Be Clean, Be Green. Perceptions of “cleanliness” in the history and reflection on the cleaning treatments of silver in modern conservation practice

In modern conservation practice, cleaning is a regular treatment for heritage objects. It is executed with the aim of restoring their (perceived) original aesthetics and improving their legibility, while reinforcing their physical and chemical stability. Increasing attention is being paid to the sustainability of cleaning methods and treatments, particularly with regard to their negative impact on the environment and/or the health and safety of operators. We have begun to collect and study historical cleaning methods developed in low-tech environments as a means of finding inspiration for greener alternatives to current methods. Written historical descriptions of cleaning treatments reveal a dynamic quest for “cleanliness”. What was advocated as clean appears to depend on the context of application. While the history of hygiene and cleanliness of the human body has been studied, the perception and pursuit of cleanliness and hygiene of objects remains under-researched. The perception and pursuit of cleanliness may still play an invisible role in guiding modern conservation decisions, for example in defining for whom the perception of cleanliness is important. Reflecting on this interrelationship may be a step towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly treatments.