Valuable antique furniture may have a layer of dirt on the surface that has accumulated over the years from exposure to dust, dirt and fumes. Collectors and buyers of good antique furniture are looking for this layer, which is called “patina” in the old fashion. If you want to sell such a thing, then it is best not to try to clean it yourself without first consulting a professional antique restorer. If you have antique furniture and want to keep it in good condition, here are instructions on how to keep it clean and care for it.
Steps
Step 1. First, remove the old wax from the antique furniture, because no cleaning agent can penetrate the surface covered with the old wax
There are many types of brand name cleaners and solvents available and you can purchase them from your hardware store. Or, you can use paint thinner in a well-ventilated area with safety goggles and a respirator on.
Step 2. Pour some paint thinner into a glass bowl, then rub the surface of the antique furniture with a very thin metal washcloth in light circular motions
Be careful not to rub hard to avoid scratching the wood. Eventually, the old wax will liquefy and you can gently wipe it off with a soft cloth. Continue this step until you are sure there is no more old wax on the surface.
Step 3. Mix some mild washing up liquid with warm water
Now, gently wipe off the remnants of the old wax with a soft cloth, gradually cleaning small areas of the surface at a time. Do not wet the wood too much, no water basins should be on the surface. Continue wiping down the surface until you are sure that any remaining wax has been wiped off.
Wait until the surface is completely dry before repairing scratches, cracks, chips and discoloration. There are many different tools at the hardware store that you can use to touch up the surface of furniture, such as a furniture repair pencil. You can also buy pencils now in a variety of colors and shades to match the exact color of your antique furniture
Step 4. Reapply the wax to the freshly cleaned furniture surface after finishing touching the furniture surface
A new layer of wax will protect the renewed surface, unlike polishes, which make the surface shiny and shiny, but do not protect the furniture.