Antiques Care

Furniture should be positioned at least two feet from any heat source, never directly in front of a radiator or heater. Dust frequently with a soft cloth, and use a good quality beeswax polish once a year, or twice a year for heavy use.

Don't use silicone-based sprays for cleaning as they leave a film that is very hard to remove. Oil-based polishes attract dirt and some might darken the wood. Avoid feather dusters as they can scratch the surface. Antique furniture also needs to be protected from fluctuations in temperature and relative humidity. For repairs, contact a qualified furniture conservator before considering any DIY repairs.

Glass

The most common problem related to the use of period glass is staining of decanters. Dark stains can be removed by manipulation of a good bottle brush (perhaps with a tuft at the tip) fed well with warm water and a little proprietary cleaner. Ensure that you remove any rings or bracelets before starting. Never put more than one piece of glassware in the bowl at a time. In addition, never wash delicate glassware in the dishwasher as the temperature and chemicals are too harsh. Sudden changes in temperature set up stresses within the glass.

Some decorative pieces can be extremely fragile and must be held by the main part of the body, never by the extremities such as the handle. For cleaning purposes, use an aerosol of compressed air to remove surface dust. If necessary, wash porcelain objects with a soft brush in warm water and a little, gentle washing-up liquid. Dry them naturally, do not rub porcelain objects dry. Never use abrasive products, bathroom cleaners, dishwasher powders or bleach on ceramics. Sandpaper and scalpels should also not be used. Pottery, being more porous, should be cleaned with a soft damp cloth. In addition, do not heat cracked plates in the oven. This can extend the crack, split the object altogether or open up old repairs. If a ceramic has been repaired (even by a conservator), don't use it for serving food as it could prove to be a health hazard.

Silver

Contrary to popular belief, silver doesn't tarnish rapidly unless items are left in an atmosphere where sulphur is present. Silver should ideally be washed in hot soapy water, rinsed in hot water and thoroughly dried, before buffing with a soft cloth. Avoid using toothbrushes when cleaning as they could scratch the surface. In addition, do not over polish silver as you may erase decoration and eventually wear the metal thin. Wrapping silver in an anti-tarnish cloth helps protect the silver from pollutants and scratches.

Jewellery

Jewellery, particularly pearls should not come in contact with hair sprays and perfumes as they can dissolve the surface. These should be applied and allowed to dry before putting on jewellery. If they come into contact with gold or silver settings they can stain the metal. For cleaning, hot distilled water, diluted washing liquid and a small, soft and clean paintbrush are suitable. Precious stones can become dirty and a slightly more aggressive cleaning may be needed. After washing, dry thoroughly with a lint-free cloth.

Carpets and Rugs

The carpet of rug should never be placed directly onto a hard floor without an underlay of some description. Underlays act as a protection against the unevenness of the base floor and prevent dust from rising between gaps in the wooden foundations. Rugs and carpets should also not be exposed to rapid changes in temperature and humidity. Direct sunlight may result in fading; if your rug or carpet is in a sunny area, close the curtains at times of bright sunlight. Avoid using a vacuum cleaner for cleaning; incase you do, only employ the cylindrical kind with low suction power. Also, do not use foam cleaners or other chemical cleaners. Always let a cleaning and restoration handled by a professional firm or dealer and see that it is carried out every three years and no longer than every five years.

Arms and Militaria

Safety is the first consideration. Always assume that any firearm is loaded until you have checked for yourself. Gunpowder, nitrocellulose propellants, primer material and other explosives that can be present in larger ordnance (grenades, artillery shells) can deteriorate with age, becoming unstable and extremely dangerous. Ensure you have a clear, clean, safe area on which to place the object before you pick it up. To avoid damaging the blade or the sheath when sheathing or unsheathing bladed weapons, remember not to drag the blade against the side of the sheath.

For any firearm, dust can be corrosive and abrasive and must be removed periodically. However, wiping dust off the surface with a cloth can cause scratches. Remove dust with a clean, dry, soft brush, holding a vacuum nozzle nearby to remove the dust. Take care to protect tassels, braid and other textiles. Be careful not to drive the dust into crevices or porous areas. Never use abrasive materials such as sand paper, metal polishes or toothpaste to clean surfaces. Polishes, oils and waxes may leave a residue, which can be hard to remove, and may attract dust and cause damage to adjacent materials. Arms and armour are not suitable for amateur repair. It is preferable to seek help from a conservator. Never store arms and armour in plastic bags or cotton wool; use acid-free tissue paper instead.