Antique furniture can be an expensive addition to your home, or a family heirloom to be treasured. Either way, it is something that you want to care for properly, to ensure that it looks as good as possible for as long as possible. Cleaning antique furniture is not difficult, but there are some specific steps to take to make sure that you do not damage the wood in any way through the cleaning process. With a bit of care and some knowledge about the proper way to clean antique furniture, you can rest assured that your treasured pieces will last for generations to come.

Step One: Keep the Dust at Bay

The first step in cleaning antique furniture is to dust it regularly. This can be done with a special vacuum attachment or with a soft cloth that will clean without scratching. Never use sprays while cleaning your antique furniture, since they can contain oils and chemicals that can actually harm the wood. If you feel that you must use a product to polish the wood, orange oil can be a good substitute for commercial polishing sprays. You can also apply a paste wax every couple of months that can be found in your local home improvement store. Make sure that you apply a thin coat to avoid a waxy buildup, and use a clean and soft cloth for application.

Step Two: Protect your Wood

The second step in cleaning your antique furniture properly is to regularly exercise preventative care. Never slide anything across the surface of your furniture, since this can lead to scratching. It is also important to use coasters or mats whenever you set drinks or vases filled with water on the table. If you do get a liquid spill on your wood, clean your antique furniture immediately to prevent water damage. If you spill any type of solvent on the surface of the wood, make sure that you dab at the spill instead of wiping it off, to avoid causing further damage to the finish. It is also a good idea to draw your drapes during the sunniest parts of the day, so that your wood does not suffer from constant exposure to extreme light.

Step Three: Be Vigilant of your Environment

Humidity is a big factor in how well your furniture will stand up. Once you have taken care to clean your antique furniture properly, and protect it from damage, you will want to consider the environment that your wood is in. During the dry winter months, it is a good idea to run a humidifier in your home so that your fine woods don’t dry out and crack. If you have particularly wet summers, a dehumidifier might be a good idea during this season as well. The important thing to keep in mind is maintaining an environment for your furniture that is as consistent as possible, both in temperature and humidity levels.