OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE AND CURTILAGE HERITAGE MANAGEMENT PLAN 2008–2013

9 Housekeeping Permitted Action Schedule
Part C – Implementation Tools
Old Parliament House and Curtilage Heritage Management Plan 2008–2013
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5.4 WALLS: WOOD PANELLING AND METAL LATTICE WORK
5.4.1. Removing loose dirt and grit:
■■Dusting (to be carried out weekly in visible areas).
■■Use Dust Bunny Magnetic Wiping Fabric or a clean, soft, lint-free dry cloth. The cloth
should be lightly run over the furniture, taking care to feel every part of its shape.
■■Turn the cloth frequently, presenting a clean surface to the item with
each pass, so that the dust does not abrade the surface.
■■Have numerous cloths on hand and keep them clean. When dusting, watch for sharp
edges, nails, loose veneer, etc which are easily caught in the cloth.
■■The cloths should be machine washed after they become moderately soiled.
■■Brush vacuuming (to be carried out biannually in all areas on instruction from the Heritage Section)
■■Examine each piece carefully, to be sure that there are no loose elements
that could be pulled of by the vacuums suction.
■■Hold the vacuum nozzle at least 5 cm away from the surface to avoid
contact and possible damage of the heritage finish.
■■The vacuum cleaner hose should be fitted with a soft nozzle, or the normal plastic nozzle
fitted with a soft protective cuff to protect the item from physical damage.
■■Use a soft bristle brush to brush away the dirt and dust towards the nozzle of the vacuum for removal.
■■A piece of thin rubber tubing can be connected to the nozzle of a vacuum
with tape to allow better access to difficult-to-reach areas.
■■If the brush has a metal ferrule it should be wrapped in insulating
tape to prevent it scratching the surface of the item.
■■Periodically brushes must be washed thoroughly with soap and water, rinsing well
under running water, and allowed to dry naturally before storing.
5.4.2. Removal of more stubborn soiling
■■Wet cleaning of wooden surfaces (to be carried out as required).
■■Wet cleaning should be performed only as needed, not on a routine
schedule and not without prior approval of the curator.
■■Wet cleaning should only be carried out on sections with a sound, stable, clear finish. Wet
cleaning should not be used on surfaces with flaking, peeling or crazed varnish layers.
■■Use a clean micro fibre cloth dampened in white spirits (refer to OPH OHS Procedures) to gently rub the
mark. Once the area is clean wipe dry with a clean micro fibre cloth. Correct Health and Safety precautions
must be followed when using white spirits (refer to OPH OHS Procedures). If the area is dull in appearance
after this treatment apply a small quantity of Archival Wax with a soft clean cloth and buff to a high shine.
■■Wet cleaning of painted metal surfaces (to be carried out as required).
■■Use a micro fibre cloth dampened in clean water. After removal of the mark wipe the area dry with
a clean micro fibre cloth. If water does not work, water with non-ionic detergent may be used.
5.5 WALLS: PAINTED SURFACES
5.5.1. Removing loose dirt and grit:
■■Dusting (To be carried out biannually).
■■Use a soft bristled broom to sweep the walls, brushing from the ceiling towards the floor.
■■DO NOT sweep around pictures or paintings hanging from the wall.
■■Follow sweeping of the walls with a thorough vacuum of the floor.
■■With a dusting cloth pay particular attention to decorative surface details.