Antique Furniture Maintenance Tips

Improvement

oi-Sneha

By Sneha Jain

Monday, March 19, 2012, 14:06

Your antique furniture requires a lot of care. There are certain ways by which you can protect your antique furniture from getting spoiled. The best way for protection of your furniture is it's placing in your house. Even the rays of the sun can damage your antique furniture. Some more home improvement tips for maintenance of your furniture are as follows.

Sun Damage- The UV rays from the sun can spoil your antique furniture. So make sure you place your furniture away from direct sunlight. Your furniture’s wood polishing and early finishes can be damaged by sun rays. So use curtains or shades to avoid direct contact with the sun.

Effect Of Heat- Also keep your antique furniture away from air conditioners, fire places and radiators. The heat from them can damage your furniture and loosen it's joints.

Moisture In The Air- Moisture in the air can affect your antique furniture. The amount of humidity in the air can cause your furniture to expand and contract. The expansion of your furniture can cause joints to loosen and drawers, doors to drag. Extensive humidity can cause insect infestation and mold growth. The best way of protecting your furniture is dehumidifier, which can reduce it's adverse effects.

Insects & Dust Mites-Wood and leather can be inviting to insects and dust mites. Insects such as dust mites, termites eat the grain inside wood till they mature. Once they mature they leave that furniture with holes. So the best way of protecting your furniture from insects is to add anti termite chemicals or medicines.

Cleaning And Polishing- Maintenance of furniture can be done by polishing it's wood with good quality paste wax. Paste wax is long lasting and stable. It protects furniture from moisture and dust. This method is one of the best home improvement tips for you. Thin layering of wax annually can protect the finishing layer on your furniture. Cleaning or dusting the furniture with a damp cloth can help you maintain your furniture. Do not clean it with a dry rag because it can cause scratches on your furniture.

Refinishing-Your furniture must be refinished. The appearance of your furniture can be enhanced without damaging it. Consulting a restoration expert prior to treating your expensive antiques. This will help in maintenance of furniture’s finish without damaging it.

Maintain Your Furniture While Transporting It- While moving your furniture from one place to another, make sure you first remove it's shelves, doors and drawers. Protect the furniture’s glass layering with a blanket or proper padding. Mirrors and glass should be protected while transporting. They must be moved and stored vertically.

These easy home improvement tips can protect your antique furniture.