How to Clean Paintings: A Safe Guide to Preserving Your Artwork

Beautiful paintings add character, warmth, and sophistication to any home. Whether you’ve inherited a family heirloom, invested in original artwork, or simply love decorating with framed prints, keeping your paintings clean is essential for preservation and maintaining their visual appeal. However, cleaning artwork requires a delicate touch—improper cleaning methods can cause irreversible damage to valuable pieces.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through safe cleaning techniques for different types of paintings, when to seek professional help, and how to maintain your artwork for years to come.

Understanding Your Artwork Before You Clean

Before attempting any cleaning, it’s crucial to understand what type of painting you have. Different materials require different care approaches:

Types of Paintings and Their Sensitivities

Oil Paintings

• Most durable type for cleaning
• Consist of pigments suspended in oil (typically linseed)
• Can withstand gentle dusting when fully cured (6-12 months after creation)
• Require professional cleaning for anything beyond dust removal

Acrylic Paintings

• More water-sensitive than oils
• Modern and commonly used medium
• Can handle light dusting but avoid moisture
• Less fragile than watercolors but still require care

Watercolors

• Extremely delicate and water-sensitive
• Should never be cleaned with liquid
• Best protected behind glass
• Require professional conservation for any issues

Prints and Reproductions

• More forgiving than original artwork
• Can typically handle gentle cleaning
• Still require careful handling
• Value is primarily sentimental rather than monetary

Antique or Valuable Paintings

• Always consult a professional conservator
• May have historical significance or monetary value
• Improper cleaning can destroy value
• Even dust removal should be done by experts

Safe DIY Cleaning Methods for Paintings

For everyday maintenance of modern, non-valuable paintings and prints, these gentle methods can help keep your artwork looking fresh:

Method 1: Soft Brush Dusting (Safest Option)

The gentlest and safest way to clean most paintings is with a soft-bristle brush.

What You’ll Need:

• Soft natural-bristle brush (sable or goat hair)
• Good lighting
• Clean, stable work surface

Steps:

1. Work in a well-lit area where you can see dust clearly
2. Lay the painting flat on a clean surface if possible
3. Using very light pressure, gently brush from top to bottom
4. Use short, gentle strokes following one direction
5. Pay attention to the frame edges where dust accumulates
6. Never press hard or scrub—let the brush do the work

Best For: All types of paintings, regular maintenance dusting

Method 2: Compressed Air (Use with Extreme Caution)

Compressed air can remove dust from textured surfaces, but must be used very carefully.

What You’ll Need:

• Can of compressed air (electronics duster)
• Distance of at least 12 inches from painting

Steps:

1. Hold the can upright to prevent moisture from escaping
2. Keep the nozzle at least 12 inches away from the painting
3. Use short bursts rather than continuous spray
4. Never tip the can or use too close—this can damage paint layers
5. Test on frame first before using on painted surface

Important Warning: High-pressure air can damage loose paint, crack varnish, or force dust into paint layers. This method is riskier than soft brushing.

Best For: Textured oil paintings with stable paint layers, removing dust from frames

Method 3: Low-Suction Vacuuming (Advanced Technique)

A vacuum with very low suction and proper attachments can help with dust removal, but this requires extreme care.

What You’ll Need:

• Vacuum with adjustable suction (set to lowest)
• Soft brush attachment
• Cheesecloth or microfiber cloth

Steps:

1. Set vacuum to its absolute lowest suction setting
2. Place a piece of cheesecloth over the vacuum nozzle and secure it
3. Hold the vacuum 2-3 inches away from the painting surface
4. Never let the vacuum touch the painting directly
5. Work slowly and methodically
6. Watch for any movement of paint or varnish—stop immediately if you see any

Warning: This method carries significant risk. If you’re uncertain, stick to soft brush dusting instead.

Best For: Large paintings with heavy dust accumulation, when supervised by someone with experience

Method 4: Improving Air Circulation

Sometimes the best “cleaning” is preventive maintenance through proper air circulation.

How to Implement:

• Use a ceiling fan or standing fan to keep air moving in the room
• This prevents dust from settling heavily on artwork
• Reduces humidity that can damage paintings
• Helps maintain stable temperature

Best For: Overall maintenance, reducing cleaning frequency needed

What You Should NEVER Do When Cleaning Paintings

Avoid these common mistakes that can cause irreversible damage:

❌ Never Use Water or Liquid Cleaners

Why: Water can cause paint to soften, warp canvas, dissolve water-based mediums, promote mold growth, and damage varnish layers. Even “gentle” soap solutions can strip protective layers and leave residue.

Exception: Only professional conservators with specialized training should use any moisture on valuable artwork.

❌ Never Use Commercial Cleaning Products

Glass cleaner, furniture polish, all-purpose cleaners, and even “natural” cleaning solutions contain chemicals that can react with paint, varnish, and canvas. These products are formulated for modern surfaces, not delicate artwork.

❌ Never Rub or Apply Pressure

Rubbing can abrade paint surfaces, damage varnish, remove protective coatings, and create uneven shine or dull spots.

❌ Never Use Feather Dusters or Rough Cloths

Feather dusters can catch on textured paint and pull it off. Rough cloths can scratch surfaces and leave lint behind. Microfiber cloths can create static that attracts more dust.

❌ Never Clean Behind Glass Without Removing It Properly

If your painting is framed behind glass, the glass protects the artwork. Clean only the glass surface, not the painting itself. If you need to clean the painting, remove it from the frame carefully or consult a professional framer.

❌ Never Attempt to Clean Valuable or Antique Paintings Yourself

If your painting has monetary value, historical significance, shows signs of damage (cracks, flaking, discoloration), or is an original work by a known artist, always consult a professional art conservator.

