A wall clock is more than a piece of home furniture or decoration. They become our invaluable timekeeping companions. A well-integrated and aptly placed wall clock can become so ingrained in our everyday lives that even a slight change in appearance, location, or even size can become a jarring distraction from the smooth routine. So it is only fair that you learn to take care of this prized possession as much as possible.
This article will guide you on how to take care of a modern wall clock to ensure accurate timekeeping for many years to come. Here are a few tips that will prolong the life of your modern wall clock without compromising its machinery, original color, shine, or timekeeping accuracy.
Avoid Hanging in Humid and Extreme Temperature Conditions
The first and foremost care that any wall clock requires is a suitable hanging place away from excessive humidity and extreme weather conditions. Avoid walls that have direct sunlight exposure through the windows, are near heat stoves and ovens, or have direct heat exposure from the fireplace. Clocks can become corroded and become home to insects or critters seeking refuge, so placing them in areas with extreme surrounding temperature and humidity variations will encourage them to seek refuge in their enclosed safe-havens. Rapidly changing surroundings can cause damage to the exterior finish of any clock, resulting in the wrapping of all wooden parts and other complications. So ideally, it is recommended to place clocks in rooms with temperatures set to 70°F to 75°F and a relative humidity range of 40 to 60 percent.
Handle with Care
Although most modern wall clocks are made of much sturdier materials than antiques like cuckoo wall clocks, even these may break down under rough or inappropriate handling. Especially the delicate, ornate modern wall clocks require steady and careful hands to avoid damage. When moving a wall clock, avoid collisions with other furniture. Do not place the clock on any surface rashly or suddenly; remove any jewelry that could scratch it upon contact. Word for the wise: take a closer look at the build of the clock before picking it up, and hold it by its sturdy sides rather than fragile appendages or decorative elements.
Secure and Stable Mounting Screws
To hang your wall clock securely, instead of regular nails, opt for some heavy-duty screws. Another protip is to insert the screws with a little upward slant as you drive them into the wall. Some wall clocks can produce slight vibrations; a screw ensures that such clocks do not loosen the mounting appendages and send them crashing down.
Clean Regularly
For routine everyday cleaning, dusting just the front glass face of a clock using a soft dry cloth is usually enough. Using a microfiber dusting cloth is a good option for clocks with delicate detailing. However, for a more thorough cleaning of your wall clock, it’s better to take it down from the wall before proceeding with the actual cleaning. This will also allow you to reach and clean all the nooks and crannies of the clock and the wall it is hanging on.
To clean a wall clock after taking it down, you will need a few things: a soft, dry cloth, a small, soft-bristled brush, and some rubbing alcohol.
First, use the dry, soft cloth to dust off the clock, making sure to get into all the corners in the back, as that is where dust bunnies like to hang out. Next, inspect carefully and use a brush to clean the little adornments and fancy details. The more stubborn dirt or grime can be removed by dabbing a little rubbing alcohol on the brush. However, do a patch test of the alcohol on any hidden spot on the clock first to make sure it does not mess up the exterior finish. In the end, wipe down the whole wall clock exterior with any soft, clean, dry cloth to remove any leftover residue. And voila! Your wall clock is sparkling clean and ready to tick away.
Be Responsible With Batteries
It is important to be responsible with batteries and electricity supply, especially in devices like wall clocks. Regularly replacing batteries or ensuring a stable electricity supply helps keep your clock running smoothly and on time. If you are taking the clock off the wall and do not plan on using it for a long duration, remember to take out the batteries, as they may leak inside the confines of the clock machinery and ruin the whole clock. Also, do not leave the batteries that have dried out inside the clock, as those too might leak. In fact, dried-out batteries are more likely to leak if left inside a device for an extended period. Battery leakage can cause further damage to the internal components of the clock and may render it completely unusable.
Calibrate the Clock
Regular calibration of A Luxury Wall Clock is very important for maintaining the precision and reliability of a clock. Calibrating your clock is especially necessary for modern time-sensitive applications or when accurate timekeeping is crucial, like in medical and clinical settings. Usually, many modern wall clocks allow users to calibrate them to display the correct time. However, before attempting to recalibrate your clock, do not go about it without a plan of action. Setting your wall clock might be different depending on what kind of clock you are working with. It is a good idea to check out the instructions that came with it, or you can usually find them online. Always refer to your clock manufacturer’s instructions for detailed guidance on calibrating your particular clock, and follow the instructions in your clock’s manual precisely to calibrate and keep it running smoothly for years to come.
Lastly, the personal grievances of many clocksmiths… Do not use any water to clean your clock! A soft cloth is usually all that is needed to take care of most of the cleanliness needs of a wall clock. It is important to handle wall clocks with care while cleaning them and avoid using any liquids that could damage the clock’s internal components.
