Headboard cleaning

[LRV3004]

Hello all! I recently came into possession of the pictured headboard a year after winning it on a railway auction (long story).
Anyway, as good as it is looking, I do want to give it a clean. Apart from the obvious thought of soap and water, does anyone know of any other cleaning solutions or techniques that would spruce it up a bit more? Any advice appreciated!

 

[Ashley Hill]

Most collectors will tell you not to clean it. Many prefer items ex loco, as in “as removed” condition ,filth and all. Some consider cleaning them lowers their value whilst there are those who like them in a presentable condition to hang on their wall (often a condition of them being allowed to by the wife/partner etc). At the end of the day it’s yours to do want with,and as you say it’s pretty clean anyway. Washing up liquid and warm water with a well worn kitchen sponge should remove most grime.

 

[LRV3004]

Most collectors will tell you not to clean it. Many prefer items ex loco, as in “as removed” condition ,filth and all. Some consider cleaning them lowers their value whilst there are those who like them in a presentable condition to hang on their wall (often a condition of them being allowed to by the wife/partner etc). At the end of the day it’s yours to do want with,and as you say it’s pretty clean anyway. Washing up liquid and warm water with a well worn kitchen sponge should remove most grime.

Thanks! There’s not a lot of dirt or grime on it to be fair - the worst bit is pictured here:

 

[StoneRoad]

Gently does it !

warm water, soap and a soft cloth - no abrasive action. dry with a soft cloth.


Too much aggressive cleaning will damage the sheen on both the metal and the gloss paint, detracting from the appearance, and ultimately, the value.