To each bucketful of freshly slaked hot lime add about 2 lb. of common washing soda. Apply liberally by means of old brushes. Carved portions may be cleansed by making the mixture into a paste by adding more lime or sawdust. Spread this over by means of a palette knife. Several applications may be necessary. Swill off with clean water, and finally wipe over with common vinegar to neutralise any trace of acid left in the wood.