| Cleaning modern furniture is normally a snap - modern | | | | issue. Most often, this kind of removal would require |
| finishes are tough and durable so a quick spray with a | | | | some elbow grease and scraping, but this is just not |
| household cleaner and a wipe down usually takes care | | | | possible with a delicate older piece of furniture. |
| of spills, stains, or sticky residues. Not so when cleaning | | | | Generally, lemon juice is safe to use on older finishes, |
| antique furniture. The finish on antique furniture is often | | | | and the acidity will dissolve the adhesive residue. Just |
| easily damaged by ordinary cleaning prducts. Worse | | | | to be safe, it is best to test this method on an |
| yet, in an attempt to clean and beautify your heirloom | | | | inconspicuous area before putting it to practice, and |
| piece you could actually reduce the value of it | | | | even then, proceed with caution. |
| unintentionally. Fortunately, old fashioned furniture is | | | | Wooden surfaces can be waxed with paste wax and |
| easily cleaned using old fashioned methods. Throw the | | | | then buffed with a soft, dry cloth. An old t-shirt or |
| spray cleaners and premoistened wipes away and | | | | receiving blanket works well for this purpose. |
| give cleaning a go the way your grandmother would | | | | Whatever material is used, the cloth should always be |
| have, and the antique finish will thank you. | | | | dry, as wet cloths can remove the finish and damage |
| Many antique pieces have intricate carvings in them | | | | the underlying surface. |
| that, while beautiful, tend to gather dust and resist the | | | | If in doubt, it is always a good idea to consult with a |
| soft cloth wipings that takes care of the broad, flat | | | | professional before attempting these or any other |
| surfaces. To remove general dust or grime, gently | | | | cleaning treatments for antique furniture. Even the best |
| whisk the area with a soft paintbrush or baby | | | | modern furniture can be replaced if damaged, but |
| toothbrush. Alternatively, careful use of a small, | | | | antique furniture is irreplaceable. Whenever unsure, it is |
| handheld vacuum will pick up most of the dust without | | | | always best to leave the piece in its original condition |
| even coming into contact with the piece. | | | | rather than risk damaging it in an effort to bring out its |
| Sticky residue from tape or other adhesives is a tricky | | | | beauty. |