Hello All,
 
We have recently begun operating a new historic site that has a fairly comprehensive set of iron cooking utensils ranging in date from the 1800s to present day. Much of it (old and new) was used during cooking demonstrations.  I also believe that one of the volunteers coated many of the objects with some sort of protectant or oil.  Currently they are very sticky and attract all sorts of dirt and grass.  Does anyone know of any non-abrasive solvents that we can use to clean these objects?  Most are in good condition, just sticky. I don't plan on cleaning the rusting objects.  That I leave for a real conservator.
 
I checked in the Museum-L archives and the NPS Handbook for info but there wasn't anything that cold help me.  One source said that I could use mineral spirits or acetone for degreasing.  Would this be a good option?
 
Thanks,
 
Meredith Dunham
Curatorial Assistant
 
Virginia Beach Historic Houses
3131 Virginia Beach Blvd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Phone: 757-431-4000
Fax: 757-431-3733
Email: [log in to unmask]

 

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