Photo by Иван Медведев

How to Clean Picture Frames

Picture frames are more than just a means to display cherished memories—they are an essential part of home décor, giving personality to your walls and showcasing art, photos, and special moments. However, as with all décor, they can accumulate dust, smudges, and grime over time. Knowing how to properly clean your picture frames is key to keeping them looking beautiful and ensuring their longevity.

 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to clean picture frames—both wooden and metal moulding—as well as acrylic and glass fronts. With the right materials and techniques, your picture frames can shine like new!

 

Basic Dusting for Any Frame

Generally, we recommend dusting your frames any time you dust the rest of your furniture, ideally around once a week. This will ensure that they stay in good condition and allow your frames to clearly highlight your artwork. Regular cleaning is best achieved with a dry feather duster or microfiber synthetic duster. Use a light touch and be careful not to knock your frames off the wall!

 

But let’s face it, we all fall behind on the dusting from time to time. If you see a greater dust build-up, the feather duster might not cut it. In this case, first remove your frame from the wall and lay it flat on a table or counter. Then, using a slightly damp microfiber cloth, wipe the frame down to remove dust and dirt. Do not spray water or cleaner directly onto the frame, this may cause moisture to get trapped and warp the frame over time. Always apply a small amount of water directly to your cleaning cloth and wring it out so that it is damp, not wet.

 

Sometimes, however, dusting just isn’t enough. If you want a thorough deep clean or decide to apply polish to frame, we recommend removing your frame from the wall and taking it apart to protect your artwork and allow you more access to the frame moulding and glazing.

 

Cleaning the Moulding

The moulding of a picture frame is the wood, metal, or ornate material around the picture itself. When trying to achieve a deeper clean, each type of moulding will require a slightly different approach, as we will lay out below.

 

Cleaning Wood Frames

Wooden picture frames are timeless and add a classic touch to any space, but they require special care to maintain their beauty.

1. Dusting: Start by gently dusting the frame with a microfiber cloth or a soft dusting brush. Be careful to reach into the corners and grooves where dust accumulates. A brush with fine bristles (such as a dry toothbrush) works well to sweep out dust without scratching the wood’s surface.
2. Cleaning with Soap: If the frame has dirt or fingerprints, mix a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water. Dampen a cloth with the soapy water. Wipe the frame down gently (never submerge the frame itself). Make sure the cloth isn’t soaking wet by wringing it out before wiping, as too much moisture can damage the wood over time.
3. Polishing (Optional): To restore the wood’s luster, you can apply a wood polish or cleaner designed specifically for your frame’s finish. Be sure to choose one that matches your frame’s finish (matte, glossy, etc.) and never use cleaning products containing ammonia on wooden frames.
4. Drying: Wipe down the frame with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any excess moisture. Never leave your wood frame wet, as this can cause warping or cracking.

Photo by Dmitry Mashkin on Unsplash

Cleaning Metal Frames

Metal frames—whether they’re made from aluminum, steel, or other alloys—are sleek and modern, but they can be prone to smudges and fingerprints. However, they are generally straightforward to clean.

1. Dusting: Use a microfiber cloth or a small brush to gently remove any dust. Be sure to get into the corners and around the edges where dust tends to settle.
2. Cleaning with Soapy Water: For smudges or more stubborn dirt, mix a solution of mild dish soap and warm water. Dampen a cloth in the solution and wipe down the metal frame. Avoid soaking the frame, especially if it has intricate details or finishes.
3. Drying and Polishing: After cleaning, use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe the frame dry. If the frame has a shiny finish or you want extra sparkle, you can buff the metal with a soft cloth and a small amount of metal polish. Make sure the polish is suitable for your frame’s metal type.
4. Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Never use abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals, as they can scratch or tarnish the metal surface. This includes bleach and ammonia based cleaners.

Want more on cleaning metal? Check out this article for a detailed breakdown on how to clean every type of metal.

