Priory Polishes No 2 Non Ammoniated Clock Cleaning Solution

Why Choose No 2 Non Ammoniated Clock Cleaning Solution?

• Specialist solution for cleaning antique clock movements.
• Non-ammoniated formulation.
• Less potent than the traditional No 1 ammoniated clock cleaner.
• Particularly suitable for earlier clocks and finer metals.
• Removes most grease, oil, dirt and tarnish.
• Suitable for brass, copper and bronze components.
• Can be used for immersion cleaning.
• Suitable for use in an ultrasonic cleaner.
• Concentrated formula that is diluted with water before use.
• Available in sizes from 250ml through to 5 Litres.

The lower potency makes No 2 a useful choice where a more aggressive traditional ammonia-based cleaner is not preferred. It should still be treated as a professional chemical cleaning product and used with appropriate protective equipment and ventilation.

What Can No 2 Clock Cleaner Be Used For?

No 2 Non Ammoniated Clock Cleaning Solution is primarily intended for clock movement cleaning and antique horological restoration.

It can also be used to clean suitable items and components made from:

• Brass
• Copper
• Bronze

Typical restoration applications include clock movement components, metal parts and other suitable brass, copper and bronze objects where accumulated grease, oil, dirt or tarnish needs to be removed.

The solution can be particularly useful where the restorer wants a less potent alternative to the traditional ammoniated clock cleaner.

Cleaning Antique Clock Movements

Old clock movements can accumulate years of oil, grease, dirt and other deposits. This contamination can affect the appearance of the mechanism and may interfere with the movement operating correctly.

No 2 Non Ammoniated Clock Cleaning Solution is designed to help remove these deposits during the restoration and cleaning process.

For best results, clock movements should be dismantled as far as appropriate before cleaning. Cleaning individual components allows dirt and old lubricant to be removed from areas that would otherwise be difficult to reach.

Once the components have been cleaned, they should be thoroughly rinsed and dried before the movement is reassembled and correctly lubricated.

For further information, see our How to Clean a Clock Mechanism guide.

For Earlier Clocks and Finer Metals

No 2 is particularly useful for earlier clocks and finer metal mechanisms where a less potent cleaning solution is preferred.

Traditional ammoniated clock cleaning solutions are stronger and are widely used by antique clock restorers. No 2 provides another option for restorers who want a non-ammoniated formulation for suitable cleaning work.

As with any chemical cleaner, the condition and composition of an antique movement should be considered before treatment. Always test a small or inconspicuous component first when there is any uncertainty about compatibility.

Cleaning Brass, Copper and Bronze

As well as clock movements, No 2 can be used for suitable brass, copper and bronze restoration.

It is capable of removing most accumulated grease, oil, dirt and tarnish from suitable metal objects and components.

This makes it useful beyond horological restoration for items such as small antique metal components, decorative brass parts and other suitable restoration pieces.

Always consider whether the original patina is something you want to preserve before cleaning an antique object. Test first and avoid unnecessarily aggressive treatment where the character of the original surface is important.

Preparing Parts for Cleaning

Before cleaning, remove loose dirt and inspect the components carefully.

Where you are cleaning a clock movement, dismantling the movement into individual components where appropriate will make the cleaning process easier and more thorough.

Prepare a suitable chemical-resistant container for the diluted cleaning solution. The product instructions recommend a suitable container such as polythene.

Always work in a well-ventilated area and wear appropriate protective equipment before preparing the solution.

How to Use Priory Polishes No 2 Non Ammoniated Clock Cleaning Solution

1. Wear suitable protective gloves, protective clothing and eye protection.
2. Work in a well-ventilated area.
3. Mix 1 measure of No 2 solution with 7 measures of cold water.
4. Use a suitable container, such as a polythene container.
5. Fully submerge the components to be cleaned.
6. Allow the parts to remain immersed until the required dirt, grease, oil and tarnish have been removed.
7. The use of fine 0000 Wire wool can be used to help remove the tarnish.
8. Remove the components from the solution.
9. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
10. Dry the components completely.
11. Polish or finish the components as appropriate.
12. Once the movement has been cleaned and dried, use a suitable clock oil for lubrication.

Do not rush the process. The required cleaning time will vary depending on the condition of the components and the amount of contamination present.

No 2 Clock Cleaning Solution Dilution Ratios

The standard dilution is:

1 part No 2 Non Ammoniated Clock Cleaning Solution : 7 parts cold water

For light soiling or ultrasonic cleaning, the recommended dilution is:

1 part No 2 solution : 8 parts water

Always dilute the concentrate before use and use cold water as specified in the product instructions.

Immersion Cleaning

Immersion cleaning is particularly useful when working with dismantled clock movement components.

Prepare the diluted solution in a suitable container and fully submerge the components. Allow the solution to work until the required level of contamination has been removed.

Once cleaning is complete, remove the parts and rinse thoroughly with clean water. The components must then be dried completely before further restoration or lubrication.

If an item is particularly dirty, do not simply increase the concentration without considering the material and finish. It is better to monitor the cleaning process and test first.

Using No 2 in an Ultrasonic Cleaner

No 2 Non Ammoniated Clock Cleaning Solution can be used in an ultrasonic cleaning tank.

For ultrasonic applications and light soiling, dilute:

1 part No 2 solution with 8 parts water.

