
- S1
- S2
- S3
- S4 (fly)
Preparing for the next step
Inspecting lantern pinions and bushings
With the parts cleaned, you can now examine each lantern pinion and peg out the trundles to remove any remaining debris. Inspect the teeth for wear and check each pivot for smoothness. Clean bushings will allow you to accurately assess pivot fit and determine whether any bushings need replacement.
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