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How do I care for antique wooden furniture?

For wooden furniture to last, you need to know how to care for it. My profession has given me a great deal of knowledge on this subject, and I’ve included a few tips on how to care for antique wooden furniture in this article.

Be aware that multiple products will not make your furniture more beautiful or more durable. A few basic techniques are all it takes to preserve its patina.

All the furniture we sell has been specially treated to ensure it arrives in perfect condition. We’ve already stripped, sanded, treated, repainted… We choose to leave the rough edges of time visible, but we take meticulous care to deliver our antiques to you refreshed and healthy.

To begin with, you’ll need to identify the furniture’s covering, as each surface requires specific maintenance.

Antique elm wood bench (China, c.1870)
Antique elm wood bench (China, circa 1870) – Amaru Antiques

To clean unfinished wooden furniture: scrub with soapy water and a microfiber cloth (or soft bristle brush).

Chines opera trunk with floral illustrations (China, c.1890)
Chinese opera trunk with floral illustrations (China, circa 1890) – Amaru antiques

Cleaning painted wooden furniture: a simple cloth soaked in warm soapy water is all you need to sanitize your wooden surface. You can also use a small amount of biacrbonate of soda crystals or white vinegar mixed with water. Don’t forget to wipe the surface with a clean cloth afterwards.

Antique Thonet wooden chair (c.1900)
Antique Thonet wooden chair (circa 1900) – Amaru Antiques

Cleaning varnished wood furniture : avoid abrasive products such as bleach or anything acidic (white vinegar, lemon, etc.). Dusting should be enough. If the varnish has aged or cracked, you may need to undertake a more thorough renovation.

In any case, for all your wooden furniture, be sure to dust regularly and treat stains as they appear to prevent them from becoming embedded in the material’s fiber or coating.

In short, maintenance is extremely simple and you’re sure to have what you need at home! I hope these suggestions will help you keep all your furniture looking its best!

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