Blenheim Palace Launches annual deep clean

Cleaning those difficult to reach places. Photo courtesy of Blenheim Palace.

Blenheim Palaces launches annual deep clean ahead of groundbreaking £10.4m roof restoration. (Featured in Elementary WhatsOn last week).

In preparation of the monumental £10.4 million undertaking to preserve Britain’s Greatest Palace’s historic architecture and safeguard its heritage for future generations, Blenheim Palace, has announced that its annual deep clean of the stately home is underway.

Last year, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which has been home to the Dukes of Marlborough since 1705, and one of Britain’s most iconic landmarks, announced its most ambitious restoration project to date, the major repair of the Palace roof. 

A head for heights is needed for this cleaning job. Photo courtesy of Blenheim Palace.

This month, in preparation for these vital repair works, the cleaning of the plaster and gilded work on all ceilings is being prioritised. The team will be deep cleaning every corner of the ceilings plus monitoring and recording existing damage in case there are any movements due to the restoration works. 

The annual deep clean process which takes roughly 6-8 weeks to complete includes everything from the 19 chandeliers, 18 clocks, 11 thousand books, over 1000 pieces of silverware, Boulle furniture, 38 pieces of armour, 40 busts and sculptures, not to mention the priceless tapestries. 

The annual Spring Clean has been going on a long time. Photo courtesy of Blenheim Palace.

The Palace team is using natural cleaning products, distilled water and no aerosol sprays, bristle brushes and old-fashioned elbow grease giving each item the special attention and techniques required for quality preservation. New technologies such as museum vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters, are also incorporated as each room is carefully stripped of all the furniture and artefacts and vacuumed from floor to ceiling.

Kate Ballenger, Keeper of Palace and Collections, said, “Every year this is an enormous undertaking that, once complete, is the most satisfying feeling for the whole team of specialists that come together. Whilst it’s always a mammoth task, this year, we have a smaller window of time to complete our vital deep clean, ahead of the start of the roof restoration project.”

Keeping Blenheim spotless. Photo courtesy of Blenheim Palace.

Alongside the restoration works starting, Blenheim Palace is introducing unique visitor experiences that provide exclusive access to previously unseen areas of the Estate as well as the surrounding Oxfordshire countryside. Three exclusive new experiences will also live at the landmark this year:

An all-new ticketed Roof Top View platform experience, providing visitors with never seen before breathtaking views over the Estate and surrounding Oxfordshire countryside.

The Life Below Stairs experience, which will give visitors the opportunity to see the original Palace kitchens and immerse themselves in the spaces and hear the sounds of the staff working as they prepare for a royal visit.

Unlock never before seen Family Treasures of the private apartments and follow in the footsteps of dukes, duchesses and their guests. The extended State Room Tours will offer a journey through some of the grandest rooms including the Dining Room, Smoking Room, Drawing Rooms, and Grand Cabinet.

2025 will also see Blenheim’s renowned gardens undergo a stunning transformation with new features to be explored every season. 

The annual deep clean is underway. Photo courtesy of Blenheim Palace.

Blenheim Palace first opened its doors to the public 75 years ago to raise funds for essential roof conservation work. The project represents the most significant roof restoration in Blenheim Palace’s history. Every penny of visitor funds will contribute directly to this vital conservation effort, ensuring the project’s completion by 2026. In return, visitors will not only be supporting the preservation of this historic landmark but will also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich history.

For more information, visit www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/new-for-2025