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Tips To Clean Mud Idols

By Sowmiya Prasad

Mud idols are a thing of beauty and it is nothing new to a person living in India. Ganesh Chathurthi , durga pooja every year witnesses the peak sale of mud idols. The idols of these deities are made days before the festival arrives and is a means of livelihood for many artisans in the country. The idols are then immersed in the water in the rivers a few days later. When this is true about festivals, there are also people who buy mud idols and make them a part of their prayer rooms.

The idols are made of mud with fascinating colors. These idols come in various price ranges and sizes. The idols are also made from a special type of mud. The tradition says people earlier collect mud from the river banks and make clay idols days before the arrival of the festival. Gone are those days and today the idol making is more of a business.

Tips To Clean Mud Idols

If you have plans to purchase mud idols and make them a part of your prayer rooms or to make it a piece of art in your living room, it is necessary you learn how to clean and maintain them. It is usual for the dirt to accumulate on articles, here are a few ways you can clean mud idols. Read the cleaning tips and benefit.

  • If you are thinking that you can clean mud idols just the way you clean a marble or bronze idol then forget the idea! Using a soap or detergent to clean a mud idol is a big no-no. The soap or detergent you use may clog to the pores of the mud idol. Hence avoid it.
  • The best way to clean mud idols is to use a stiff brush and hot water. Clean almost every part of the idol with the brush. Don't be harsh though. Use the brush softly and round the corners of the idol. This will help you clean the accumulated dust.
  • You may also try using baking soda to clean harsh stains on the idol. Use baking soda soak and this is one of the ways to clean mud idols.
  • In case of mold formation, the best thing to do is take equal parts of baking powder and water and clean the idol. Leave it in sunlight for some time for it to dry. This is one of the cleaning tips to clean mud idols.
  • You may also try using bleach to clean mud idols. Mix ten parts of water and one part of bleach and use it on the mud idol to clean the stains. This cleaning tips may work better on the mud idol and will help you to keep it clean.
  • If there are salt deposits on the mud idol, then you may use vinegar and alcohol and try spraying in on the mud idols. This is one way to clean mud idols. Allow the idols to dry in sun.
  • Try sanitizing the mud idols with heat. This is also a way to clean mud idols
  • Clean the mud idols with brush, when you feel the idols are clean and dry. you may place it in the oven. This is one way to sanitize the idols.
  • See that the idol is completely dry after every cleaning tips you follow. Allow it necessary time to cool. Removing the idol while it is too hot may leave cracks on them.
  • See that the idol is placed in the right place and the right temperature. Place it in an area where dust doesn't accumulate easily. Take care of the idol while cleaning, you may also use a soft cloth on it for cleaning fine dust. This is one of the cleaning tips to be followed.

Story first published: Saturday, November 30, 2013, 16:38 [IST]
Read more about: cleaning tips