KNOWLEDGE BASE – ANTIQUE CARE & CLEANING
Guidelines per Material
Proper maintenance and cleaning are essential for keeping antique objects in good condition. Much damage to antiques is caused by improper cleaning methods, modern cleaning products, or excessive polishing.
This guide provides safe, material-specific guidelines for maintaining wood, ceramics, glass, metal, and other antique materials.
1. Wood (furniture, carvings, statues)
Cleaning
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remove dust with a soft, dry cloth
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wipe slightly damp (never wet)
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do not use aggressive agents
Maintenance
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traditional wax (e.g. beeswax) in thin layers
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no furniture polish with silicone
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Do not fill cracks without knowledge: it may reduce value
Patina
The natural patina is essential for the value.
Do not sand, do not paint over.
2. Ceramics & Pottery
Cleaning
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lukewarm water and mild soap
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soft brush for edges
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no abrasives
NB
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Crackle should not soak for too long: risk of discolouration
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Hairlines can worsen due to temperature changes
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never in the dishwasher
3. Porcelain
Cleaning
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lukewarm water
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soft sponge
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careful around decorations and gold accents
Risks
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gold and enamel can be damaged quickly
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do not remove adhesive residue from old restorations yourself
4. Glass
Cleaning
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warm water + dishwashing liquid
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soft brush or cloth
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do not brush hard when pushing up
Old glass
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do not soak if there are bubbles or weak spots
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avoid sharp temperature differences
5. Metal (bronze, copper, tin, silver)
Bronze
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only remove dust carefully
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Polishing bronze reduces its value (patina is part of it)
Copper
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light polishing with copper polish
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green corrosion (copper oxide) do not scratch
Tin
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mild tin polish, do not rub to a shine
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matte gloss belongs to antique pewter
Silver
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silver polish only when necessary
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do not polish plinths, handles and ornaments too hard
Never : steel wool, abrasives or acidic cleaners.
6. Textiles (vintage clothing, religious cloths, carpets)
Cleaning
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never in the washing machine
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vacuuming on low setting
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professional cleaning for delicate fabrics
Save
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rolled in acid-free materials
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not in bright sunlight
7. Paper & Books
Cleaning
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dry, soft brush for dust
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never use moisture
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Always have mold treated professionally
Storage
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dry, cool place
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not in plastic
General tips for safe maintenance
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always test on an inconspicuous area first
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when in doubt: do not repair it yourself
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Restorations can increase or decrease value
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avoid extreme temperatures and humidity
Why good maintenance is important
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value retention
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preservation of authenticity
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preservation of patina
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longer lifespan of vulnerable materials
View more antiques
→ Category Antiques & Curiosities
→ Category Ceramics & Porcelain