| Category |
Cleaning & Care |
Tips |
| Silver |
Use a commercial silver cleaner with a soft cloth or a cotton bud for small inaccessible parts. Avoid cleaning the hallmark as rubbed marks will devalue an item.
Impregnated gloves are particularly useful for polishing flatware and small items.
Tarnish is caused by sulphur in the atmosphere, it does not harm the silver, but looks unsightly. Tarnish will be lessened if silver is kept wrapped or in a display cabinet. |
Never use other metal cleaning products (e.g for brass) as they contain abrasives.
Store items wrapped in felt or cotton bags, not plastic as this can cause condensation.
Salt corrodes silver, so remove it from cellars after use if there is no glass liner.
Never use detergents or put silver in the dishwasher. Use warm water with a little washing up liquid. |
| Silver Restoration |
Silver should always be restored professionally.
See the Restorers Directory.Our approved restorers will be pleased to advise you |
Damage such as scratches & dents should be dealt with professionally. |
| Glass |
Wash glass in hand warm water with a drop of washing up liquid in a plastic bowl.
In hard water areas use distilled water.
Remove rings and bracelets as these may cause knocks or scratches.
Items should be washed one at a time and placed on a protective mat or cloth to avoid damage. |
Never put antique glass in a dishwasher.
Don't wear rubber gloves when washing glass as you may not get a good grip.
To store, glass items should be wrapped individually in acid free tissue and boxed. |
| Glass Restoration |
Glass should always be restored professionally.
See the Restorers Directory.Our approved restorers will be pleased to advise you |
|
Ceramics
Pottery, Porcelain and Stoneware |
First clean with a soft, dry brush. This may be sufficient.
Use warm water (distilled is best for valuable items) with a drop of washing up liquid and work on a small area at a time. Use a cotton bud or artists brush to reach intricate areas and dry gently with a soft cloth.
Minor stains can be treated with a weak solution of hydrogen peroxide with a few drops of ammonia added. Use a cotton bud and test a small area first. |
Wash items one at a time in a plastic bowl, to avoid breakages or damage.
Unglazed ceramics should never be exposed to water as they are absorbent.
Never use detergents or abrasives. |
| Ceramic Restoration |
Ceramics should always be restored professionally.
See the Restorers Directory.Our approved restorers will be pleased to advise you |
If damage or a breakage occurs do not glue it back together. Wrap pieces separately to avoid further damage. You'll be amazed how well ceramics can be restored, but it will inevitably affect the value. |
| Furniture |
Wood should be treated with good quality beeswax polish every six months.
Different coloured polishes are available to match the furniture.
For neglected pieces, leave the wax on for 12 hours before polishing off. This will help to nourish the wood.
In between waxing, dust with a soft cloth and use a soft brush to clean intricate areas.
Small surface scratches can be disguised with a commercial product matched for colour, but anything deeper should be dealt with by a professional restorer.
Small re-attachments can be made using a commercial wood glue but take care to use only a small amount and wipe surrounding area to remove excess clue. Polish when completely dry.
When applying metal cleaner to handles etc. take care to keep it off the wood. |
Apply polish sparingly with a dry cloth, then buff off with a clean cloth.
Never use commercial spray polish or silicone polish as they can cause a 'bloom' or haze to the surface.
Steer clear of 'Old wives tales' for removing ring stains from glasses and hot dishes, seek the advice of a qualified restorer before you try anything.
Antique furniture needs consideration to maintain it at its best. Avoid extremes of temperature and humidity.
Keep away from radiators and direct heat. This may cause warping or lifting of veneers.
Keep out of direct sunlight as it will cause fading. |
| Furniture Restoration |
Furniture should always be restored professionally.
See the Restorers Directory.Our approved restorers will be pleased to advise you |
Keep a watchful eye for wood beetle (worm) and if necessary have it treated professionally. |
| Textiles & Clothing |
Antique Textiles require careful handling as natural fibres deteriorate and decompose with age. Mould and insects damage from clothes moths are also common problems.
Cover textiles/clothing with fine netting/muslin and use a vacuum cleaner attachment on its most gentle setting. Proceed with caution.
Clothes should be hung on padded hangers and covered with a white cotton 'bags'.
Give enough space to avoid crushing.
Folded clothes should be padded with acid free tissue.
Textiles are best stored rolled around an acid free tube or tissue, to avoid creases and folds.
Store in acid free boxes and do not overfill. |
Washing or 'dry cleaning' of textiles and clothing is not recommended unless you have sought professional advice.
Never use commercial products or 'biological detergents'.
If advised, wash using hand warm water with soapflakes.
Dry items flat on a towel or sheet, away from direct heat and sunlight. |
| Textiles & Clothing Restoration |
Textiles & Clothing should always be restored professionally.
See the Restorers Directory.Our approved restorers will be pleased to advise you |
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