Re-usable cross-linked poly(ethyl methacrylate) gels for cleaning purposes of artworks

•Innovative PEMA-chemical gels for artworks cleaning are synthesized and described.•The gels are dryable, re-usable and can be loaded with organic solvents for many cycles.•The gels exhibited green and environmentally friendly characteristics.•The gels were used for the cleaning of the Manet´s “Portrait de M. Arnaud à cheval”.