A proposal for a common approach in choosing test for protocol evaluation of cleaning methods

Abstract Cleaning operation effects have to be evaluated in terms of effectiveness and potential damage; this evaluation should be effectuated, even in the long term perspective, in order to monitor cleaning effects on architectonic surfaces. Provide a method both in field and in laboratory, is essential to support in the choice of the most appropriate cleaning method in each specific case. A common approach in evaluating cleaning is lacking, especially as regards guidelines on testing methods to be adopted. In this paper a review regarding the most diffused tests and their advantages and drawbacks will be discussed. On the basis of literature reviewed authors propose a guideline for evaluating of cleaning methods following the present debate in the framework of UNI Cultural Heritage Committee.