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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■■Have numerous cloths on hand and keep them clean.
■■The cloths should be machine washed after they become moderately soiled.
■■Be sure to remove the cushions from the benches and clean underneath.
■■Brush vacuuming (To be carried out biannually on instruction from the Heritage section)
■■Examine each piece carefully to be sure that there are no loose parts
that could be pulled off by the vacuum’s 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.
■■Be sure to remove the cushions from the benches and clean underneath.
5.7.2. Removal of heavier soiling
■■Use of granulated eraser powder for cleaning leather table inserts (to be carried out as required).
■■Brush vacuum surface before applying eraser powder
■■Sprinkle on a generous amount of eraser powder to the area requiring cleaning
■■Rub in a circular motion with a cotton gloved hand until desired surface finish is
achieved. Stop cleaning if it appears the surface colour is being removed.
■■Vacuum up all the granulated eraser and dirt when finished. Take care to remove all
particles from cracks and crevices in the item (you may need a soft brush).
5.8 METAL FITTINGS
5.8.1. Removing loose dust and dirt
■■Dusting (to be carried out weekly).
■■Use Dust Bunny Magnetic Wiping Fabric or a clean, soft, lint-free dry cloth.The cloth
should be lightly run over the item, 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, screws, etc which are easily caught in the cloth.
■■This weekly dusting will also remove handling prints and marks of visitors from the surfaces.
■■The cloths should be machine washed after they become moderately soiled.
5.8.2 Removal of more stubborn soiling
■■Wet cleaning (to be carried out as required).
■■Wet cleaning should be performed only as needed, not on a routine
schedule and with prior approval of the curator.
■■Use a clean soft cloth dampened in white spirits (refer to OPH OHS Procedures) to gently rub
the mark. When the area is clean wipe dry with a clean soft rag. Correct Health and Safety
precautions must be followed when using white spirits (refer to OPH OHS Procedures).