Many customers I have talked with over the years have been instructed to have their clock "Cleaned" every year. Is that necessary? In normal conditions I would say a true "ultrasonic cleaning" should only be needed about every seven to ten years. Don't confuse "Servicing" the mechanism with "Cleaning". There may be technicians that use the same terminology, but have a totally different meanings.

We refer to "Servicing" a clock as: a dry cleaning, lubricating , and minor adjustments.Some may call "Cleaning" what we will refer to it as "Servicing". This is typically sufficient on a newer clock, or one that has been "Ultrasonically Cleaned" within the past seven to ten years.

 In modern conditions, clocks are not exposed to the dusty environments, as they were years ago. The clock oil will evaporate, leaving the pivots dry within three to four years. This increases friction in the movement, and speeds up the wear process, that is normal with years of running. At this point "Servicing" the mechanism may be all that is required. For the clock owners that would like to service their clock, we offer a Clock Oil Kit.

Eventually the  mechanism  requires cleaning. At this point, it is disassembled and submerged in a  ultrasonic  clock cleaning machine.  The ultrasonic soundwave enhances the cleaning process to assist in removing the accumulation of dust and dried oil, along with residue of metal wear. The life of the mechanism is prolonged  by removing the debris with the "Cleaning", and lubricating with a high grade clock oil. Keep in mind, oil is only applied in very small drops ( never sprayed) , and only where needed.It is very controlled. Oil is like a magnet to dust and lint, and dust is a grit. Together they become like a gringing compound, which will shorten the life of the clock. By "Cleaning" the mechanism, it removes all abrasive that "Servicing" will not.

Typiclly clocks are fairly closed up, not in a highly dusty enviroment, or turning at a high rate of speed like some machinery. You should expect to "Service" the clock about every three to four years, and a complete "Cleaning" about seven to ten years, or every second or third "Servicing".

Use this as a suggestion only. No two clocks are the same, and may be in completly different environments.Without inspecting the clock it is impossible to say what is needed. I have found some clocks to need a "Cleaning" in the timeframe another one may only require "Servicing". So should the clock be cleaned every year? That depends on how hungry the clockmaker is.....they like to eat too.