Posted by roofline systems | Posted in Hobbies | Posted on 06-07-2009
Antiques can be a great reminder of our family, history, or even an exotic touch from another place and time. Caring for these items properly ensures that they can be passed down to another generation or sold for their highest value.
The following is a brief overview of caring for your vintage and antique collectibles. Sites such as the BBC and Antiques-UK provide detailed information on caring for various antiques. If you are in doubt you can contact a professional conservator that specializes in your type of antique.
PAPER:
Paper needs to be stored properly to preserve its value. Use acid-free and archival quality storage.
If you have a book that needs to be cleaned, use air to blow off dust and particles. Never wipe a book with a rag.
Don’t store books and papers in sunlight – it will cause fading.
GLASS, POTTERY and PORCELAIN:
Wash individually in a padded washing basin to prevent chips. Use warm water – never hot or cold – and a gentle cleanser with a soft bristled brush. Never wash antique glass or dishes in the dishwasher since the extreme heat and harsh detergent may be harmful. Gently wipe glasses dry or allow dishes to air dry.
Store and display glass and dishes in a safe place away from heavy traffic. Avoid displaying on an open shelf, rail or on the wall, especially if there is heavy traffic through that area.
RUGS and TEXTILES:
Rugs and textiles require extremely gentle handling when moving, storing and cleaning.
Moving should be done slowly and carefully as antique fabrics are delicate and can easily tear or pull apart.
Rugs should be rolled with the pile facing outwards to prevent crushing or damage.
Garments should be hung on sturdy hangers and covered in white cotton or rolled with acid free paper and tied closed on either end.
Rugs and textiles can be cleaned gently with a vacuum on a low setting. Be very careful with textiles as the suction can pull fibers apart. For spills it is recommended by BBC Antiques to put white paper towels under the rug and above, replacing them until no more liquid comes out. Any other cleaning should be done by an expert. Avoid exposure to sun or humidity.
FURNITURE:
Dusting should be done with a soft, lint-free cloth. Wood furniture should only be waxed with quality beeswax. Avoid placing furnishings in bright light or in rooms which experience great changes in temperature or humidity. Be very cautious when moving antique furniture, always lifting and never dragging.
JEWELRY:
Clean with a soft brush, like a makeup brush, to remove dust. Next use windex, or other window type cleaner, and a very soft toothbrush to polish and clean. Do not use soap, or harsh abrasive.
It is a great privilege to own antiques and proper care will help your investment increase in value or enable you to pass them on for the enjoyment of your family. Read more other articles about hairstyles for curly hair and male hairstyles.
Find competent hints about suspended ceiling – your individual knowledge pack.
Related Posts -
Little Dipper Crib Bedding By Lambs & Ivy - A Product Review Lambs & Ivy is a well-recognized and reputable designer and manufacturer of baby cards substance and accessories, acquirable at national chains and baby specialty stores throughout the United States and at a wide assortment of internet retailers. Little Wain cards bedding, prototypal introduced to consumers in late 2005, provides an...... -
A Maglite Flashlight Keeps You Out Of The Dark A Maglite flashlight is among the very best and highest quality flashlights available on the market today. A Maglite flashlight can be used for just about anything that requires a dependable, useful, and focused source of portable light. Among the activities it is usually used for are outdoor sports like...... -
Using Wool Area Rugs To Improve Comfort If you're interested on updating the look of your household, particularly your flooring then you might want to experiment with the use of wool area rugs. Almost all rooms are suitable for rugs. The use of wool area rugs can breathe some much needed life into your room. Wool area...... -
Helpful Tips For Your Kitchen We love the kitchen! It'? where food is created and stored, but it's ?uch more than that. There ar? also easy things you can do in ?nd around t?e kitchen to e?en get ?ore benefits. Y?u can be as creative as ?ou want, a? the kitchen ?s fill?d with ?any...... -
Highlight A Hardwood Floor With Beautiful Area Rugs You will find that there are many folk who love the look and warmth that hardwood flooring can give to a home. This flooring will not only become more attractive as it ages but willdefinitely make your house worth additional cash. these householders also love the feeling of a warm......
Related Websites -
Using the Internet for Antique Appraisals Do you know how to use the internet for the purpose of obtaining antique appraisals? There is no reason why you cannot make good use of the internet in order to determine the value of your collectibles and your antiques. Keep reading. So, do you think that you may have...... -
Do With Your Heart Do you have a very difficult time doing anything without your heart being involved? Then don’t exclude your heart. It isn’t necessary. The only way it’s ‘meant’ to be done (if that word has any meaning at all) is the way it’s naturally done. People often expect great mystical events...... -
Purchasing Antique Rings for an Engagement If you are looking for the perfect engagement ring, you just may want to consider antique rings and the sentimental value that can be associated with them. Antique rings are capable of being purchased through reputable dealers in second hand jewelry stores. You may even be able to find antique...... -
Barrister Bookcase Dealers -> Furniture -> Bookcases Patented in 1892, a barrister bookcase is a special type of bookcase that's enclosed with clear glass covering the front, differentiating it from a typical open-shelf bookcase. These bookcases got their start in the UK, but became popular worldwide because of their unique stackable...... -
Depression Glass Antiques -> Decorative Arts -> Glass The history of Depression Glass is actually quite fascinating and it is a true testimony to its appeal that decades later it is still in high demand. These colorful glass items were made to be cheap, they had to be in order to sell......
