Antique Wood Furniture--Care and Cleaning
For antiques with the original finish.
Care
Avoid extremes of humidity and temperature, which
accelerate cracking and checking of finish, and loosen
joints and veneer. Do not set beverage glasses, vases of
flowers, etc. on surfaces without coaster or mat
protection.
Cleaning
Vacuum or dust with a soft cloth. Occasionally use a
cloth just barely dampened with solvent-based cleaning
wax to wipe the surface to pick up more dust, and
immediately wipe with a dry cloth or soft paper towel. Do
not use spray waxes and polishes on surfaces as they will
leave a higher gloss and some silicone which may make
future refinishing more difficult.
Occasionally wax with paste (carnauba) wax. Rub on a
very light coat with a soft cloth with the grain of the
wood (or put a lump of wax inside a few layers of folded
cheesecloth and rub onto wood thus preventing heavy
smears); then buff at once with soft cloth, turning
often, until wax coating is hard. (Old cotton tee-shirts
are good.) Be sure all wax is completely buffed until
hard to avoid smears and streaks. Here a small electric
polisher is a great "arm-saver" on all smooth surfaces;
wipe surface gently with clean soft cloth after applying
wax to remove any loosened soil and then let set several
minutes (following wax label directions) before power
buffing. An occasional re-buffing will renew the soft
gloss. Paste wax helps cover small cracks and checks in
old finishes, and can easily be removed with solvent when
desired.
NOTE: Antiques that have been refinished should be
treated according to type of finish as described in other
sections. Since old finishes may be affected by cleaning
treatments, always test the first time on any
inconspicuous place on furniture to be sure it is
compatible with finish. Generally, the above treatments
are satisfactory.