So, you’re looking at your framed photo and thinking that your picture frame needs some cleaning. There’s a good chance it might. After all, dust collects everywhere, even on picture frames. Now, you might have some questions about how to clean your picture frame. So, that’s what we’re going to discuss today: how to clean your photo frame.
Firstly, there’s all kinds of different picture frames available on the market. These range from the small cheap plastic frames, such as you would find at Walmart, to the high-end custom frames made from luxury woods or other materials. While I cannot specifically comment on EVERY kind of picture frame out there, I can hit some of the common high points.
Light Frame Cleaning
Most of the time, you will not need to do more than a light cleaning of any or all of your picture frames. This is because pictures are up on the wall. They are not exposed to much of the common grime which floors and kitchen counters see. A light cleaning will usually mean no more than a light dusting.
A simple damp paper towel or damp cloth will work well for plastic or metal picture frames. Lightly brush away the dust. If there’s anything more than light dust accumulated, you should need nothing more than a light surface pressure while rubbing to remove light grime. If you run into stubborn grime, then you might consider some soft soap. However, you will want to remove the photo (or other art) from the frame first to avoid damaging the frame’s contents. Be careful as you might scratch the surface or mar the finish. Avoid using cleaning chemicals as they can leave residues which will damage the art over time.
When it comes to wooden frames, you should try for something like microfiber. A damp paper towel or damp cloth will work in a pinch. You might even consider using canned air. You should NOT use soap or any other cleaning chemicals. Wood contains oils which keep the rest of the fibers from drying out. Soap and and water, along with other chemicals, will remove those oils leading to the wood drying out and shrinking. It may also separate at the joints or even crack.
Composite frames are often made from small or even dust-sized pieces of wood glued together. You will often find them painted. You will want to take the same level of care with composite frames as you would with wooden frames. Avoid using soap or other cleaning chemicals on composite frames too. They too can dry out, separate, and crack. Other than that, the suggested directions are the same.
The final point on how to clean your photo frame is to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. They know what went into creating the photo frame you’re looking to clean so they should also know how to best protect it during the cleaning process.
Deeper Frame Cleaning
It happens from time to time that you find a frame needs a deeper cleaning than a simple light dusting. If you do indeed find yourself in such a situation, be careful. It’s easy to cause lasting damage without intention.
In such situations, you might consider hiring a professional to attempt to clean this photo frame. They are trained in proper handling of delicate artwork. The chances of something bad happening go down. Those chances are not eliminated, but rather become much reduced. You can probably locate these services under the heading of art restoration.
In the very worst of circumstances, or even simply for aesthetic reasons, you may also opt to replace the photo frame instead of cleaning it. The choice is yours.
How to Clean a Frame from Audrey Cramer Photography
I do offer custom frames for custom orders. These frames are professionally made from quality wooden and composite materials. What you need to know is these wooden and composite frames have a protective wax finish which, when handled properly, should not require much care other than a periodic dusting. Use the light cleaning instructions from above for wood or composite frames.
Here, we have the manufacturer’s instructions. When cleaning the frame, use a soft dry cloth to remove spots or other debris. Avoid using liquid and chemical cleaning products as these will remove protective finish and cause the wood to dry out and discolor/shrink/crack over time. Apply only light pressure to the frame, rinse the frame with clean water, and dry it by blotting the cloth.
I also recommend using compressed or canned air to remove any surface dust accumulating on the liner over time. Take care in making sure that no propellant is expelled from the can during the process as that propellant will do nasty things to the art and frame over time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you shouldn’t need to clean your photo frame very often. When you do, you should only need to give it a light cleaning. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you find you need a deeper cleaning than you anticipated, then you might consider professional picture frame cleaning services. These services might fall under the heading of art restoration. The photo frames I offer should not require more than an occasional light cleaning.
I hope that this answers your questions about how to clean your photo frame. If you have any more, please leave them in the comments. I’ll do my best to answer them for you.
