Properly handling, cleaning, and displaying your fine antiques is essential in order to preserve them for future generations.

Cleaning Wood Furniture

The best way to protect the finish of your piece is to polish it once or twice a year with a good quality, beeswax polish. Following the grain of the wood, the wax should be applied sparingly with a soft, lint-free cloth and then polished with a second soft, lint-free cloth. A good shine comes from rubbing, rather than from applying many layers of wax. Never use chemicals, spray-on polish, abrasive kitchen cleaners, or other commercial cleaners, given that they can scratch and even erode the finish of your piece. Silicone-based sprays are never recommended for cleaning, as they leave a film that is very difficult to remove. Likewise, oil-based polishes are to be avoided, given that they attract dirt and several tend to darken wood. Intricate areas can be cleaned with a soft brush. For more persistent marks, use a chamois leather cloth dipped in either warm water with a drop of vinegar, white spirit, or a soap-based product.

General Wood Care and Information

The temperature in your home can greatly affect the condition of your furniture. Wood is a natural, living material and will “breathe” in response to changes in the atmosphere. Rapid or extreme fluctuations in temperature, as well as direct sunlight may cause furniture to dry out, fade, shrink, crack, or split; extremely damp conditions can cause mold growth. We cannot overemphasize keeping your pieces in a stable environment, where the temperature and relative humidity do not fluctuate dramatically. A relative humidity of 40 - 70% and a temperature of 60 - 75°F are ideal conditions.

The following points are worth bearing in mind:

• Avoid placing your antique furniture next to radiators, hot air vents, air conditioners, or open windows. This can loosen joints; changing the shape of your pieces over time
• Light can damage furniture. High-intensity natural or artificial light may alter finishes and, if severe, break down the wood. Use blinds or curtains to reduce light levels
• Operating a humidifier or placing a glass of water inside or underneath wood furniture will help to maintain the right level of humidity
• Use coasters to prevent damage from hot dishes
• Keep solvents away
• Blot all spills immediately
• When dusting, do not slide objects on its surface. Pick them up
• If moving, remove drawers and lock doors so they do not open. Pieces should also be padded and covered for transport
• Lifting furniture should be done carefully. Check for loose areas and lift chairs by their seat and tables by their legs