Product Care
A piece of antique furniture brings both pleasure and responsibility to its owner, the pleasure of owning something with history and character and the responsibility to preserve and care for a piece of the past.
The average house is not a friendly place for furniture. Humidity and temperature change continuously which causes timber to move, smoke forms deposits on the surface, knocks and scratches are daily hazards, the furniture is touched and moved and just simply used. Well made as it is, antique furniture needs protection.
Environment
Avoid placing antique furniture where it is damp; as well as encouraging pests and rot, excessive moisture will ruin polish and soften glues leading to structural weakness. Conversely, ensure that the environment is not too dry. This problem can be alleviated by placing glasses or bowls of water inside or near antiques to prevent the wood drying out.
Usage and Location
Try to avoid placing heavy items on the furniture that may mark easily. Always use mats or covers to protect against heat or spills. Antique furniture should not be placed in strong direct sunlight as this can lead to fading or polish melting. As well as protection, your furniture will need regular maintenance. Dust often, as dusting is probably more important than polishing, taking care to only use a clean duster, which is grit free.
Maintenance
Grease and food deposits or other such stains should be removed by washing. Never polish over them as this seals in the dirt. Use a little vinegar (a tablespoon in half a pint of water). Wet the surface and rub vigorously with a soaked cotton cloth until all the grime has gone then dry off quickly with a clean cloth.
Protection
Never use aerosol or spray ... furniture polish. Polish should be wax based and should be applied thinly. Most pieces will only need waxing twice a year. The classic polish contains Carnauba (which is a vegetable in origin) paraffin wax and beeswax. A good example is Briwax which is available in a variety of colours.
Perhaps the most important item of maintenance is a close eye. Watch for small spots of trouble and attend to them promptly before they become more serious and expensive to repair. Lastly, as with anything of advanced years, treat with tender loving care. Respect and enjoy your furniture.
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