Description
Our Ammoniated clock cleaning solution is for the for cleaning of clock movements along with many other Brass, Copper and Bronze Objects. It will remove grease, oil, dirt and tarnish on Brass and Copper. With our unique recipe, it has been used for many years by specialist clock restorers to clean clock parts and movements.
How to use Ammoniated Clock Cleaning fluid
- For standard cleaning, mix 1 measure of the clock cleaning fluid with 7 measures of cold water in a suitable container, eg. polythene.
- Submerge the clock mechanism or brass/copper parts fully into the mixture until all tarnish is removed
- For best results, soak for around thirty minutes and then lightly rub over the areas using a brush or 0000 wire wool.
- re submerge and repeat around every 30 minutes until you are happy with the results.
- For very stubborn dirt and tarnish, several applications may be required.
- Once all tarnish is removed, rinse thoroughly with water then polish in the usual way.
- For a detailed step by step instructions on cleaning clock mechanisms, see our article here.
Ultrasonic Cleaning
For light soiling or Ultrasonic applications dilute 1 measure of fluid to 8 measures of water
After Cleaning
Once complete, we recommend using Priory Polishes Clock Oil.
To clean your clock case we offer an amazing cleaner here. It revives and cleans without damaging the Patina on your wood.
Please note This Ammoniated clock cleaning solution, does NOT contain Xylene. We do offer a Non ammonia cleaner for very early clocks or for a milder cleaner. When not in use, store on an air tight container. Once opened, use within six months. Always test in a small inconspicuous area first to ensure you are happy with the results. Always wear protective gloves when using this product.
Questions and Answers
Will this cleaning solution harm metal springs etc in clock mechanism’s as mine is 100 years old and has 2 springs and I don’t want to dismantle if possible?
We have been selling this product for many years to clock restorers and haven’t heard of any issues, for best results restorers usually recommend to take the clocks to pieces but this isn’t always necessary. We do also supply a Non ammoniated concentrate which is not quite as abrasive.
How long should the clock cleaner remain effective when mixed exactly as per the instructions ?
Once this is mixed, it needs to be kept in an air-tight container when not in use. Once you start to use this mixed solution, as it becomes grubby, it will start to loose its effectiveness. Most of our restorers only use this once per clock mechanism.
How long should a clock mechanism be left in the cleaning fluid?
This will depend on how dirty the mechanism is. I would usually check every thirty minutes to hour and add some agitation to the solution. You will see the dirt and grime start to be removed. Once you are happy with the results, remove and rinse. If it is extremely dirty, you can use a brush or 0000 wire wool to rub over the brass, whilst in the solution. Sometimes, you will need to repeat the process. This can take anywhere from an hour to several hours but it is not recommended to leave over night.
Health and safety. AS WITH ALL CHEMICALS ALWAYS USE PROTECTIVE CLOTHING. Avoid inhaling the vapour. Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes, face, hair and skin. Ensure good ventilation of your work station. Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking. Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. Wash contaminated clothing before reuse. Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. Always wash hands after handling the product.
Safety Data Sheets
Richard –
Excellent service and value. The solution worked a treat cleaning a clock mechanism oiled with engine oil 10 years previously and had set to a jelly.
Neil Allen –
Arrived quickly and as described. Cleaned my clock workings extremely well using ultrasonic tank
Robert Taylor –
Dipped an old dirty brass clock mechanism in it undiluted, removed much old tarnish and oils, gave it a light brush with a stiff paintbrush, washed it, dried with a hairdryer, oiled with clock oil, has been working since…used to stop at irregular intervals. So for me …it worked.
Paul Challoner –
All i can say is WOW! where did the oil and grime go?
Tony Askham –
This is the 8th time I have ordered clock cleaner from Priory polishes and have always been pleased with the results it gives. Great service. Highly recommended.
C M Garner –
Good description of the product, which I needed as I had not used clock cleaning fluid previously. It has worked very well on the movement of an old cuckoo clock that I am hoping to refurbish.
Altaf Ahmed (verified owner) –
Have not used as yet, but was really impressed with the care and attention taken to wrap the items in my order and speed of delivery. When first impressions count, this really sets the tone of what I can expect from using the products. In my mind only a firm that really care about their products would pay that much attention to everything.