Photo by Furkan Salihoğlu

Cleaning Ornate Frames

Cleaning detailed, ornate, or vintage frames can require some extra care, consideration, and attention to detail.

1. Know Your Material: Ornate frames can come in many finishes, so it is important to identify what material your frame is made from. For ornate frames made of painted or polished wood, start with the same steps as a normal wood frame. For most metals (aluminum, brass, etc) start with the same steps as a normal metal frame. For antique silver or gold frames, including gold leaf frames, proceed with caution. Consider consulting an expert, or seek a more specialized source like this article from the Fine Art Restoration Co.
2. Clean Out Crevices: During your initial dusting step, try using a fine-bristled brush to reach as many crevices as possible and sweep out dust. We recommend a dry toothbrush for this. If there are still unreached detail spots, use a dry or damp Q-tip or cotton swab to clean them out.
3. Wipe Down: Remove the dislodged dirt by wiping it away with a soft microfiber or cotton cloth. Avoid using paper towel, as it is somewhat abrasive and may leave fibers lodged in the finer details of the frame.

 

Cleaning the Glazing

The glazing, or front of your picture frame is crucial, as it protects the photo or artwork behind it. Whether you have glass or acrylic, cleaning the front is an important part of maintaining your frame’s clarity and appearance. If you’re not sure if your frame has a glass or acrylic front, check out our article explaining the differences!

 

Cleaning Glass

1. Dusting: Begin by dusting the glass surface with a microfiber cloth to avoid spreading dirt during cleaning.
2. Using Glass Cleaner: Spray a small amount of glass cleaner (or a vinegar-water solution) on a clean microfiber cloth. Avoid spraying the cleaner directly on the glass to prevent it from dripping onto the frame. Gently wipe the surface in circular motions to remove any smudges or fingerprints.
3. Buffing: Once the glass is clean, use a dry cloth to buff the surface to a streak-free shine.

 

Cleaning Acrylic

Acrylic is often used in frames for its lightweight and shatter-resistant qualities, but it can scratch more easily than glass.

1. Dusting: As with glass, use a microfiber cloth to remove dust.
2. Cleaning with Mild Soap: For acrylic, it’s best to use a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water. Dampen the cloth and gently clean the surface in circular motions. Avoid using glass cleaner, as it can cause acrylic to become cloudy over time.
3. Drying: Use a dry, soft cloth to wipe away moisture. For extra clarity, you can polish acrylic with a special acrylic cleaner, but always use a non-abrasive product to avoid scratches.
4. Avoiding Scratches: Be mindful of the cleaning materials you use. Always avoid using paper towels, abrasive sponges, or anything that can scratch the acrylic surface.

 

Finishing Touches

Reassemble the Frame

After you’ve cleaned the frame and its front surface, take a moment to ensure the back and any other components (e.g., the backing board or the artwork) are free of dust as well. This will help maintain the overall cleanliness of the frame.

Reassemble the frame carefully and hang or display it once again.

 

Tips for Ongoing Maintenance

• Regular Dusting: Make a habit of dusting your picture frames every few weeks to prevent build-up, especially in areas that get a lot of sunlight.
• Avoid Direct Sunlight: Keep frames out of direct sunlight to prevent fading, yellowing, or warping of the frame material and artwork inside.
• Handle with Care: Always handle frames with clean hands to avoid transferring oils or dirt from your fingers onto the frame or glass.
• Use Frame Protectors: Consider using a protective cover or placing your frames in low-humidity areas to avoid moisture damage.

 

Conclusion

Cleaning picture frames is an easy and rewarding way to keep your home décor looking pristine. Whether you have wood or metal frames, glass or acrylic fronts, taking the time to clean and care for them ensures your memories stay beautifully displayed for years to come. With these simple steps and proper techniques, your picture frames will stay free of dust, dirt, and grime, allowing your photos and artwork to take center stage.

Happy cleaning!

 

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