Alabaster

[Ember]

I have some alabaster ornaments that are in need of a clean,I am not sure how to go about this. Any help appreciated

[Newt]

Hi Ember, Alabaster is a very soft stone and should clean up with just water. If not, from this site in the last paragraph. "Alabaster should be cleaned using mild solvents. The type and strength of solvents has to be determined by on-site tests but the most usual is a mix containing white spirit, de-ionised water and a small quantity of non-ionic detergent. The actual cleaning is carried out using cotton wool swabs dampened by the solvent. After cleaning the subject should be protected by the application of a cosmolloid wax. This will restore the magic quality to this most agreeable of stones." http://www.buildingconservation.com/articles/alabaster/alaba ster.htm