When to Call a Professional Art Conservator

Some situations require expert intervention:

• Visible damage: Cracks, flaking paint, warped canvas, or discoloration
• Yellowed varnish: Old varnish that has darkened or yellowed over time
• Smoke or water damage: From fires, floods, or leaks
• Mold or mildew: Especially common in humid environments
• Historical or valuable pieces: Anything with significant monetary or sentimental value
• Before selling: Professional cleaning can significantly increase value
• Inherited artwork: Have pieces assessed before attempting any cleaning
• Uncertainty: If you’re not sure, don’t risk it—ask an expert

Professional conservators have specialized training, use archival-quality materials, can restore damaged artwork, and document their work for insurance and provenance purposes.

Proper Artwork Maintenance and Display

Prevention is the best way to keep paintings clean and preserved:

Ideal Display Conditions

Lighting:

• Avoid direct sunlight, which fades colors and damages paint
• Use UV-filtering glass for valuable pieces
• Position artwork away from windows when possible
• Consider museum-quality LED lighting

Temperature and Humidity:

• Maintain stable room temperature (65-75°F)
• Keep relative humidity between 40-60%
• Avoid hanging artwork over heating vents or radiators
• Don’t display in bathrooms or kitchens with high humidity

Placement:

• Keep paintings away from high-traffic areas where they might be bumped
• Don’t hang above fireplaces (heat and soot damage)
• Avoid exterior walls in humid climates (condensation issues)
• Ensure proper spacing from walls for air circulation

Regular Maintenance Schedule

Monthly:

• Visual inspection for any changes or damage
• Gentle dusting with soft brush if needed
• Check hanging hardware for security

Quarterly:

• More thorough dusting of frame and visible painting edges
• Inspect for signs of pests (especially in older frames)
• Check for any environmental issues (moisture, fading)

Annually:

• Professional inspection for valuable pieces
• Consider professional cleaning for high-value artwork
• Update insurance documentation and photographs

Protecting Your Investment

If you have valuable paintings, take these additional steps:

• Document everything: Photograph your artwork from multiple angles
• Get appraisals: Have valuable pieces professionally appraised
• Proper insurance: Ensure adequate coverage for your collection
• Create provenance records: Document artist, date, purchase information
• Professional framing: Use archival materials and UV-protective glass
• Climate control: Consider dehumidifiers or humidifiers if needed

Cleaning Frames: Safe and Effective Methods

While the painting itself requires delicate care, frames can typically handle more thorough cleaning:

For Wood Frames:

• Dust with a soft cloth or brush
• Use furniture polish sparingly on non-gilded wood
• Avoid getting any cleaning products on the painting

For Gilded Frames:

• Dust very gently—gilt is fragile
• Never use water or cleaners
• Professional restoration for damaged gilding

For Glass:

• Clean glass with appropriate glass cleaner
• Spray cleaner on cloth, never directly on glass
• Ensure no liquid seeps between glass and frame
• Remove painting from frame if possible for thorough cleaning

How BraBos Cleaning Services Can Help

At BraBos Cleaning Services, we understand that your home contains precious items that require special care. While we don’t specialize in art conservation, our professional cleaning services can help protect your artwork by maintaining a clean, dust-free environment throughout your home.

Our Services Support Art Preservation:

✓ Deep Cleaning Services – Thorough dust removal from all surfaces, reducing airborne particles that settle on artwork

✓ Regular House Cleaning – Consistent maintenance that keeps dust and debris at bay

✓ Recurring Cleaning Services – Weekly or bi-weekly cleaning to maintain optimal air quality and cleanliness

✓ Trained Professionals – Our team understands how to clean around delicate items and artwork safely

✓ Customizable Service – We can work around your specific needs, including special care areas with valuable items

Additional Services for Your Home:

Whether you need help maintaining your entire home or specific areas, BraBos offers comprehensive solutions:

• Apartment Cleaning – Perfect for city dwellers with art collections
• Maid Services – Regular maintenance to keep your home pristine
• One-Time Cleaning – Deep clean before displaying new artwork
• Move-In/Move-Out Cleaning – Safely prepare spaces for artwork installation
• Commercial Cleaning – For galleries, offices, and businesses with artwork

Serving Art Lovers Throughout Boston

We proudly serve collectors, galleries, and art enthusiasts across Greater Boston:

Boston Neighborhoods: South End, Back Bay, South Boston, Allston, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Brighton, Charlestown, Chinatown, Dorchester, Downtown, East Boston, Fenway-Kenmore, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, Mission Hill, North End, Roslindale, Roxbury, Seaport, West End, West Roxbury

Surrounding Communities: Brookline, Cambridge, Newton, Lexington, Belmont, Arlington, Wellesley, Natick, Needham, Winchester, Milton, Watertown, Somerville, Wakefield, Reading, Melrose, Burlington, Waltham, Medford, Norwood, Braintree, Framingham, Quincy, Dedham, Woburn, Malden, Stoneham, Wilmington, Winthrop, Methuen, Saugus, Revere, Peabody, Everett, Lynn, Canton

Protect Your Art Collection with a Clean Home

A clean home environment is essential for preserving your artwork. Dust, humidity, and airborne particles can accumulate on paintings over time, requiring more frequent—and riskier—cleaning. By maintaining a consistently clean home with professional cleaning services, you reduce the need to directly clean your artwork while protecting your investment.

Ready to create the perfect environment for your art collection? Get a free quote from BraBos Cleaning Services today. Our experienced team serves homes throughout Boston with the care and attention your valuable possessions deserve.