Cotton Cloth
Use a cotton cloth to gently clean your artwork. These are pretty safe to use on prints, paintings and sculptures. You could also use a microfibre cloth if you prefer using those. You can also use a barely damp cotton cloth to dust the frame. If your piece is on paper, try to avoid using water to clean the artwork or glass since it can leave water stains.
Olive-Oil Based Soap
This type of soap is perfect for cleaning the grime off of oil or acrylic based paints. It’s a gentle soap that will get the dust and dirt off your artwork without damaging it.
Q Tips
If your artwork or frame has texture, you may find that a cloth can’t get into the nooks and crannies. Using a dry or slightly damp q-tip on the frame will get the job done.
Soft Dry Brush
For dusting, a soft dry brush can easily do the job well. I recommend using these over cloths if you’re worried about water damage or if your piece is old and delicate.
Avoid Humid Areas
Humidity can cause mold to grow under glass and frames. Framed artworks should ideally be kept in dry areas.
Avoid Direct Contact With Sunlight
Direct sunlight can discolour or fade artwork making it seem dirty or old quickly. Try to keep artwork away from bright windows to make sure that your artwork stays vibrant for longer.