David Hardacre –
It is a super product and I do wish I had taken before and after photos, as the results are rapid and positives. As you know, I restore antique oil lamps and this cleaner is possibly better than Horolene and is certainly much cheaper. I will send you more photos of completed restorations soon and you may use these in your marketing programe, if this helps.
David Hardacre –
Another positive purchase from this lovely efficient company! This time a new product which has proved better than my usual cleaning fluid and far cheaper. All well packed and sent quickly: Thank you!
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Gary Marsh (verified owner) –
Very good service
Philip M. (verified owner) –
Used as instructed has brought the mechanism of my mantel clock up shinier and cleaner than I have ever seen it
Stephen M. (verified owner) –
This product was amazing. It did a great job and I now have a working clock back.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Good service. Good value too.
David Ashdown (verified owner) –
Works ok
John Nicholson (verified owner) –
Worked well
Keith Wileman (verified owner) –
Great service and product, and works a treat.
Michael M. (verified owner) –
Allan (verified owner) –
Works ok. Not the magic bullet I had hoped for. Still lots of elbow grease with wire wool for, admittedly, badly tarnished brass. Quick delivery.
Joseph McCarrison (verified owner) –
Unbelievable
Brian Darnell (verified owner) –
Great service and delivery
Edmund Fisher (verified owner) –
Exactly what I wanted, delivered on time.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Neil Gavin (verified owner) –
I am very impressed with this product , diluted as per instructions, old Edwardian clock movement that was hung above an active fireplace so very dirty , submerged in solution, scrubbed with old toothbrush, and repeated 3 times, now super clean, re oiled and now runs like clockwork !
Mark Holmes (verified owner) –
Does a great job but is not cheap!
John –
Excellent product, use outdoors or in a garage with all doors open etc.. It can be reused multiple times, especially if you scrub the clock parts in warm soapy water with old toothbrush first and use a wooden stick to remove hard oily deposits (often in pinions and bushings) before using the cleaning solution. It’ll be a dirty black liquid after 5 uses, loses effectiveness after maybe 10 uses.
miranda williams (verified owner) –
Anonymous (verified owner) –
It works well but smells bad
Peter G. (verified owner) –
Great product, it cleaned a brass GWR CARRIAGE LAMP really well
Robert L. (verified owner) –
Service was quick and proficient. Products were well packaged
paul_s_floyd (verified owner) –
Used “off label” for cleaning brass jets from old motorcycle carburetors of old fuel residue and verdigris, works very well indeed!
Seems to work well on cleaning old copper floats too.
Encouraged by the success cleaning jets it could be time to have another go at my old Smiths 8 day Westminster Clock!
Thanks for a great product.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
I use this for cleaning carburettor parts, great for brass jets.
Stephen Edwards (verified owner) –
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Michael Crawley (verified owner) –
A very good web page for showing how to use. The result of cleaning with this solution was perfect.
I now have a happy brass ship’s clock.
Stephen Ellis (verified owner) –
Spot on!
Ian C. (verified owner) –
Stuart Morgan (verified owner) –
Prompt service as usual
JOHN GALLAGHER (verified owner) –
First attempt at wall clock repair and it cleaned the mechanism a treat.
Alexandra H. (verified owner) –
I wish I could attach the before and after photos of my brass handles…. I was going to throw them away they were so awful, but they have come up looking brand new!!! Absolutely mind-blowing how good this stuff is!!
Peter C. (verified owner) –
Very prompt delivery
Jonathan Lowther (verified owner) –
Amazing solution… so much better that Horolene.. stronger yet stays cleaner in an ultrasonic cleaner. Will definitely buy again
Joan Reid (verified owner) –
Liquid good for clocks
Jon B –
Brilliant stuff.
I am an ebay seller and buy items to resell.
Takes the work out of cleaning old Brass antiques which look too far gone.
I advise a clean with soapy water first to get the loose dirt off to prolong the life of the fluid.
Quickly dispatched and tracking info sent.
Will use again.
J. O. (verified owner) –
Diluted it at 5:1 as felt that the recommended strength was perhaps a bit weak given the oily dirt on my clock and the fact that I don’t have an ultrasonic cleaner. I did see from some reviews that it can be used undiluted. In summary it’s great and definitely cleaned my clock very effectively at 5:1. Used “0000” wire wool to take off any staining. Can definitely recommend and found the smallest version was adequate for my purpose.