Thread: Ivory Cleaning

I just picked up an old Wostenholm with Ivory scales. I got it on ebay as a scale project because it was cheap and auctioned as bone. Now I think I'll keep it and restore it as is. It needs some major cleaning however, and I was wondering what can be used for ivory. Aside from the John Wayne yellow, which is nice looking on aged ivory, there is some brown streaking going on that doesn't look so good. Also, there is a lot of caked on gunk inside and out.

Quick 'n Brite is a great product because it is pretty much safe on everything. They even describe how you can use it as shampoo! You might need to buy it online though.

To-day, whilst thinking about this, I had a flash of inspiration (or is that madness?).
After washing off the heavy muck with warm water and soap, how about using Smokers' Toothpaste? Stained ivory is just stained tooth, after all.
It might well be worth a try!

Duncan.

tooth paste my friend, ivory is dentien the same thing your teeth are made out of, so im pretty darn sure that that would work for u, havent tryed it myself as i dont have any ivory to test it on, but other then tooth paste i would say old toothbrush warm water and soap, never hurt ne thing and usualy does a good job (i am not responsible for any damage done by taking my advice)

The only problem is Ivory is not a tooth, well it is however its different than normal tooth material. Toothpaste might contain bleach which would not be good. You can use some warm water and gentle soap and you can also use some cape cod polishing cloths which will shine up Ivory to a mirror polish. its what I use on an Elephant Ivory brush handle I have.

Would baking soda work?

Just an FYI. The CAPE COD CLOTH that thebigspendur mentions has a raft of uses. I use it on my watches and metal bracelets

OK, so I've got toothpaste (smoker's, too), sans bleach, Quick and Brite, soap and water, and Cape Cod cloths. I can try this all, except can someone tell me what Cape Cod Cloths are and where do I obtain such a fantastic item here in the lovely landlocked midwest?!!

I think bed , bath and beyond has them but if they don't or you don't have one nearby do a search on Eboy and you will locate them. Thats where I got mine.

Originally Posted by yul b. nekst

OK, so I've got toothpaste (smoker's, too), sans bleach, Quick and Brite, soap and water, and Cape Cod cloths. I can try this all, except can someone tell me what Cape Cod Cloths are and where do I obtain such a fantastic item here in the lovely landlocked midwest?!!

Thanks to theBigSpendur inspiration I had to try it too. I just snagged some off of eBay for what seems a very reasonable price.