Antique Cupboard Cleaning and Maintenance

An antique cupboard can be a gorgeous addition to a home. When properly restored, antique cupboards maintain both the style and sensibility of their eras. However, antique cupboards are also an investment. They must be cleaned and maintained carefully to protect their value and their appearance.

Leave it Be
If you are in doubt of the best way to preserve your antiques, don't do anything at all. Your antique cupboard is the worst possible piece of furniture for trial-and-error techniques. If you do not know how to care for your antiques, but you want your cupboard to be restored or cleaned, take it to a specialist in antiques restoration. You can get the names of quality restoration specialists and furniture conservators by asking your local antiques dealers.

Faded is Fine
Furniture from the 18th or 19th century was often painted with a vibrant red or blue. Over time, the paint oxidizes, which fades the paint and gives it a mellow look. This look is highly desired among antiques collectors. Even if the paint begins to crack, it is still better left alone. That cracking gives you the warm comfort that it is original.

Avoid Oils on Wood
Many other antique pieces were originally stained rather than painted. In the 18th and early 19th centuries, many pieces were made from domestic woods and then stained to resemble exotic, expensive, imported woods. Oil may seem like it would help stained wood to shine, but oil is actually very bad for woods. It soaks into the grain, oxidizes, and turns the wood black. If you must add a protective covering to your cupboard, use wax. Wax creates a protective surface and is easy to remove, a feature that furniture conservators appreciate.

Fixing Damaged Finishes
What if your antique cupboard has already been stripped, varnished, or oiled? This leaves you with some options. You can leave it alone, or you can take it to a furniture conservator who can restore it to its original appearance. However, restoring furniture usually does not add to its value, so this may not be the best choice if you want to sell the cupboard. It can sometimes be a relief to own a piece that is not in its original condition, because you do not need to worry about what happens to it. If you have kids who frequently spill things or bang their belongings against the table, or if you have pets who might chew on the furniture, it may ease your mind if they are not destroying highly valuable furniture.