The following advice does not apply to friends and relatives over the age of sixty, but it will make a difference on your wooden antique furniture. Generally speaking, common sense applies and a gentle touch always works best when dealing with antiques. Read on if you dare, no matter how old you may be.
Cleaning Strategies
Often the best cleaning treatment for wooden antiques is a little warm water on a soft cloth. If you have just bought a piece that has a price tag on it that won’t come off, dampen a cloth with white vinegar and rub it softly. With a little patience and care, the sticky residue will dissolve safely. Avoid placing antique furniture in direct sunlight. To remove the musty odor that seems to live in antique cupboards, try rubbing the cupboard’s insides with oil of wintergreen. Then stand back.
Waxes and Polishes
Most furniture experts agree that when cleaning antique furniture, it is best to avoid silicone polishes. You can use a non-silicone wax when the weather turns colder and its time to turn on the heat. Wax again when the weather gets warmer and don’t forget to wax the insides of the cupboard, drawers and the underside of tables and chairs as well.
Dusting Antique Furniture
Don’t throw out those old flannel sheets and pajamas because they make wonderful dusting rags for all your wooden antiques. They work well because they are less likely to scratch the surface and the older the flannel, the less lint residue it will contain. You can also use a feather duster with a plastic core. A genuine chamois does an excellent dusting job as well. The natural oils it contains are strong enough to actually polish as well a dust! (Talk about multi-tasking!)
Do YOU have any antique wooden furniture tips to share? Please do.
Related Reading:
“Cleaning Leather And Other Diversions”
“Wicker and Cane: Yes, You Can Clean Them”