Vulpex™ Liquid Restoration Soap

Non-acid … non-foaming … non-corrosive … germicidal.

Vulpex liquid soap is a safe cleaner for practically everything from paper to stone.

Since its introduction in 1970, its extraordinary versatility has made Vulpex a popular and indispensable medium in all branches of professional restoration and conservation of fine art objects and historic property.

It has been used with eminent success in the safe and controllable cleaning of materials ranging from feathers, costumery, leather, carpets and furniture to oil paintings, armour, precious metals, shell, marble and stone.

Vulpex attacks and emulsifies dirt, fats, fatty oils, mineral oils, waxes and hydrocarbons with great speed and efficiency. The dirty emulsions are remarkably stable, thus easily disposable. Micro-fine cracks harboring dirt are subject to a deep-cleansing action rarely achieved with normal commercial cleaners.

Compared with harsh, acid-based cleaners, alkaline Vulpex is not harmful to health or property. A final rinse or wipe with clean water neutralizes the surface, leaving behind nothing to create future conservation problems.

When the job demands a non-aqueous cleaning system (for example, when removing grime from leather), Vulpex uniquely can be blended with mineral spirit (paint thinner/white spirit) instead of water.

VULPEX IS SUPPLIED AS A DENSE CONCENTRATE AND MUST BE DILUTED BEFORE USE. For normal aqueous cleaning, one part Vulpex to six or seven parts cold tap water (by volume) is sufficient. More water can be added if the soiling is light. As a spirit soap, one part Vulpex in ten to twenty parts solvent will be found effective.

As is customary in professional restoration, a discreet test is advised to ensure that Vulpex is suitable for specific projects. We are always happy to discuss specific projects or problems where our products are to be used. 

Since Vulpex is a highly effective de-greasant, hands should be protected against the loss of natural oils by wearing gloves or the subsequent use of a lanolin hand-cream. Eyes should be protected from splashes.

🔧 Why Use Vulpex for Relic Restoration and Preservation?

🧼 1. Safe Deep Cleaning of Corrosion, Grease, and Grime

Vulpex is a non-acidic, pH-balanced soap that dissolves:

• Soil and encrusted grime

• Grease, oils, and waxes

• Corrosion products (without attacking metal or patina)

Perfect for cleaning:

• Dug brass buckles, buttons, and badges

• Lead bullets or figurines

• Iron tools or weapon parts (after stabilizing rust)

• Coins or copper artifacts before electrolytic or mechanical cleaning

Unlike harsher degreasers or acids, it doesn’t harm stable patina or substrates.

🧽 2. Gentle on Surfaces – Doesn’t Scratch or Etch

Vulpex works through chemical action, not abrasion. That means:

• No scratching of delicate relic surfaces.

• Excellent for delicate or fragile items like thin copper coins or small cast lead items.

🛡️ 3. Ideal Pre-Treatment Before Waxing or Coating

Once you’ve cleaned your relics, Vulpex leaves them:

• Free from oily residues or contaminants

• Ready for preservation treatments like:

  • Renaissance Wax

  • Microcrystalline wax

  • Archival-grade clear coats (when appropriate)

A clean surface ensures better adhesion and protection of any preservative coatings.

🧪 4. Versatile – Works on More Than Just Metal

Vulpex is also safe and effective on:

• Pottery and ceramics

• Glass

• Wood

• Bone
  So if your hunt turns up composite artifacts (e.g., a knife with a bone handle or a metal-and-wood tool), Vulpex is your go-to cleaner for all parts of the item.

🧊 5. Long-Term Preservation – Stops Further Breakdown

Cigarette smoke, oils from your hands, and residual dirt can cause long-term chemical damage. Vulpex:

• Neutralizes harmful residues.

• Helps prevent ongoing oxidation or corrosion by removing active salts and contaminants.

⚠️ How to Use Vulpex on Relics (Quick Guide)

1. Dilute (typically 1:6–1:10 ratio with distilled water).

2. Apply gently with a brush or cotton swab.

3. Rinse thoroughly with distilled water.

4. Dry completely (use compressed air or low heat).

5. Apply a wax or protective coating for long-term display or storage.

🔁 Summary:

Use Vulpex:

• ✅ During restoration to safely clean without damage.

• ✅ After restoration to prep for sealing and prevent future decay.

It’s one of the few cleaners trusted by museum conservators, which makes it perfect for relic hunters who care about both history and preservation.

Would you like a custom printable guide or label to keep with your relic cleaning kit?