Personally I implement the cleaning and oiling operations separately.
If I have to upgrade a dirty ivory hilt, or a bone/ horn hilt with a dull appearance or a pitted surface, I start by cleaning it with household alcohol applied with a stiff paint brush and wiping it immediately with a cloth for removing the dirt.
Then I apply the oil either with a stiff paint brush if the surface is smooth and the oil is very fluid, or a tooth brush if the hilt is carved or the oil is a bit viscous in order that the oil penetrates deeply into the carved cavities.
I am using either medicinal paraffin oil or pusaka oil (for preserving the blades) which is is scented paraffin oil. Some collectors use WD40 spray with good results and I also tested liquid wax but for hilts with a smooth surface only.
Regards
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