How Do You Maintain Your Antique Furniture in Peak Condition?
Furniture by hand,caring for house plants,antique furniture
The term “Antiques” encompasses a lot of things, including furniture. Even
if your items are aged, you would not wish them to acquire an even older
look; and so, they need to be well maintained!
For most people, as far as furniture is concerned, the only thing required
is polishing, and more polishing—and their job is done! So dusting and
polishing are combined as a common act! However, what even you may not
be aware of is that excessive polish can destroy your valuables.
When you look at all the varied polishes on offer in the market, you
will realize that a great number of chemicals are involved in the different
brands. How will you work out what is compatible with your furniture and
what is not? Even natural products can end up having an adverse effect.
The reason is that oils are found in furniture polishes. Constant application
can result in build-up of dust rather than detracting from it. Hence,
it is advisable to stick to dry dusting for your fine furniture. Use a
micro-fiber or a lamb’s wool duster, since they do not cause pitting or
scratching of surfaces. There is no chemical residue or dust build-up.
Of course, if your items already exhibit signs of damage, you would need
to be a little more careful.
Polish has to be used very sparingly, only when required. You could try
out these recipes for home-made furniture polish—
(a) Equal proportions of lemon juice and white vinegar are to be combined
in a spray bottle or a bowl. A minimal amount of this mixture is to be
applied with a cloth, and left for some time. Now, take another cloth
and wipe it dry.
(b) A second combination is half-a-cup of lemon juice and a cup of olive
oil. This is to be taken in a bowl or a spray bottle. Again, apply when
required and wipe it dry after some time. Keep two cloths handy.
What will you gain from using home-prepared polish? The ingredients are
eco-friendly since there is no utilization of chemicals. No allergies
can be caused by strong fragrances. Best of all, it comes very cheap.
When you are preparing these polishes, keep these suggestions in mind—
(a) Olive oil can be of the cheaper variety, as compared to the higher-priced
one.
(b) In the case that you prefer fresh polish each time, then prepare a
small quantity so that it gets used up.
(c) The ratio has to remain constant for the polish to work.
(d) Shake the bottle well, or stir the ingredients well in the bowl, before
every use.
(e) A fresh spray bottle is recommended for the polish; already-used bottles
may contain other chemicals which will affect proper functioning.