How to Clean a Painting

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If your oil and watercolor paintings are covered in dust and dirt, learn how to clean them using common household items.

Warning
Never use water or solvent to clean your paintings.

Step 1: Decide whether you can do it
Decide whether you can clean the painting yourself. If it's extremely valuable or an antique, use a professional.

Step 2: Use a soft-bristle brush
Gently dust the painting with a soft-bristle brush.

Tip
As you're using the brush, imagine that you're dusting pollen from flower petals.

Step 3: Use a loaf of bread
Use the inside of the bread to remove any dirt. Break off a piece of bread and gently rub a section of the painting. When that piece is dirty, break off another piece and continue on another section.

Tip
Before you use bread on an oil painting, make sure the paint layers are firmly attached so you don’t rub off any paint.

Step 4: Brush away crumbs
Brush away any excess bread crumbs.

Step 5: Hang the picture
Hang or re-hang your painting. Take a moment to enjoy the satisfaction of having successfully restored your artwork.

Did You Know?
In 2006, researchers determined that the model for the Mona Lisa was pregnant or had just given birth.