Tips on Furniture Care
As an antique furniture restorer and appraiser, one of the most commonly questions asked is how to care for heirlooms and fine furniture. When cleaning a piece that has been neglected and the dirt is visible, a mild detergent or oil soap will do nicely. However, keep in mind that there are two kinds of grime. The first is dissolved by water and the second is removed with mineral spirits. Water base cleaners will remove dirt but not wax buildup or grease, mineral spirits will. Mineral Spirits will not disturb most finishes and will not raise the grain. It is safe to use on shellac finishes whereas water is not. With a little elbow grease and mineral spirits you can clean just about any antique or fine piece. To remove water rings, use equal parts olive oil and white vinegar, make sure to wipe with grain, then apply Finisher's Formula. of furniture. Use caution when using any cleaner or solvent and always test in an unseen area first. Avoid using spray cleaners as the propellant in spray cleaners or polishes can be harmful to some finishes. Once clean, it is time to feed your piece of furniture. Apply Finisher's Formula with a rag or lint free cloth and wipe with the grain. Allow Finisher's Formula to sit for at least ten minutes and then remove excess with a soft cloth. Store your polish rag in a baggie to use for dusting your furniture periodically. You only have to feed your furniture twice a year, once before the cold season and once before the heat season.
Helpful Hints
• To remove cloudy spots left by heated objects, coat area with mayonnaise and let stand for 1 hour, wipe dry and apply Finisher's Formula.
• Use touch up pens prior to polishing.
• To remove water rings, use equal parts olive oil and white vinegar, make sure to wipe with grain, then apply Finisher's Formula.
• Always do touch before applying polish or wax.
• To remove candle wax, use hair dryer on low heat to soften wax and scrape wax with credit card. Clean with mineral spirits and apply Finisher's Formula.