Ultrasonic cleaning can be particularly useful when cleaning multiple small clock components, as the action of the tank can help loosen dirt and contamination from difficult-to-reach areas.

Always follow the operating instructions for your ultrasonic cleaner and ensure the cleaning solution is suitable for the equipment being used.

After Cleaning – Rinsing, Drying and Oiling

Rinsing and drying are important parts of the clock cleaning process.

After removing components from the cleaning solution, rinse them thoroughly with clean water to remove remaining cleaning solution.

Dry the components completely before reassembly. Moisture should not be left on clock movement components.

Once the movement has been cleaned and dried, we recommend using Priory Polishes Clock Oil as part of the lubrication process.

Clock Oil is designed specifically for lubricating clock movements and provides the lubrication required after cleaning and restoration.

No 2 vs No 1 Clock Cleaning Solution

Priory Polishes offers two main clock cleaning concentrates, No 1 and No 2.

View Priory Polishes No 1 Ammoniated Clock Cleaning Concentrate Solution

If you are unsure which product is more appropriate for your clock, consider the age and condition of the movement, the metals involved and the level of contamination before choosing a cleaning solution.

What is No 2 Non Ammoniated Clock Cleaning Solution?

No 2 is a specialist concentrated cleaning solution for clock movements and suitable brass, copper and bronze components. It is a less potent, non-ammoniated alternative to the traditional ammoniated No 1 cleaner.

What does No 2 Clock Cleaning Solution remove?

It is designed to remove most grease, oil, dirt and tarnish from suitable clock components and metal objects.

Can No 2 be used to clean clock movements?

Yes. Cleaning clock movements is one of its main uses and it is particularly suited to earlier and finer mechanisms.

Is No 2 suitable for antique clocks?

Yes. It is intended for antique clock restoration and is particularly useful where a less potent non-ammoniated cleaner is preferred. Always assess and test individual components before cleaning.

Is No 2 Clock Cleaning Solution weaker than No 1?

Yes. No 2 is less potent than the traditional ammoniated version, making it a useful alternative for suitable finer or earlier clock mechanisms.

Can I use No 2 on brass?

Yes. No 2 can be used for cleaning suitable brass objects and components.

Can I use No 2 on copper and bronze?

Yes. It is suitable for cleaning appropriate copper and bronze objects and components as well as brass.

What is the normal dilution for No 2?

Mix 1 measure of No 2 with 7 measures of cold water for standard cleaning.

What dilution should I use in an ultrasonic cleaner?

For light soiling or ultrasonic applications, the product instructions recommend 1 measure of No 2 to 8 measures of water.

Can No 2 Clock Cleaning Solution be used in an ultrasonic cleaner?

Yes. No 2 can be used in an ultrasonic tank. For ultrasonic applications, use the recommended 1:8 dilution.

How long should clock parts be left in No 2?

The required cleaning time depends on the condition of the components and the amount of contamination. Submerge the parts until the required level of dirt and tarnish has been removed, then rinse thoroughly. Usually check every 30 minutes to an hour. Do not leave overnight.

Do I need to rinse the clock parts after cleaning?

Yes. Thoroughly rinse the cleaned components with water and dry them completely before further restoration or lubrication.

What should I use after cleaning a clock movement?

Once the movement has been thoroughly cleaned and dried, Priory Polishes Clock Oil can be used to lubricate the appropriate components.

Can No 2 remove old clock oil?

Yes. No 2 Clock Cleaning Solution is designed to remove most grease and oil as well as dirt and tarnish from suitable components.

Can No 2 be used on clock case wood?

No. No 2 is a clock movement and metal cleaning solution. For wooden clock cases, use a specialist product such as Priory Polishes Clock Case Restorer.

How should No 2 be stored?

Keep the container tightly closed when not in use and store it in a cool, well-ventilated place. The product should be stored securely and away from sources of ignition.

Do I need to test No 2 before using it?

Yes. Always test a small or inconspicuous area first to make sure you are satisfied with the result and compatibility with the material.

What sizes of No 2 are available?

No 2 Non Ammoniated Clock Cleaning Concentrate Solution is available in 250ml, 500ml, 1 Litre and 5 Litre sizes.

Always test first. Antique clock movements and metal components can vary considerably in age, composition, condition and previous treatment.

Use the correct dilution and always rinse cleaned components thoroughly with water before drying.

Do not assume that every metal or clock component is suitable for immersion cleaning. Where the composition or finish of a component is uncertain, test a small area first or seek appropriate professional advice.

Store the product in an airtight/tightly closed container when not in use and, according to the current product instructions, use within six months of opening.

Flammable liquid. Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Wear suitable protective clothing. Wear suitable safety glasses or goggles. Wear protective gloves; the SDS specifies nitrile rubber gloves as suitable. Avoid breathing fumes, mist, vapours or spray. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking during use. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Do not eat, drink or smoke while using the product. Keep the product stored securely and in a well-ventilated, cool place. If on skin or hair – Remove contaminated clothing immediately and rinse the skin with water or shower. If in eyes – Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, then continue rinsing. Seek medical attention immediately. If swallowed – Rinse the mouth. Do not induce vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately. If inhaled – Move the person to fresh air and keep them comfortable for breathing. Seek medical attention where required. Keep out of reach of children and follow the Safety Data Sheet and product label at all times.

View / Download the No 2 Non Ammoniated Clock Cleaning Solution Safety Data Sheet