I would suggest caution when thinking of using water based cleaning solutions on wooden artifacts such as desks - water can raise the grain and if it collects into any seams or cracks it can lead to some dimensional change. Many wooden artifacts were assembled using hide glues that are water sensitive. There is also the issue of clearance to remove any residues from the wood. And we never-ever "wash" 100 year old or even 50 year old wooden artifacts in conservation. If an aqueous cleaning is to be done it is used only minimally with barely dampened cotton swabs. In most cases furniture and/or unpainted wooden artifacts can safely be cleaned using mineral spirits / stoddard solvent. But even that can remove some finishes - so most furniture conservators I know would only recommend testing it on a q-tip in a very unobtrusive area first - if you raise any color whatsoever don't do it!

I would like to ask why germs are of such concern on historical objects such as desks?

Does the public handle these 100 year old desks?

If it is a public health concern I would thnk that germs would be much more of a concern in bathrooms, sinks, kitchen or eating areas, etc. And if you are concerned about visitors picking up germs from the desks or anything else in your collections simply ask them to wash their hands thoroughly after their tour and before eating.

I think it's a much more serious concern where you have old flaking paints in historic sites and outdoor metalwork where the old lead paints are still evident.

Cheers!
Dave

David Harvey
Conservator
Los Angeles, California USA

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