General Care Guidelines

Placement & Environment

The environment in which you place your antique furniture can significantly impact its condition and longevity:

• Avoid direct sunlight: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can fade finishes, upholstery, and veneers. Position furniture away from windows or use UV-filtering window coverings.
• Maintain stable humidity: Aim for relative humidity between 40-60%. Extreme dryness can cause wood to shrink and crack, while excessive humidity can lead to swelling and warping.
• Control temperature: Avoid placing antique furniture near heat sources like radiators, fireplaces, or heating vents, as heat can dry out wood and damage finishes.
• Use felt pads: Place felt pads under furniture legs to protect both your floors and your furniture when moving pieces.
• Distribute weight evenly: For case pieces like dressers or cabinets, distribute contents evenly to prevent stress on joints and structure.

Regular Maintenance

Simple, regular maintenance will help preserve your antique's beauty:

• Dust frequently: Use a soft, clean, lint-free cloth or a feather duster to remove dust weekly. Dust can be abrasive over time and may scratch surfaces if allowed to accumulate.
• Clean gently: When deeper cleaning is needed, use a barely damp cloth and immediately dry the surface with a soft, dry cloth.
• Polish sparingly: Apply furniture polish or wax no more than 2-3 times per year. Over-polishing can build up residue and attract more dust.
• Inspect regularly: Check for loose joints, hardware, or veneer. Early intervention prevents more significant problems later.

Wood Furniture Care

Cleaning Wood Surfaces

1. Begin by dusting with a soft, lint-free cloth or feather duster.
2. For deeper cleaning, dampen (not wet) a soft cloth with a solution of mild soap and water.
3. Wring the cloth thoroughly so it's barely damp.
4. Wipe the surface in the direction of the wood grain.
5. Immediately dry with a clean, soft cloth.
6. Never use all-purpose cleaners, silicone sprays, or products containing ammonia.

Polishing & Waxing

For most antique wood furniture with traditional finishes:

• Paste wax provides the best protection and appearance. Apply sparingly with a soft cloth, allow to dry, then buff with a clean cloth.
• Avoid silicone-based polishes which can seep into cracks and interfere with future restoration.
• Traditional oil polishes (like lemon oil or orange oil) can be appropriate for some pieces but use sparingly.
• Different wood finishes require different care - French polish, shellac, varnish, and lacquer all have specific maintenance needs.

Dealing with Common Issues

Upholstery Care

General Upholstery Maintenance

• Vacuum regularly using an upholstery attachment with low suction.
• Rotate and fluff cushions regularly to distribute wear.
• Keep pets off antique upholstery when possible.
• Place throws over areas that receive the most use.
• Address spills immediately to prevent staining.

Specific Fabric Types

Silk & Delicate Fabrics

• Avoid water-based cleaning; professional dry cleaning only.
• Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and deterioration.
• Use extreme caution when vacuuming; a brush attachment may snag delicate fibers.

Velvet

• Brush gently in the direction of the nap using a soft clothing brush.
• For crushed velvet, steam can sometimes help restore the pile.
• Never rub stains; blot carefully and consult a professional for cleaning.

Leather

• Dust regularly with a soft cloth.
• Clean with a damp cloth and mild soap specifically formulated for the type of leather.
• Condition 1-2 times a year with an appropriate leather conditioner.
• Keep leather furniture away from heat sources to prevent drying and cracking.

Metal Elements Care

Brass & Copper

• Clean with a soft cloth and mild soap and water.
• For tarnished pieces, use a specialized metal polish appropriate for the specific metal.
• Consider whether the patina is desirable before polishing to a shine.
• Apply a thin coat of paste wax after cleaning to slow tarnishing.

Hardware (Pulls, Hinges, Locks)

• Clean gently with a soft cloth.
• Avoid removing original hardware when possible.
• If removal is necessary for cleaning, keep track of all screws and components.
• Lubricate moving parts sparingly with an appropriate lubricant.

Iron Elements

• Remove any rust with fine steel wool (#0000 grade).
• Clean with a cloth dampened with mineral spirits.
• Apply paste wax or specialized metal protectant to prevent future rusting.

Special Considerations

Marble & Stone Tops

• Clean with a soft cloth dampened with warm water.
• For deeper cleaning, use a pH-neutral stone cleaner.
• Never use acidic cleaners (including vinegar) on marble or limestone.
• Seal marble annually with a stone sealer to prevent staining.
• Use coasters under all items placed on stone surfaces.
• Wipe spills immediately to prevent staining.

Glass Elements

• Clean with a lint-free cloth and glass cleaner (spray onto cloth, not directly onto glass).
• For antique or leaded glass, use minimal moisture and gentle pressure.
• Support glass elements properly to prevent stress and breakage.

Mirrors

• Clean with a soft cloth and glass cleaner applied to the cloth.
• Avoid getting moisture on the silvered backing or frame.
• Do not hang antique mirrors in bathrooms or other high-humidity areas when possible.

Paintings & Art

• Dust frames gently with a soft brush.
• Never clean the painted surface yourself; consult a professional art conservator.
• Maintain stable environmental conditions.
• Keep out of direct sunlight.

Moving & Storage

Moving Antique Furniture

• Always lift, never drag, even for short distances.
• Remove drawers, shelves, and loose components before moving.
• Disassemble large pieces when possible, keeping hardware organized.
• Wrap in moving blankets or bubble wrap, avoiding direct contact with plastic that can trap moisture.
• Use proper lifting techniques and get adequate help for heavy items.

Storage Recommendations

• Choose a climate-controlled environment when possible.
• Elevate furniture off the floor to prevent moisture damage.
• Cover with cotton sheets or specialized furniture covers, not plastic.
• Store flat items flat to prevent warping.
• Do not stack heavy items on delicate pieces.

Professional Restoration & Repair

While proper care can prevent many problems, some situations require professional attention:

When to Seek Professional Help

• Structural damage or loose joints that affect stability
• Significant veneer damage or loss
• Deep scratches or gouges in wood
• Water or heat damage
• Upholstery that is torn, worn, or stained
• Hardware repair or replacement
• Finish restoration or refinishing

Our Restoration Services

The Forgotten Find offers professional restoration services by our skilled craftsmen. We specialize in:

• Structural repairs and joint restoration
• Veneer repair and replacement
• Finish restoration and French polishing
• Hardware cleaning, repair, and replacement
• Traditional upholstery techniques
• Custom modifications while preserving antique integrity

For restoration inquiries, please contact us at restoration@forgottenf.shop or call (843) 555-1876.

Contact Us

If you have specific questions about caring for your purchase from The Forgotten Find, please don't hesitate to reach out: