X-Man

Antiques can be high priced, which makes collecting antique furniture one of the most expensive hobbies you can pursue. Because of the value of antique furniture it is important that antique dealers correctly maintain and protect their investments. One of the most important things you can do to maintain your antiques, chairs, tables and other furniture is to learn how to clean it correctly. You should also familiarize yourself with proper storage techniques and learn what factors will cause damage to your antique furniture and how to best avoid them.

There are many different things that can damage antique furniture; some of the worst culprits are temperature and humidity. High heat and humidity can cause problems with cracking and with moisture buildup, but the worst damage from temperature and humidity happens when there are fluctuations. If your antique furniture is exposed to changes in weather, temperature, and humidity, chances are that it will suffer damage. Fluctuations like this in temperature and humidity will cause your furniture to expand and contract which will cause cracking and splitting. You can prevent this type of damage by keeping your antique furniture in a climate controlled area. Using a humidifier and maintaining a constant room temperature in your home is a good way to preserve the antique furniture in your home.

Another element that can seriously damage antique furniture is sunlight. Sunlight can damage the finish of antique furniture and can fade or alter its color. The best way to prevent sun damage is to not display antique furniture in direct sunlight or to use UV filters on the windows that cast light on the furniture. Sunlight is one of the things that can do serious damage but can also be easily avoided.

Another less common but very serious problem that can affect antique furniture is insect infestation, especially termites. Not all collectors have to worry about insect damage depending on the region in which they live, but if you do notice that your antiques have become damaged by insects you will need to seek professional help for insect removal and fumigation.

You should also know how to properly clean your antique furniture as many chemicals and cleaning agents will damage antiques. You should never use harsh or abrasive cleansers which can damage or alter the antique’s finish. Using a cover will eliminate dust accumulation on your furniture and will eliminate the need for frequent dusting or cleaning, just be sure that the material the cover is made of will not interact with the furniture’s finish. If you do need to dust or clean your antique furniture, only soft cloths should be used in order to avoid scratches. 

Because collecting antique furniture can be expensive, collectors need to take the necessary precautions to help them preserve the value of their antiques. Knowing how to clean and care for antique furniture is just as important as knowing how to properly store it. Before you spend money on expensive antique pieces make sure you are familiar with the environmental risk factors that can cause damage to antique furniture.