Proper cleaning of iconostasis

[Philip Kontos]

Hello all,

I have just been elected to our Parish Council and have been given the task of finding out the proper methods/people for cleaning an iconostas. Any tips, hints, names of people in the Georgia (USA, not the Republic of)area (preferably close to Atlanta)?

in XC,
Philip, Reader
St. Mary of Egypt (OCA)
Atlanta, GA

[Nik Stanosheck]

I have always understood that the proper way is to use rose water.

In Christ,
-Nicholas
Russian Orthodox Cafe (http://www.ROCORCafe.com)

[Philip Kontos]

Thank you, Nicholas. I spoke with several iconographers and they all told me that mild soap and warm water (unless the icons are very old...antique...then a professional in restoration must be called) does the trick. We have followed their advice and the icons look wonderful.

Philip

[Chris Wilcox]

For cleaning an icon that has a protective finish (insoluable in alcohol/water) or cleaning the glass above an icon, we use rose water cut with a little iso-prop alcohol. Rose water can be found in any good Greek or Middle Eastern deli/store (e.g. Papoulis in Macon). We are building a new church in Macon, with a new iconostasis written in Russia, I'm not sure how we will clean it. I was out of town when the iconographer was visiting and did not have a chance to ask her on the proper method.