Expert: Leisha Hiester - 1/21/2010

Question
QUESTION: My daughter has a hand crafted clay figurine of a pilot. It is a humorous detailed piece on a wooden base. It is in need of cleaning, i.e. removing the dust. Can you tell us how to clean this piece. It is not glazed. She has had it a long time and is fragile. We know not to wet it.
Thank you,
Jan

ANSWER: Dear Jan,
Is the figurine fired or greenware?
Leisha

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: It is not greenware. This gentleman used to make these figurines years ago. They are natural. They were mostly humorous caricatures of doctors, lawyers, pilots, etc. Erin's is a pilot.It isn't shiny either. He is large, holding a propeller and an oversized pair of gloves. He has on a hat and goggles. (My daughter is a pilot and my son purchased it for her several years ago).

Answer
Jan,
If it has been fired you can wet it, but I would sparingly. Use a dampened sponge or soft cloth initially. If the dust isn't too bad it should do it. If it's built up or combined with some goo you may need to use a mild soap. Be sure to test on the bottom first so you don't discolor it. Hope this helps. Leisha