How to Clean Frames & Canvases Properly

Well-decorated walls often feature frames or canvases in their composition. They are beautiful, versatile, and full of personality, making them a favorite for those planning the design of any environment.

But it's not enough to hang the frame on the wall and forget about it. If you do that, you may end up with a faded, dusty, or damaged piece that will steal all the glamour from your carefully planned decoration. It is necessary to pay attention to keeping these accessories clean and well-maintained.

If you have doubts about how to do this in the best way, without damaging the frame you chose with such care, we can help you with some basic tips.

1. BYE DUST

Dust is one of the main enemies of frames. To keep them protected and always beautiful, it is necessary to dust them at least once a week. For canvases, use an electrostatic duster with bristles, both on the front and back of the piece. And this duster should be used only for this purpose.

For frames with glass, they can be cleaned with a cloth dampened with water and three drops of alcohol. Also, choose a cloth that will only be used to clean them. In the end, a dry flannel is recommended to remove any possible stains.

Never use a vacuum cleaner to clean the frames on either side as the suction can damage the canvas. Avoid using cleaning products as well: the suggested mixture will do the trick.

2. ATTENTION TO FRAMES

Regardless of the type of frame, they should be cleaned exclusively with a damp cloth that has been well wrung out. It's simple. There's no need for any complicated cleaning with specific and scented products. Just make sure to clean the back of the piece as well, which we often forget.

To prevent attacks from moths and termites, once a year, apply kerosene to the back of each frame. You can also attach a few camphor stones with transparent adhesive tape, also on the back, replacing them every two months.

3. RESTORING THE SHINE

To save frames that have become dull due to wear, gently rub them with a flannel soaked in turpentine.

If you have any small chipping, you can disguise it with diluted eyeliner in foundation and sprayed with eyeshadow or with nail polish.

4. NO MOLD HERE

Moisture is another great enemy of frames and canvases as it causes mold and attracts fungi. And mold gives a strong sense of neglect, doesn't it? You don't want people to look at your beautifully decorated wall and focus on a large unwanted green stain.

Therefore, it is essential to keep the environment where the pieces are well-ventilated. Additionally, make sure everything is thoroughly dried after cleaning. If necessary, use neutral detergent for a more effective removal when there is already some sign of mold.

Natural light is also essential, but avoid direct sunlight on these objects, as excessive heat can also damage canvases and frames.

5. POTATO AS AN ALLY

To be done twice a year: remove the top of a potato and use it to scrub the canvas as if the vegetable were a sponge. When it is very dirty, remove that top part and continue using the remaining potato on the surface. Keep doing this until the potato comes out clean from this operation.