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The Clean Begins

Every January, our collections and cleaning team spring into action for one of the most important jobs of the year, the annual deep clean. It’s our way of preparing the Palace to welcome visitors back in pristine condition, while also carrying out essential care on the interiors that make the Palace so extraordinary.

This year’s clean begins, as it always does, in the magnificent Long Library, where eight days of careful work set the tone for a process that takes six to eight weeks in total.

Cleaning Amid Conservation

Our task this year comes with added complexity. Alongside the deep clean, the vital £12 million roof restoration project continues, meaning we’re working around inaccessible areas, displaced objects and higher-than-usual levels of dust.

 It’s a challenge, but one our experienced team is well prepared for, combining traditional techniques with specialist equipment to protect the Palace for generations to come.

Specialist Care for Priceless Collections

The scale of what we clean often surprises people. From silverware and tapestries to tables, sculptures and armour, every item requires individual attention. In total, we care for 18 clocks, 38 pieces of armour and 40 busts and sculptures during the clean.

We use distilled water, avoid aerosol sprays and rely on natural products, soft bristle brushes and a good deal of old-fashioned elbow grease. Each room is stripped back and carefully vacuumed from floor to ceiling using museum-grade HEPA-filter vacuums.

High-Level Work and Hidden Histories

Chandeliers are a particular focus this year. Cleaning delicate crystal and glass at height is meticulous work, and while we’re there, we also monitor the condition of walls and ceilings.

These high vantage points sometimes reveal unexpected discoveries, including signatures and markings left by staff from decades past, offering a human connection to those who have cared for the Palace before us.

Preserving the Palace for the Future

The deep clean is not just about presentation; it’s about preservation. Throughout January and early February, we’re delighted to invite visitors to learn more about this vital work through our Restoration and Conservation Tours, where our experts share the stories, techniques and care that keep the Palace lookings its best year after year. 

 

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