Antique wood furniture consists of intricately designed items with moldings, carvings, railings, and decorative patterns that become a medium for the accumulation of dirt and grime. Cleaning takes some time using corrosive and non-corrosive agents which, in the process, affect the general condition of the antique. Thus, the authenticity of the merchandise can be questioned and also its monetary value. How do you clean such precious objects?
Good cleaning technique coupled with patience and hard work can do wonders for furniture that has been in storage for a long time. Antiques that are restored as close to their original appearance as possible, however, are more difficult to maintain. Therefore, observing the proper technique in cleaning is essential.
The safest way to clean wooden furniture is by using the least damaging methods, and that is achieved by employing minimalist methods: do less but achieve more. A vacuum cleaner is definitely one of the tools of minimalists. Using it does nothing to your furniture except apply gentle suction pressure that removes dirt and grime without using any harmful agents.
A dusting cloth that allows a light wiping motion is another example that removes dust without creating rough surfaces, unwanted marks, or scratches on the finished surface. A damp cloth wiped over the surface picks up more dirt, followed immediately by a dry cloth to avoid exposing furniture to water that can ruin its finish.
Extreme temperatures and humidity will cause accelerated damage to the finish and eventually to the wood itself. Water softens the finish and wood while heat cracks it, so constant softening alternated with exposure to heat is a good way to rot your wares. The use of mats and glass coasters serve as protection so that water does not enter directly on the surface of tables and other furniture.
Commercial cleaning agents like soap, oil, cleansers, cleaning materials like wool are available in the market but they should be used with great caution as such agents can do more harm than good. Be sure to read labels and manuals regarding cleaning instructions, as improperly applying them in an equally inappropriate amount or ratio will defeat their purpose.
The goal of the cleaning and restoration process is to return the furniture to its near original condition and not to change it in any way. By doing so, an antique does not retain its originality, rather a whole new piece of furniture is taken out of the old pieces and that definitely destroys the whole idea of why antiques are collected, restored and displayed.