How do you properly care for antique furniture?

You own beautiful antique furniture and want to make sure that it retains its charm and elegance for a long time. With the right care instructions, you can keep your antique furniture in top condition. From waxed furniture to polished surfaces to oiled furniture - each type of furniture requires specific care measures.

With our helpful tips and instructions, you can optimally care for your antique furniture and protect it from damage.

Waxed furniture

Waxed furniture adds a charming and natural touch to any room, especially if it is antique. It is important to note that waxed furniture generally has a robust and durable finish and does not require any special care as long as the area is not subject to heavy traffic. The wax layer forms a protective barrier against dirt and moisture. With regular cleaning and occasional freshening, you can keep your furniture in good condition.

With our simple tips, you can effortlessly clean and refresh your favorite waxed furniture to preserve its beauty.

Dry or slightly damp cloth for cleaning:

For normal cleaning, a dry or slightly damp cloth is sufficient. Gently wipe the surface to remove dust and dirt.

Refresh the surface occasionally:

For heavily used furniture, it may be necessary to refresh the surface occasionally. We recommend using natural beeswax as a furniture care product.

Careful application of wax:

When applying the wax, be careful not to allow large amounts to build up in the veneered edges or carved decorations. Apply the wax along the grain of the wood for best results.

Polishing for a silky shine:

After applying the wax, polish the surface with a clean cloth. This will give your furniture a silky shine. Any wax residue in the decorations can be carefully removed with a soft brush.

Resistance and disappearance of scratches:

Regular care not only gives the surfaces of your waxed softwood furniture a silky shine, but also makes them more durable. Fine scratches can even disappear with the wax.

Maintain your waxed softwood furniture with ease!

Oiled furniture

cleaning

Use a dry cloth to remove dust and light dirt from oiled furniture. For heavier dirt, you can use a little more moisture, for example in the form of green soap, or a soft brush to gently loosen the dirt.

Rub dry

After cleaning, it is important to immediately wipe the treated areas dry to avoid water spots. Use a clean, dry cloth to thoroughly dry the surface.

Removing water marks

If water marks have formed on the oiled furniture, you can use mineral water to remove them. Apply the mineral water to the affected areas and immediately wipe it off with a cloth to remove the marks.

Renewal of the seal

If the surfaces of oiled furniture appear dull and dry, it is time to renew the seal with a hard oil.

Instructions for resealing a wooden surface with a hard oil:

  1. ​Prepare for cleaning: Before you start cleaning, prepare the surface by gently rubbing it with sandpaper. This will remove dirt and bumps.
  2. Apply oil: Use linseed oil as a commonly used oil for the care of oiled furniture. Apply the oil evenly to the surface. You can use a brush or a cloth to do this. Leave the oil to work for a few minutes so that it can penetrate well into the wood pores.
  3. Remove excess oil: After the exposure time, wipe off excess oil with a soft cloth. This ensures that the oil is evenly distributed and no sticky residue is left.
  4. Repeating the treatment: You can repeat the treatment once or twice as needed. Wait about 15 minutes between applications to give the wood time to absorb the oil. This will increase the protection of the surface.
  5. Smooth the surface: Before applying the oil again, you can gently rub the surface with a soft sanding cloth. This will break up raised fibers and create a smooth, even surface.
  6. Cleaning tools: After finishing, you should thoroughly clean the cloths or brushes used with soap and water. Make sure they are dried thoroughly, preferably in the fresh air or in a fireproof area, as some oils, especially linseed oil, can be flammable.

Important note: Always follow safety precautions when caring for oiled furniture. Keep flammable oils away from open flames and take precautions to avoid fire hazards.

Polished furniture

Caring for polished furniture requires special attention to maintain its beauty and the shine of the surface. Here are the steps to properly care for polished furniture:

Understanding Shellac Polish

Polished furniture often consists of a shellac polish. Shellac is a resin produced by a scale insect from South Asia and is available in fine flakes. The polished surface is achieved by dissolving shellac in alcohol and applying it in thin layers. Shellac dries to a hard and resistant layer. However, a shellac surface remains vulnerable to heat and water.

Gentle cleansing

To clean polished furniture, use a soft, slightly damp cloth. Be careful not to leave any water residue on the surface, as this can cause cloudy water marks. Also avoid using aggressive cleaning products or rough sponges, as these can damage the surface.

Protection against UV rays

UV rays can cause yellowing or discoloration of the painted surface, so it is important to prevent direct sunlight from hitting the furniture. Place the furniture in a place protected from direct sunlight or use curtains or blinds to block out UV rays.

Avoiding dry heating air

Rooms with underfloor heating or very dry heating air can cause tension in the wood and lead to stress cracks in the polished surface. Make sure the humidity in the room is balanced to protect the wood. Use humidifiers to regulate the humidity if necessary.

Professional repair

If touch-ups or regeneration of the polished surface are required, this is best done by a professional in a workshop. They have the necessary expertise and the right tools to treat the surface properly.

By following these care instructions, you can ensure that your polished furniture maintains its shine and beauty over time. Careful care and protection from heat, water and UV rays are crucial to maintaining the life and value of your polished furniture.