An antique that has been passed down through the generations is one of those prized possessions that usually comes with a story. It might have been the first piece of furniture bought by distant relatives upon a marriage. It might have been carried over from Europe. Or it can simple be a nice piece that nobody ever wanted to get rid of. Whatever origin story is behind your antiques, you want to make sure they’re well taken care of so that you can pass them down. Here’s what you need to do:
Polish Annually, Dust Weekly
If you were to follow the instructions as seen on television, then you might think that a lemon scented dusting spray is the best way to take care of your antiques. Actually, it would be the opposite. Those sprays can lead to a major build up of residue that over time can harm the furniture. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t wax or dust. The dusting can happen once a week but it’s just that: dusting. You only need a soft, lint free cloth to get the job done. As for waxing, this should be an annual task wherein you use high grade beeswax or other furniture polish. Apply a thin coat and let it stay on the piece overnight. The next morning, buff it off and watch how it will shine.
Avoid Sunlight
Natural sunlight is great for any room but it is the enemy of antiques. The UV light from the sun can cause furniture to fade in color. It can also be uneven. Any window treatment that blocks out UV light can help. Otherwise just position the pieces away from the windows and close the drapes when the room isn’t in use.
Avoid Heat
Antiques shouldn’t be place over heating vents. That warm air will dry out the piece and could even cause the old glue to fracture. It also helps to keep the humidity in a room at an even level.
With proper care, antiques can last a long time. The question then becomes, do you have room for them? A session with Junk King Fort Lauderdale can help with that issue. If you’ve got furniture, appliances and other household goods that would never be considered antiques, then turn them all over to Junk King. Make your home ready for the arrival of antiques by having Junk King Fort Lauderdale clear out your unwanted items today.